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Unable to Install AutoCAD

Shwan Zrar 0 Reputation points
2026-06-02T13:34:05.42+00:00

During upgrading to Windows 11, now I can not install AutoCAD.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Apps
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  1. AI answer

    2026-06-02T13:34:18.0933333+00:00

    AutoCAD installation issues after upgrading to Windows 11 can be related to recent changes in how Windows handles MSI (Windows Installer) repair and install operations, especially for standard (non-admin) users.

    Recent Windows 11 security updates introduced stricter User Account Control (UAC) behavior for MSI operations to address security vulnerability CVE-2025-50173. This caused unexpected UAC prompts or failures for some apps, including Autodesk AutoCAD, particularly when:

    • Launching Autodesk apps (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Inventor CAM) or
    • Running MSI repair or per-user configuration steps during install.

    This behavior has been corrected in later Windows updates.

    To resolve the AutoCAD install problem on Windows 11:

    1. Install the latest Windows updates
      • Open Settings → Windows Update.
      • Select Check for updates and install all available updates, including cumulative/security updates.
      • Restart the device if prompted and repeat Check for updates until no further updates are offered.
      • These newer updates refine UAC behavior so that MSI repair/install only requires elevation when an MSI actually runs elevated custom actions, which fixes issues for apps like Autodesk AutoCAD.
    2. Retry the AutoCAD installation as an administrator
      • Right-click the AutoCAD installer (MSI/EXE) and select Run as administrator.
      • Complete the setup and allow any UAC prompts.
    3. If AutoCAD still fails and UAC prompts persist in an enterprise/managed environment
      • After installing the September 2025 (or later) Windows security updates, IT admins can configure an allowlist for specific MSI files to suppress UAC prompts for trusted apps.
      • The allowlist mechanism is documented in the KB article “Unexpected UAC prompts when running MSI repair operations after installing the August 2025 Windows security update.” This is intended for admins managing multiple devices.

    If the upgrade to Windows 11 itself is still failing or partially completed, first ensure the upgrade is fully successful using the general upgrade troubleshooting guidance (removing nonessential software, updating drivers, checking disk and system files), then apply the latest updates and reinstall AutoCAD.

    References:

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  2. Sin-D 10,130 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-03T01:36:46.8933333+00:00

    Hi Shwan Zrar,

    I understand that after upgrading to Windows 11, you’re now unable to install AutoCAD.

    Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, could you confirm:

    • Which AutoCAD version are you trying to install?
    • Do you get any error message or code, or does the installer just stop?
    • Are you installing from a fresh download or an older installer file?

    In the meantime, please try these additional steps:

    1, Check if your AutoCAD version is compatible with Windows 11

    Some older AutoCAD versions are not fully supported on Windows 11.

    Disclaimer: The links above point to non‑Microsoft websites. Microsoft has no control over the content, support, or functionality provided by these third‑party services and cannot guarantee their accuracy or availability. Please review their terms and policies before proceeding.

    If it’s not supported, the installer may fail silently or stop midway.

    2, Run the installer in compatibility mode

    • Right‑click the AutoCAD setup file
    • Select “Properties” > “Compatibility” tab
    • Enable “Run this program in compatibility mode for” > choose “Windows 10”
    • Click “Apply” > run the installer again

    3, Perform a clean boot before installing

    Sometimes background services from the upgrade interfere with installers.

    • Press Windows + R, type msconfig
    • Go to “Services” > check “Hide all Microsoft services”
    • Click “Disable all”
    • Go to “Startup” > open Task Manager > disable startup apps
    • Restart your PC and try installing AutoCAD again

    4, Clean up leftover installer files

    • Press Windows + R, type %temp% > delete all files
    • Also check: C:\Program Files\Autodesk and remove incomplete folders (if present)

    Note: Only delete Autodesk-related folders, do not remove unrelated files.

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