How to Download MPLAB X IDE Version 5.35 (Legacy Release)

Important Note: MPLAB X IDE v5.35 is a legacy version. Microchip Technology continuously updates its software. While v5.35 is still used for maintaining older projects or specific toolchains, Microchip strongly recommends using the latest MPLAB X IDE (v6.xx as of 2025) for new designs.

If you need v5.35 specifically, here is your official guide.

Understanding MPLAB X IDE: A Brief History

To appreciate v5.35, one must understand the evolution of MPLAB. Microchip Technology transitioned from the original MPLAB (8.x) to MPLAB X (based on NetBeans platform) over a decade ago. The version numbering follows a predictable pattern: major releases (5.00, 5.05, 5.10, 5.15, 5.20, 5.25, 5.30, 5.35, 5.40, 5.45, 5.50, and beyond).

Version 5.35 arrived during a transitional period:

Pre-5.35: Relied on Java 8. Stable, but aging.
Version 5.35: Still uses Java 8 (OpenJDK 8 bundled). It fully supports Windows 7, 8.1, 10, macOS, and Linux distributions from that era.
Post-5.35 (starting v5.40): Microchip migrated to Java 11 and began dropping support for older OSes (notably Windows 7 and 32-bit systems).

Thus, many developers froze their toolchains at MPLAB X v5.35 to maintain compatibility with older hardware, legacy build servers, or proprietary plugins that had not been updated for Java 11.

Step-by-Step Download Guide

Microchip does not keep old versions on their main "Downloads" page. You must use their Archives system.

Step 3: Choose Your Operating System

Click the appropriate download link for your OS:

For macOS (Catalina or Mojave)

Mount the .dmg file.
Drag MPLAB X IDE to the Applications folder.
If macOS complains about an unidentified developer, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy and click Open Anyway.

Installation Tips for v5.35

Uninstall Newer Versions First (Optional but Recommended): If you currently have MPLAB X v6.xx installed, you can keep both, but install v5.35 into a different directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Microchip\MPLABX_v5.35).
Run as Administrator (Windows): Right-click the installer and select "Run as Administrator" to avoid permission errors.
Select Compilers: The installer will ask for paths to XC compilers. If you don't have them, download the matching legacy XC8/XC16/XC32 versions from the same Archives page.
Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Some antivirus software falsely flags the v5.35 installer. Temporarily disable it during installation, then re-enable.

Step 1: Avoid Third-Party Sites

When you search for "MPLAB 5.35 download," you may see mirrors like filehorse.com, softpedia.com, or uptodown.com. Microchip strongly advises against these. They may contain outdated installers, missing components, or (in rare cases) altered binaries. Always use Microchip’s official website or their direct FTP archives.