AutoDesk is one of the best tools for 3D animation, visual effects, and production management. However, when trying to install Autodesk, we noticed that it gets stuck on an installation loop. So, in this post, we are going to see what to do when AutoDesk is stuck the Preparingto install loop in Windows 11/10.
Fix AutoDesk preparing for installation loop in Windows 11
If AutoDesk is stuck on the Preparing to install loop and nothing is happening, you need to follow the solutions mentioned below to resolve the issue.
- Run the installation media as an administrator
- Reinstall .NET Framework
- Check if AutoDesk installation is broken
- Do offline installation
- Cleanup broken registry and then retry
Let us talk about them in detail.
1] Run the installation media as an administrator
First, we need to run the installation media with administrative privileges, as there might be a few files that need more privileges. To do so, right-click on the AutoDesk installation file and select Run as administrator. Now, click Yes when the UAC prompt appears. You can normally proceed with the installation and see if that helps.
2] Reinstall .NET Framework
The .NET Framework allows the programs built using the .NET programming language to run seamlessly. Since AutoDesk is one of those programs, it will try to utilize .NET, and if there is some issue with that, you will encounter an issue when installing or using the program. So, follow the steps mentioned below to do the same.
- Open the Control Panel by searching it out of the Start Menu.
- Change View by to Large icons.
- Now, go to Programs and Features.
- Click on Turn Windows features on or off.
- Look for .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) and .NET Framework 4.8 Advanced Series), untick both of them, and click on Ok.
- Now, reboot your computer, open the window, and tick both options again to install them back.
Hopefully, this will resolve the issue for you.
3] Check if AutoDesk installation is blocked
Next, we need to see if the registry blocks the AutoDesk executable files. This is usually altered by installing an application that has the privilege of mortifying your registry. To do so, follow the steps mentioned below.
- Open Run by Win + R, type “regedit”, and click Ok when the UAC prompt appears.
- Then, you have to navigate to the location –
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution OptionsC/code> - From the left section of the screen, you need to look for the Autodesk executable key, once found, double-click on it.
- Check if you see a value called Debugger. Once found, double-click on it, and see if the Value data is set to Blocked.
- If you see Debugger with Blocked as its value, delete it.
- You have to this to all the keys under AutoDesk executable (basically files with .exe extension).
- If you can’t find any Debugger value in your Registry, go to C:\Program Files\Autodesl\AdODIS\V1 in the File Explorer and delete the file RemoveODIS.exe.
- Backup and clear out the contents of folder C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ODIS\
- Once done, go to autodesk.com and download the latest version of the installer.
- After downloading the file, right-click on the installer and select Run as administrator.
- Click Yes when the UAC prompt appears.
Finally, check if the issue is resolved.
4] Do offline installation
Sometimes, when you run the installation media, the installer gets stuck at “Preparing” or “Preparing to install” screen because it starts looking for update. At times, it can find it, and then it downloads and installs the update. However, since the installation is stuck in your case, we will proceed with the offline installation.
To do so, open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Now, move to the location where your Setup file is stored using the CD or Change Directory command.
cd C:\Autodesk\Autodesk_3ds_Max_2021_EFGJKPS_Win_64bit
You might have a different path, so, first go to C:\Autodesk and then look for the folder name which hosts the Setup.exe file.
Then, run the following command.
Setup.exe --noupdate
Let the setup run, and then see if it is installed.
5] Cleanup broken registry and then retry
You may also encounter this issue if there are some broken registry pieces. To get rid of them, you can use a free Registry Cleaner like CCleaner. Download the utility, scan your system, repair all the broken elements, and then run the AutoDesk installation wizard.
Hopefully, you can resolve your issue using the solutions mentioned in this post.
Read: How to use Autodesk Sketchbook; A creative and powerful drawing tool
Does Autodesk support Windows 11?
Yes, AutoDesk products are supported in Windows 11. Specifically, if the product version is from 2023 or later, you will be able to run it on Windows 11 as well as Windows 10. If the product you are using does not natively support Windows 11, use it in the Compatibility Mode.
Read: How to convert DWG to PDF in Windows
How long does Autodesk create installer take?
AutoDesk installation time depends a lot on the performance of your computer, how many software you are installing, and more. However, if you are installing an entire suite on a standalone computer, it might take an hour on an average computer.
Read: Requested service not available — Autodesk program error.
