FPGA Software Download and Installation Support

Overview Getting Started FAQs Troubleshooting and Support Support Resources

Overview

Thank you for selecting Altera as your trusted technology partner. Embarking on your FPGA development venture has never been easier. This guide is crafted to accompany you through every step of the installation process, ensuring that you have a solid foundation to build upon. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, we've got you covered.

Getting Started

Step 1: Verifying System Requirements

Verifying the Quartus® Prime Release:
- Prior to installation, it's crucial to confirm that the edition and release version of the Quartus® Prime software you're planning to install are compatible with the platform you intend to utilize. Altera strongly recommends using the latest Quartus version for development, as it addresses bugs and enhances performance.
Determining Hardware Requirement:
- Before proceeding with the installation of Quartus® Prime software, it's imperative to ensure that your hardware meets the Minimum Hardware Requirements outlined by Altera. This step guarantees optimal performance and a seamless development experience.
Checking Operating System Compatibility:
- It's recommended to consult the Operating System Support page and Operating System Requirement documentation for all FPGA Software. These resources provide the most up-to-date information on operating system requirements, guaranteeing a stable and well-supported software environment.
Verifying Disk Space Requirements:
- At least 36 GB of free disk space to contain copies of uncompressed version installation files. For disk space requirements for individual software components or FPGA IP cores, follow these instructions:
  1. Visit the FPGA Software Download Center.
  2. Select the desired software product from the collection.
  3. Within the selected software product landing page, see System Requirements section. For additional memory recommendations, refer to the release notes under Documentation Links section.

Step 2: Selecting the Download Method

Using the Quartus® Prime Installer (coming with 23.3)
- Quartus® Prime Installer is a lightweight installer that allows you to download and install various development tools and FPGA device files that the Quartus Prime software supports.
Downloading Software Packages Manually
- You can download software packages manually using one of the following options:
  1. Downloading a bundled set of software and device files in .tar format
  2. Downloading individual executable files for customized download and installation
  3. Downloading and installing additional device support and software

If you want the complete FPGA software package and device support for all supported families, you should use the .tar. If you want to download select elements of the software, additional software, or additional device support, you should use the individual executable files.

Step 3: Installation

Using the Quartus® Prime Installer (coming with 23.3)
- When the "Auto install after download" and "After-install actions" options are enabled, the installer will automatically initiate the installation process once the download is complete.
Manual Installation of FPGA Software
- If you have manually downloaded the software package, please follow the instructions provided in this user guide section to install those packages.

Step 4: Understanding Licensing

You can evaluate the Quartus® Prime software at no cost for a specific period of time. Upon the conclusion of the evaluation period, you will be required to obtain a license file from the FPGA Self-Service Licensing Center.
Navigate to the FPGA Licensing Support Center for information regarding license types, obtaining and configuring a license file, and resolving license-related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Licensing

What software packages are available in the FPGA Software Download Center?

Quartus® Prime Pro, Standard, and Lite Edition software
Quartus® Prime Help
Questa* FPGA Edition software
DSP Builder for Altera FPGAs
FLEXlm license server software
Advanced Link Analyzer
Stand-alone Quartus® Prime Programmer and Tools
Power and Thermal Calculator
SoC FPGA Embedded Development Suite (SoC EDS)
Ashling* RiscFree* IDE
FPGA AI Suite
Simics® simulator (new)

Why does my installation hang?

Your installation may be hanging for many different reasons. Take a look at the following and see if resolving any of these issues helps.
- Ensure your system meets the hardware and software requirements.
  - Ensure that your operating system is supported. Refer to the Operating System Requirements for more information.
  - Check if the disk space is sufficient for the FPGA software installation.
  - If you are running any antivirus software, temporarily disable it during the Quartus Prime software download and installation process.
- Install with Administrator privileges.
- Verify that the SHA1 checksum for the downloaded file is the same as listed next to the file download link. If it differs, this could indicate file corruption.
- Retry the download and installation process with the latest software packages.

Software Downloads

At Altera, we're more than a technology provider – we're your partners in progress. This guide is a testament to our dedication to your success in FPGA development. Let's embark on this journey together!

Ready to dive in? Let's get started on your path to FPGA excellence.

Download Now

Troubleshooting and Support

Visit the Ask Altera® chatbots located at the bottom right of the FPGA Software Download and Installation Support page. They are available 24/7 to assist you with any questions regarding installation and licensing.

If you are facing any issue not listed in this topic, explore FPGA Knowledge Base articles or post your query on FPGA Software Installation & Licensing forum.

Support Resources

Still Have Questions?

Get answers for the most common design issues.

Search the Knowledge Base

Products

High-Performance

Mid-Range

Power and Cost-Optimized

AI Development Tools

FPGA Design & Simulation Tools

Embedded Design Tools & Software

IP Development Tools

High-Performance

Mid-Range

Power and Cost-Optimized

Interfaces

Memory Controllers

Digital Signal Processing & AI

Soft Embedded Processors

Transceivers & Basic Functions

Solutions

Technology

Applications

Design

FPGA Development Tools

Embedded Tools

Add-On Development Tools

Simulation Tools

Utilities

Licensing

Design Hubs

Developer Centers

Training

FPGA Developer Site

Design Store

All FPGA Documentation

Support

About

Contact Us