Error “FPGA Interface C API Not Installed” When Launching C API Generator in LabVIEW of 64 Bits

Updated Jun 16, 2026

Reported In

Software

  • LabVIEW
  • LabVIEW FPGA Module

Issue Details

I am developing FPGA code in a 64-bit LabVIEW environment and need to convert my compiled FPGA VIs into C files using the NI FPGA Interface C API. When I right-click my FPGA VI and select Launch C API Generator, I receive the following error:
 
  • FPGA Interface C API Not Installed - In order to generate a C API, you must install the FPGA Interface C API software on this computer

image.png

 
I verified in NI Package Manager that the FPGA Interface C API is already installed on my system. I also reinstalled LabVIEW 64-bit and the LabVIEW FPGA Module, but the issue persists.
  • This issue occurs every time I attempt to launch the C API Generator.

 

Solution

This behavior occurs because the FPGA Interface C API requires a 32-bit LabVIEW environment to integrate with the C API Generator. To resolve this issue, use one of the following options:

Option 1: Use a 32-Bit LabVIEW Environment (Recommended)

  1. Verify that the FPGA Interface C API is installed in NI Package Manager.
  2. Install a 32-bit version of LabVIEW.
  3. Install the LabVIEW FPGA Module (32-bit).
  4. Open the FPGA VI in the 32-bit LabVIEW environment.
  5. Right-click the FPGA VI and select Launch C API Generator.

Option 2: Use the C API Generator Executable in 64-Bit LabVIEW

If continuing with a 64-bit LabVIEW environment:
  1. Locate the capigen.exe executable on the system.
    1. C:\Program Files (x86)\National Instruments\FPGA Interface C API
  2. Run the executable directly.
  3. Load the compiled FPGA bitfile (.lvbitx) into the tool.
  4. Generate the C API files from the executable interface.

 

 

Additional Information

The FPGA Interface C API Generator is implemented as a standalone executable (capigen.exe). In 64-bit LabVIEW environments, the Launch C API Generator option may not correctly invoke this executable. As a result, running the capigen.exe tool directly allows generating C API files independently of the LabVIEW environment.
 
According to the FPGA Interface C API documentation, the following software is required:
  • LabVIEW 2012 SP1 or later (32-bit only)
  • LabVIEW FPGA Module 2012 SP1 or later (32-bit only)
  • 2015 or later version of the driver software for the device

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