How to Troubleshoot AutoCAD Installation Problems on Windows 11

Step 1: Verify System Requirements

Before installing AutoCAD, confirm your computer meets the necessary specifications outlined by Autodesk. Here are the main requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• Processor: 3+ GHz
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 or higher
• Graphics Card: 4 GB GPU, DirectX 12 compliant
• Free Disk Space: At least 10 GB available
• Required Features:. NET Framework version 4.8 or later

Pro Tip: To check your system specifications, open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R, type ‘dxdiag’, and hit Enter. If your specs are inadequate, consider upgrading your hardware.

Step 2: Disable Unicode UTF-8 Support Feature

Sometimes, the Beta feature to enable Unicode UTF-8 support can disrupt AutoCAD’s installation. To disable this feature, follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Select Clocks and Region, then Region.
3. Navigate to the Administrative tab and click Change system locale.
4. Uncheck the box for Beta: Use Unicode UTF-8 for worldwide language support and click Ok.

Pro Tip: Restart your computer after making these changes and attempt the installation again.

Step 3: Reinstall Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service

The Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service is essential for AutoCAD. If this service is corrupted, installation will fail. Here’s how to reinstall it:

1. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing.
2. Right-click on uninstall.exe and select Run as administrator.
3. Download the latest Autodesk Licensing Service from autodesk.com.
4. Now run the setup.exe file for AutoCAD to continue installation.

Pro Tip: Verify if reinstalling the licensing service resolves the installation problem.

Step 4: Verify Date, Time, and Timezone Settings

Incorrect date, time, or timezone settings can disrupt installation. Here’s how to verify and correct them:

1. Open Settings with Win + I.
2. Go to Time & Language > Date & Time.
3. Ensure Set time zone automatically is enabled, or manually select the correct timezone.
4. Ensure the date and time are accurate.

Pro Tip: After reviewing these settings, attempt the installation again to see if the issue persists.

Step 5: Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily

Antivirus programs can mistakenly block the installation of AutoCAD. Temporarily disable your antivirus software or Windows Defender to complete the installation, then enable it afterward as a safety precaution.

Step 6: Reinstall the. NET Framework

The. NET Framework is crucial for AutoCAD functionality. To ensure it’s correctly installed:

1. Navigate to the Control Panel.
2. Select Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Click on Turn Windows features on or off.
4. Uncheck .NET Framework 3.5 and .NET Framework 4.8 Advanced Series, then select Ok.
5. Restart your computer and re-enable those frameworks by checking the boxes again.

Pro Tip: This action will help establish a suitable environment for installation.

Step 7: Perform a Clean Boot Installation

A Clean Boot can eliminate interference from third-party applications during installation:

1. Press Win + R to open Run.
2. Type msconfig and hit Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
4. Check Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all.
5. Go to the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
6. In Task Manager, disable all startup items, then close Task Manager and click OK.
7. Restart your computer and try the AutoCAD installation again.

Pro Tip: After the installation, you can revert these changes by enabling all services and startup items.

What can I do if AutoCAD installation keeps failing?

How to check my computer’s specifications?