What user permissions does AutoCAD require?

Autodesk Support

Jul 25, 2024

Products and versions covered

Issue:

What permissions does the Windows Users require to use AutoCAD software properly.
  • These permissions might be required if working in a restrictive environment.
  • These could also be checked when the installer won't install.

Solution:

Autodesk software needs full permission to:

Folders:

  • C:\ProgramData\Autodesk
  • C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet
  • C:\Program Files\Autodesk (or wherever AutoCAD was installed)
  • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared
  • C:\Users\{user}\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk
  • C:\Users\{user}\AppData\Local\Autodesk
  • C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk
  • C:\Users\{user}\AppData\Local\Temp (or wherever they have their temp directory)
Additional permissions may be needed for other program features (e.g., write access to the C:\Program Files\Fonts directory for adding SHX font files).

Registry Entries:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\AUTODESK
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AUTODESK
To verify permissions in the registry (see Warning below):
  1. Exit AutoCAD.
  2. Press WINDOWS-R on the keyboard to bring up the Run window, enter REGEDIT and click OK.
  3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk.
  4. Right-click Autodesk and choose Permissions.
  5. Select Full Control for the user, SYSTEM, and Administrators.
  6. Repeat for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Autodesk.
  7. If changes were necessary, Reboot the system

Warning!

Problems caused by improperly editing the Windows registry could render your computer operating system unusable. Microsoft provides a wealth of critical information that you need to know about the registry in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. Use the Microsoft Registry Editor only at your own risk and only after backing up the registry as outlined for your operating system in the Microsoft article How to back up and restore the registry in Windows and in the related solution How to backup the system registry. Additional information about the registry is also contained in the Help topics in the Microsoft Registry Editor. 

Products:

AutoCAD Products;

Was this information helpful?

Need help? Ask the Autodesk Assistant!

The Assistant can help you find answers or contact an agent.

Ask the Assistant

What level of support do you have?

Different subscription plans provide distinct categories of support. Find out the level of support for your plan.

View levels of support