Installing LabVIEW for FRC (LabVIEW only)

The old NI logo.

Note

This installation is for teams programming in LabVIEW or using NI Vision Assistant only. C++ and Java teams not using these features do not need to install LabVIEW and should proceed to Installing the FRC Game Tools.

Download and installation times will vary widely with computer and internet connection specifications, however note that this process involves a large file download and installation and will likely take at least an hour to complete.

Warning

The version of LabVIEW used for the 2021 season is the same as the version used for the 2020 season. If you already have LabVIEW installed, it does not need to be re-installed. Instead see Re-licensing LabVIEW for 2021 Season for info on re-licensing your software.

Getting LabVIEW installer

Either locate and insert the LabVIEW USB Drive or download the LabVIEW for FRC 2020 installer from NI. Be sure to select the correct version from the drop-down.

The Download button for the NI installer with the offline installer link below it.

If you wish to install on other machines offline, do not click the Download button, click Individual Offline Installers and then click Download, to download the full installer.

Note

This is a large download (~8GB). It is recommended to use a fast internet connection and to use the NI Downloader to allow the download to resume if interrupted.

Installing LabVIEW

NI LabVIEW requires a license. Each season’s license is active until January 31st of the following year (e.g. the license for the 2020 season expires on January 31, 2021)

Teams are permitted to install the software on as many team computers as needed, subject to the restrictions and license terms that accompany the applicable software, and provided that only team members or mentors use the software, and solely for FRC. Rights to use LabVIEW are governed solely by the terms of the license agreements that are shown during the installation of the applicable software.

Starting Install

Run the downloaded exe file to start the install process. Click Yes if a Windows Security prompt

NI Package Manager License

Accepting the License Agreement for NI Package Manager.

If you see this screen, click Next

Disable Windows Fast Startup

Screen for disabling Windows fast startup.

If you see this screen, click Next

NI Package Manager Review

Review screen that shows what is about to be installed.

If you see this screen, click Next

NI Package Manager Installation

Screen with progress bars indicating the amount of completion.

Installation progress of the NI Package Manager will be tracked in this window

Product List

Select all of the products from the list.

Click Next

Additional Packages

Leave all of the additional packages selected.

Click Next

License agreements

Accept the NI software license agreement.

Check “I accept…” then Click Next

Accept the Silverlight license agreements.

Check “I accept…” then Click Next

Product Information

Next through this page showing what will be installed.

Click Next

Start Installation

Line item review of what will be installed.

Click Next

Overall Progress

Screen with progress bars indicating the amount of completion.

Overall installation progress will be tracked in this window

NI Update Service

The update service is not needed.

You will be prompted whether to enable the NI update service. You can choose to not enable the update service.

Warning

It is not recommended to install these updates unless directed by FRC through our usual communication channels (FRC Blog, Team Updates or E-mail Blasts).

NI Activation Wizard

The NI user login screen.

Log into your ni.com account. If you don’t have an account, select Create account to create a free account.

Screen for entering your product key.

The serial number you entered at the “User Information” screen should appear in all of the text boxes, if it doesn’t, enter it now. Click “Activate”.

Note

If this is the first time activating the 2020 software on this account, you will see the message shown above about a valid license not being found. You can ignore this.

Screen details the activation success of each package.

If your products activate successfully, an “Activation Successful” message will appear. If the serial number was incorrect, it will give you a text box and you can re-enter the number and select Try Again. The items shown above are not expected to activate. If everything activated successfully, click Next.

Close through this screen asking you to register.

Click “Close”.

Restart

Choose reboot to complete the installation.

Select Reboot Now after closing any open programs.