AutoCAD Installation Stops Partway or Won't Launch (done)

Autodesk installations are usually straightforward, but a few issues come up regularly. This guide covers the most common AutoCAD installation problems and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Installation Stops Partway Through With No Error

If the AutoCAD installer freezes, closes, or stops without showing an error message, try the following steps:

1. Restart your computer and run the installer again as Administrator
2. Check for pending Windows Updates and install all available updates
3. Restart your computer again after updating
4. Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation
5. Make sure you have at least 10 GB of free disk space available
6. Download a fresh copy of the installer from your Autodesk account in case the original download was incomplete or corrupted

A partially downloaded installer or pending Windows update is a very common cause of this type of problem.

Problem 2: The Installer Will Not Launch

If the installer will not open at all:

1. Right-click the installer file and select Run as Administrator
2. Make sure the installer has fully downloaded
3. Try downloading it again using a different browser
4. Confirm that your operating system meets the system requirements for the version of AutoCAD you are trying to install

If the file still will not open after downloading it again, the original download was most likely corrupted or blocked.

Problem 3: AutoCAD Installed but Only Shows as a Trial

This is one of the most common issues after installation.

Your paid Autodesk licence is assigned to your Autodesk account, but AutoCAD may still show a trial if the wrong account is signed in or if a trial is still active.

To check:

1. Open AutoCAD
2. Check which Autodesk account is currently signed in
3. If it is not the correct email address, sign out
4. Sign back in using the Autodesk account the licence was assigned to

You may also be able to go to Help > Change License Type > Switch User and then sign in again with the correct Autodesk account.

If you already had an Autodesk trial active, you will need to wait for the trial to expire first. Once it has expired, sign out and sign back in again. The newly assigned licence should then begin being used.

Problem 4: Installation Fails Because of an Existing Autodesk Component

In some cases, a previous Autodesk installation, trial, or leftover component can interfere with a fresh install.

If this happens:

1. Uninstall the existing Autodesk software from Apps & Features
2. Restart your computer
3. Download the installer again from your Autodesk account
4. Run the installation again as Administrator

Removing the previous Autodesk installation first often resolves this type of conflict.

Still Having Trouble?

If you are still unable to install or activate AutoCAD, please open a ticket on our helpdesk and include:

• Your order number
• The Autodesk account email address
• A short description of the issue
• Any error message or error code shown
• A screenshot if possible

This will help our team check your licence assignment and assist you more quickly.