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How to Fix AutoCAD When It’s Not Opening: Step-by-Step

If you’re unable to run AutoCAD in Windows 10 or 11, a quick reinstall can help set things straight

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 30, 2024

updated onOctober 30, 2024

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AutoCAD not opening? Many people report similar issues, especially after updating their operating system. The app might show aRun initializingmessage, but won’t get past that.

A common cause is version compatibility. If you run an out of date software, make sure to update. PC clutter and corrupt files may also contribute.

How do I fix AutoCAD not opening?

1. Reinstall AutoCAD

Before starting to reinstall AutoCAD, make sure you back up all your important CAD files.

2. Change the Registry settings

3. Reset AutoCAD settings to default

4. Disable User Account Control

5. Disable or remove your antivirus software

5.1 Disable your antivirus

If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to move to the next step and uninstall it at least temporarily.

5.2 Uninstall your antivirus

To remove all files associated with your antivirus software, users are suggesting using one of thebest removal toolsfrom our list.

6. Try to install AutoCAD as Administrator

If the procedure is not working, read our guide on what to do ifnothing happens when you select Run as administrator.

7. Run AutoCAD in compatibility mode

According to users, if AutoCAD is not working, you might have to run it in Compatibility mode. This is a useful feature of Windows that allows you to run older software that might not be fully optimized for Windows 10.

8. Install the necessary VisualC++ Redistributables

9. Install the latest updates for AutoCAD

That’s about it, we hope at least one of these solutions helped you solve the AutoCAD not opening problem. While you managed to fix AutoCAD, you might also be interested in our guide onhow to fix AutoCAD files in Windows 10.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, just reach out to the comments section below.

How to Fix AutoCAD When It’s Not Opening: Step-by-Step#

How do I fix AutoCAD not opening?#

1. Reinstall AutoCAD#

2. Change the Registry settings#

3. Reset AutoCAD settings to default#

4. Disable User Account Control#

5. Disable or remove your antivirus software#

6. Try to install AutoCAD as Administrator#

7. Run AutoCAD in compatibility mode#

8. Install the necessary VisualC++ Redistributables#

9. Install the latest updates for AutoCAD#