In general, NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) is installed automatically with the driver of each hardware device, since it is a tool used to configure and use NI hardware devices. NI-MAX can't be installed separately, because doing so can affect other software and driver's functionality. 

This article discusses how to get NI Measurement and Automation Explorer (NI MAX), by installing the corresponding driver or any other software that installs NI-MAX. Also, the article discusses the limitations of downgrading NI-MAX, and why this is not recommended. 

Note: NI MAX is only supported on Windows and MacOS, not Linux, and cannot be downloaded by itself. It is included with all NI drivers (NI-VISA, NI-DAQmx etc.) and NI System Configuration.

Installing NI MAX

There are two methods for installing NI-MAX: With Hardware NI Driver and without Hardware Drivers.

Note: Installing newer versions NI applications and drivers will upgrade the version of NI MAX. Higher versions of NI MAX are backwards compatible with versions of NI device drivers.

Installation with Hardware Drivers:

1. Install the correct NI driver  for your NI hardware, NI MAX will automatically be installed.
   • Refer to the Readme for each installer for details on compatibility.
2. NI MAX will now be available to use. You can run NI MAX by typing NI MAX in the Start menu search bar 

Installation using NI System Configuration:

1. Download the package from here: NI System Configuration or using NI Package Manager and then searching for NI System Configuration in the Browse Products tab.
   1. Note: NI recommends installing the latest version of NI System Configuration. System Configuration includes Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), Hardware Configuration Utility, I/O Trace and Device Monitor.
2. Run the executable.
3. Confirm NI Measurement & Automation Explorer box is checked before proceeding.

4. NI MAX will now be available to use. You can run NI MAX by typing NI MAX in the Start menu search bar.

Downgrading NI MAX

Note: NI does not recommend downgrading NI MAX. Installing newer versions NI applications and drivers will upgrade the version of NI MAX and higher versions of NI MAX are backwards compatible with versions of NI device drivers.

However, if you choose to downgrade NI MAX:

1. Uninstall the current version with NI Package Manager, along with all NI drivers and System Configuration
2. Any drivers that were removed during the process will need to be reinstalled manually, along with the appropriate version of NI MAX.
3. Note that some older versions of NI MAX may not be available for direct download. If you're unexpectedly unable to find a needed version, please contact NI support.