"License checkout timed out. What do you want to do?" when launching Autodesk 2020 or newer software on macOS.

Autodesk Support

Feb 21, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

Users reported that when starting an Autodesk 2020 (or newer) software on macOS, a message similar to one of the following appears and the program is forced to close:

Product License - Out of Time

License checkout timed out. What do you want to do?

"License checkout timed out. What do you want to do?" macOS

 

Desktop Licensing Service - Connection Lost

Unable to connect with Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service. Quit and restart [Software Name] to try to connect.


Desktop Licensing Service - Connection Lost Unable to connect with Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service. Quit and restart [Software Name] to try to connect.
 
 
 
 

Causes:

  • Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service (ADLS) is not up to date.
  • Autodesk Single Sign On component (AdSSO) is not up to date. 
  • Sign into the software.
  • ADLS is not running or is corrupted. 
  • ADLS installation issue.
  • Check your proxy and / or firewall
  • Allow in the Background settings

Solution:

Recommended - Resolve this with the Troubleshooting Tool.


Update the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service and the Autodesk Identity Component.

  1. Download and install the latest update for:
  2. Try again to start your product.


Uninstall and Reinstall the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service

  1. Uninstall Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service.
  2. Reinstall using the steps found here: Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service. 


Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service permissions issue

  1. Download the attached file fixaccount.zip (found at the bottom of this article).
  2. Double-click it to extract the file fixaccount.sh.
  3. Open Terminal (in Finder > Go > Utilities > Terminal).
  4. Type:  
    sudo sh
  5. Drag and drop the file fixaccount.sh  into the Terminal window, the command will complete similar to:  
    sudo sh /Users/<username>/Downloads/fixaccount.sh
  6. Press ENTER.
  7. You will be prompted for a password, type your Mac password (no symbols are shown as you type, this is normal), and press ENTER.
  8. Run again the AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT for Mac install file.


Sign into the software (versions 2020 to 2023)

When AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT for Mac is launched, the Sign In dialog appears. However, the program will open in the background and be accessible without a successful sign in for a brief period, before it eventually shows the above error. To avoid this, make sure you sign in with your Autodesk credentials before entering the program.

Sign In window.


    Check your proxy and / or firewall

    Consult with your system/network administrator to allow the connection to the Autodesk domains through your proxy and / or firewall. See Which URLs/Protocols need to be allowed for Autodesk subscription Licensing.
    To verify the required URL access state, install the Licensing Support Tool and run the following command:  
    AdskLicensingSupportTool -u (or AdskLicensingSupportTool --checkurls)

     

    Allow in the Background settings

    1. Register Autodesk Program and AdskLicensingService at General > Open at Login.
    macOS Login Items
    1. Open Terminal Window and run a command:  
      sudo launchctl enable system/com.autodesk.AdskLicensingService -w
    2. Start the software.

    Update your macOS version

    Install the latest updates for your macOS version.
     

    Attachments:

    fixaccount.zip;

    Products:

    All Mac Desktop Products;

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