Users who have upgraded to the most recent version of Windows – Windows 11/10 may find that some applications are not working. In my case I found that my security software had disabled itself. I had to reinstall it to get it working again.
It is a well-known fact that with every new version of Windows, including its updates, comes a new set of compatibility issues and registry changes. I was recently told that some users were finding that AutoCAD did not work after the Windows 11/10 Upgrade.
A posting on their website states:
Autodesk intends to support many of our key products on Windows and will add products to the list of products supported on Windows as updates and future versions are released. Product Support will provide their best effort to assist customers who have issues with current Autodesk products running on Windows.
Not supported does not mean that it will not run. By changing a value in the Windows Registry, you can force it to run.
AutoCad not working in Windows 11/10
1] If you face this issue, you first want to reinstall AutoCAD and see if it solves your problem.
2] AutoCAD requires .NET 4.x. Windows 11/10 comes with .NET 4.6 Framework installed and it should work with all applications that require older version of .NET Framework. But you need to check if it is installed correctly and enabled.
To do this, Open Control Panel > Programs & Features > Turn Windows features On or Off. Confirm that the .NET Framework 4.6 Advanced Services box is checked.
If you think that the installation may be corrupted, you may need to repair it. See if Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool applies to your system and helps you.
3] If this does not help, you can fool AutoCAD installer and make it believe that .NET 4.5 is installed. To do so, you will have to edit the registry. Please note that using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to re-install Windows to correct them. So do create a system restore point first and backup the Registry.
Open Registry Editor by typing regedit in the run dialog box and navigate to the following address:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Client
Find the key called Version. Check its value and note it, you’ll need it for later reference. In my case it is 4.0.0.0.
You have to change its value from 4.0.0.0 (in my case) to 4.5.0.0. But Windows will not let you do so. You will have to take full control of Windows Registry keys manually or by using our freeware RegOwnIt.
To do this, right-click the Client entry on the left side and choose Permissions. Next, click the Advanced button. Thereafter, locate the Owner section on the top and adjacent to the TrustedInstaller click Change link. You have to change it to the Administrators group. Click Apply and OK to save your settings.
Now go back and change the Value of the Version key in Registry Editor to 4.5.0.0. This is the .NET version which AutoCAD is programmed for and checks for, during installation
Now run AutoCAD and see if it works. Once the installation process is complete, go back and change the value from 4.5.0.0 to your own value which you had noted down.
I hope this helps!
Related: AutoCAD not installing on Windows 11
Why is my AutoCAD not working?
The main reason why AutoCAD might not work on your computer is because of the lack of a .NET Framework. For your information, this program requires .NET 4.x or later versions. If you do not have that or a newer edition installed on your computer, you must install it first. Other than that, you can also follow all the solutions above to get the job done.
Does AutoCAD work on Windows 11?
Yes, AutoCAD works on Windows 11 and Windows 10 without any problem. If your computer meets the system requirement for this app, you can undoubtedly use AutoCAD on your PC. However, you must have .NET Framework 4.x or a later version installed.
