Why is the compiler not listed for my target device under MPLAB® X IDE?

Here are some of the reasons why the compiler may not be listed under MPLAB® X IDE:

1 Target device selected is incorrect

When creating a new project under MPLAB X IDE, only the compilers that support the selected device are visible.

For example, if a PIC18 device is selected instead of the intended PIC24 device, only the XC8 compiler will be listed, and not the XC16 compiler. Make sure that the selected device is correct.

2 Compiler is not installed in the default path

The compiler installed in the default path is automatically added to the list of available compilers under MPLAB X IDE. If the compiler is not installed in the default path, then the compiler needs to be manually added under MPLAB X Tool options.

Under MPLAB X IDE, go to Tools>Options>Embedded>Build tools>Add>Browse and select the bin folder of compiler directory (e.g., E:\Microchip\xc8\v1.45\bin).

3 The older compiler version does not support the selected device

If you are using an older version of the compiler, the device may not be supported by that version. If this is the case, install a newer compiler version from the compiler page, and check if your device is supported by the new compiler.

Under MPLAB X IDE, go to File>Project Properties>Conf:. You will see a small window for Compiler Toolchain:, then under 'XCxx [Download Latest]' you will see the latest version.


For a list of supported devices, run the compiler driver with the —CHIPINFO option.
If you get a response of Compiler for the selected device is not installed., make sure that the correct compiler for the selected device is installed.

  • MPLAB XC8 C compiler supports 8-bit PIC® MCUs (PIC10 / PIC12 / PIC16 / PIC18)
  • MPLAB XC16 C compiler supports 16-bit PIC MCUs (PIC24 / dsPIC®)
  • MPLAB XC32 C compiler supports 32-bit PIC MCUs (PIC32)
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If the correct compiler for the selected device is not installed, download and install the appropriate compiler from http://www.microchip.com/mplab/compilers.

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