AutoCAD products randomly crash or freeze

Autodesk Support

Feb 26, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

Users reported that while using AutoCAD product, the program randomly crashes or freezes. Some of the most common symptoms are:

Fatal error message.
Unhandled exception error.
Unhandled access violation error.
AutoCAD has stopped working message.
Message that AutoCAD is not responding.
AutoCAD quits working and disappears without any message.
The program stops functioning where nothing can be done within it.
White screen and unexpected closing of AutoCAD products.

Causes:

The most common causes fall into these categories:

AutoCAD or operating system updates are missing.
Issues are not related to a specific drawing.
Issues are file specific.
Third-party add-ons or plug-ins.
Problem with current DirectX version or graphics driver.
Delays caused by synchronization from OneDrive.
Monitor cable connected to the computer through the docking station.
The monitor cable connected to the computer motherboard, not to the graphics card.

Solution:

Begin with reviewing the scenarios

If the problem only occurs with specific drawing files, switch to section Issues related to a specific drawing. If necessary follow-up with the section Issues not related to a specific drawing.
If the issue occurs with any drawing file:
- Are the files on the local machine - begin with the Issues not related to a specific drawing.
- Are the files on a network server - begin with the Network solutions.
- If the network has been eliminated as a cause - go to the Hardware and System solutions.

AutoCAD or operating system updates

Install the latest available AutoCAD release. If that's not feasible, obtain and install updates for the currently installed version. Use either Autodesk Access or Autodesk Account.
For operating system and AutoCAD products updates.
- AutoCAD is running on a  supported operating system. See System Requirements for AutoCAD and System Requirements for AutoCAD LT.
- All current updates are installed for the operating system and If performance is poor after an operating system update, see Troubleshooting poor AutoCAD performance after an Operating System update.

Issues related to a specific drawing

If the issue occurs only with a specific DWG file, it is likely that the DWG file is corrupted.

Issues not related to a specific drawing

Graphics issues.
- Update video driver and change software settings. See Poor graphics performance with AutoCAD for Windows.
- If more than one graphics card is available in the machine. See make sure that AutoCAD is using the best one.
- If using a machine with an Intel Iris XE graphics card. See AutoCAD frequently crashes with an Intel Iris Xe graphics device.
- Problem with the current DirectX version and graphics driver.
  - Disable graphical hardware acceleration within AutoCAD.
  - Force AutoCAD to use a previous version of DirectX.
- Connect the monitor cable directly to the computer (not with a docking station) or configure a stronger graphics card so that the monitors use it.

Note: If it's a desktop computer, make sure you connect it to the graphics card, not the motherboard.

Network and operating system troubleshooting.
- Uninstall and reinstall the .NET Framework. See How to remove and reinstall the Microsoft .NET Framework.
- Uninstall and reinstall Visual C++. See How to remove and reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Libraries.
- Delay for drawings on OneDrive.
  1. Open File Explorer and switch to the specific OneDrive folder.
  2. Choose from the context menu "Always keep on this device".
- If the file is stored in a non-Microsoft network environment, move the file and externally referenced files to the local drive and work on the files from there. See Autodesk support for non-Microsoft networks.
Installation troubleshooting.
- Corrupted product software due to faulty install or system crash:
  - Reset AutoCAD settings. See How to reset AutoCAD to defaults.
  - Repair or reinstall AutoCAD. See How to repair or reinstall an AutoCAD installation.
  - Do a full uninstall/reinstall. See Clean uninstall of AutoCAD or verticals.
  - If a newer AutoCAD release is available, install it and see whether the crashing continues in that version.
- Test disabling or uninstalling antivirus software. See How to set up antivirus (AV) exclusions to improve stability and performance of Autodesk software.
- Try restarting the computer in diagnostic mode to disable background processes and allow AutoCAD to run in a clean environment. See Use Windows diagnostic mode to troubleshoot Autodesk software issues.
- Test disabling BitLocker in Windows 10 and 11. See BitLocker.
- Issues related to an installed add-on or plug in.
  - Uninstall the plug-in, add-on, or object enabler. Check the requirements of the software and install any updates available from the software provider.

Products:

AutoCAD for Mac; AutoCAD LT for Mac; AutoCAD Products;

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