Installing MPLAB® XC8 C Compiler

Last modified by Microchip on 2026/07/31 15:03

All MPLAB XC Compiler Licenses Now Free

As of July 8, 2026, all MPLAB^® XC compilers are now available without license restrictions, providing users with full access to compiler optimization capabilities at no cost.

Please visit the MPLAB XC Compiler homepage to download the compiler that is right for you.

Download MPLAB XC8 Installer

Download the MPLAB XC8 Compiler for your operating system. The compiler downloads are about halfway down the page.

Download the installer appropriate to your operating system:

Run Installer for Windows^®

Go to the location where you downloaded the installer. Unzip the downloaded file and run the installer: xc8-vX.XX-windows-installer.exe.

Depending on your Windows security settings, you may get a window asking if you are sure you want to run this program. Answer Yes.

Run Installer for Linux^®

You may need to make the file executable. In a terminal, go to the directory where you downloaded the installer and run the command:

chmod u+x
xc8-vX.XX-linux-installer.run

Then as root or using sudo, run the installer: sudo ./xc8-vX.XX-linux-installer.run.

Run Installer for macOS^®

Go to the location where you downloaded the installer. Double-click on the downloaded file to unpack it and run the installer: xc8-vX.XX-osx.app.

You may get a warning message window. You can click on Open to continue.

macOS warning message

Your computer's login and password need to be entered if you have enabled that protection for new installations. If you don't have a password enabled, you can just click on OK to continue.

macOS credentials

Note: All of the steps are the same for all three operating systems.

Setup

Click Next >.

Accept License Agreement

Click on the radio button next to I accept the agreement.

Click Next >.

License Agreement

Device Support from Device Family Packs (DFPs)

MPLAB XC C compilers no longer include device-specific support files.

This information can be found in DFPs.

Click Next >.

Installation Directory

Use the default installation location or choose a different one, if you prefer.

Click Next >.

Compiler Settings

Apply settings to all users of this machine.
- Leave checked or uncheck if required in your environment.
Add xc8 to the PATH environment variable.
- Not generally required unless you plan to use XC8 from the command line (terminal or script).

Click Next >.