How to Install NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)

NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) is installed automatically with NI hardware drivers or as part of NI System Configuration. NI MAX cannot be installed as an independent standalone package, because it is tightly integrated with NI hardware configuration utilities and drivers. This tutorial guides you through installing NI MAX using an NI driver or the NI System Configuration installer, as well as the procedure and limitations for downgrading NI MAX.

Note: NI MAX is supported on Windows. It is not supported on Linux or macOS.

Option 1: Install NI MAX with an NI Hardware Driver

1. Identify and download the appropriate NI device driver for your hardware (for example, NI-DAQmx or NI-VISA) from the NI driver downloads page.
2. Run the driver installer and complete the setup instructions. NI MAX installs automatically alongside the driver.
3. After installation completes, launch the application by opening the Start menu and typing NI MAX in the search bar.

Option 2: Install NI MAX using NI System Configuration

1. Open NI Package Manager.
2. Select the Browse Products tab.
3. In the search bar, enter NI System Configuration and select it from the results. Note: Alternatively, download the NI System Configuration installer directly from ni.com.
4. Run the installer.
5. On the feature selection screen, ensure that the checkbox for NI Measurement & Automation Explorer is selected.
   
6. Complete the installation wizard.
7. Launch the application by opening the Start menu and typing NI MAX in the search bar.

Downgrading NI MAX

NI does not recommend downgrading NI MAX, as newer versions of NI MAX remain backward-compatible with older NI hardware drivers. If your application requires a downgrade:

1. Open NI Package Manager .
2. Navigate to the Installed tab.
3. Select and remove your current version of NI MAX, along with associated NI drivers and NI System Configuration.
4. Manually reinstall the required older versions of the drivers or NI System Configuration containing the targeted NI MAX version.