20/06/2025
A clean install of AutoCAD involves completely removing the existing installation and all related files before reinstalling. This process ensures a fresh start, which can resolve issues caused by corrupted files or leftover configurations from previous installations.
Here's a step-by-step guide for a clean install of AutoCAD:
1. Uninstall AutoCAD:
For versions 2021 and older:
Go to Start > Apps & Features.
Find your AutoCAD version, click Modify, then choose Repair or Reinstall and select the desired option.
For versions 2022 and newer (Windows):
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Select the Autodesk product and click Uninstall.
Alternatively, use the Autodesk Uninstall Tool:
Open the Windows Start Menu and search for "Uninstall Tool".
Select all components of the AutoCAD version you are uninstalling.
Remove Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service:
Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing.
Right-click uninstall.exe and select "Run as administrator".
Uninstall add-ons (if applicable):
If you have any AutoCAD add-ons, uninstall them before removing the main AutoCAD application.
2. Remove Related Files and Folders:
Temporary Files:
Press Windows key + R, type %temp%, and delete all files and folders (skip any that are in use).
Press Windows key + R, type temp, and delete all files and folders.
ProgramData Folder:
Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Autodesk (you may need to enable hidden files and folders to see it) and delete the relevant folders.
Local and Roaming AppData Folders:
Navigate to C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Autodesk and C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk (you may need to enable hidden files and folders to see it) and delete the relevant folders.
Program Files Folders:
Delete the following folders:
C:\Program Files\Autodesk
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared
C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared
FlexNet Folder:
Navigate to C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet and delete the files starting with "adsk" (one of them may be hidden).
3. Clean the Registry (Advanced Users Only):
Back up the registry: Before making any changes, back up the registry to prevent potential issues.
Open Registry Editor: Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Delete Autodesk Registry Keys:
Navigate to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk and Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Autodesk and delete the keys.
4. Reinstall AutoCAD:
Sign in to your Autodesk Account: Go to manage.autodesk.com and sign in with your credentials.
Download or Install: Choose your preferred method (Install Now, Download Now, or Browser Download).
Follow the prompts: Complete the installation process as instructed.
Important Notes:
Backup Customizations:
Before uninstalling, back up any custom user interfaces (CUIx), custom profiles (ARG), templates (DWTs), and the Revit.ini file (if applicable).
Disable Antivirus:
For best results, temporarily disable your antivirus software during the uninstall and reinstall process.
