MATLAB MEX executable file
File type: Program executable file
A .mexw32 file is a compiled MATLAB MEX-file for 32-bit Windows. It contains native code that MATLAB can load and call as a function.
MEX-files are used to add custom compiled functionality to the MATLAB programming and numerical computing environment.
File type category:
Program executable file
Date updated: October 6, 2026
The .mexw32 file extension is associated with MATLAB, the numerical computing and programming environment from MathWorks. A MEX-file provides a way to call compiled code from MATLAB.
A .mexw32 file contains compiled native code, typically built from C, C++, or Fortran source with MATLAB's MEX build tools. It is a platform-specific program component rather than a standalone application.
The MEXW32 format targets 32-bit Windows versions of MATLAB. It is a legacy format and is generally not compatible with current 64-bit MATLAB installations; code normally needs to be rebuilt for the target platform and architecture.
Use a compatible 32-bit Windows installation of MATLAB to load and run a .mexw32 file. Place the file in a folder on the MATLAB path, then call its function from MATLAB.
Current 64-bit MATLAB installations generally cannot load this 32-bit MEX-file. If MATLAB reports an architecture or loading error, the file must be rebuilt for the installed version and platform.
A .mexw32 file is compiled native code and is not normally converted to another file format. It can be rebuilt for another MATLAB platform or architecture if the original C, C++, or Fortran source code is available.
Use MATLAB's MEX build tools to compile the source for the required target. The existing binary alone cannot generally be converted into a 64-bit MEX-file or portable source code.
Software apps that create mexw32 files:
Multiplatform
Language
