Troubleshooting

Can’t uninstall AutoCAD?

Brief intro: If you can’t uninstall AutoCAD (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, etc.), the cause is usually corrupted installation files, a problem with the Windows Installer, or insufficient administrative permissions. This guide gives clear, beginner-friendly steps and alternative methods to remove AutoCAD safely, plus common errors and fixes.

Before you start (important preparations)

  • Make a system restore point or a full backup of important files.
  • Sign in as an administrator or have an admin account ready.
  • Disable antivirus temporarily (some AV tools block uninstallers).
  • Close all AutoCAD-related programs and the Autodesk Desktop App.

Standard uninstall methods

Use Windows Settings (Windows 10 / 11)

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  2. Find AutoCAD in the list (or “Autodesk” entries).
  3. Click the entry and choose Uninstall, then follow the prompts.
  4. Restart your PC after the uninstall completes.

Use Control Panel (Works on many Windows versions)

  1. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Select the AutoCAD product (or Autodesk product suite).
  3. Click Uninstall/Change and follow the wizard.
  4. Restart your PC.

If the standard uninstall fails

1) Reinstall the same AutoCAD version, then uninstall

  • If installation files are corrupted, download the identical AutoCAD installer from your Autodesk account and reinstall over the existing installation.
  • After reinstall, try the standard uninstall again.

2) Restart Windows Installer service

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
  2. Find Windows Installer, right-click and choose Restart (or Start if stopped).
  3. Retry the uninstall.

3) Run uninstall as Administrator

  • Right-click the uninstall executable (from Program Files\Autodesk\\Uninstall.exe) and choose Run as administrator.

Use Autodesk Uninstall Tool (recommended alternative)

  • Open the Start Menu > Autodesk > Uninstall Tool (or look in the Autodesk program folder).
  • The tool lists installed Autodesk products. Select AutoCAD and click Uninstall.
  • Follow prompts and restart when finished.

If you don’t see the tool, use the Autodesk Knowledge Network instructions for your product or download Autodesk’s uninstall utilities from official Autodesk support pages.

Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

  • Download Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter (previously called Fix it).
  • Run the troubleshooter, choose Uninstalling, and select AutoCAD from the list (or use it to remove the program’s installer information).
  • This tool can fix broken registry keys that prevent uninstall.

Advanced uninstall options (for experienced users)

Use msiexec or WMIC (command-line)

  • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  • If you have the product GUID, run:
    msiexec /x {PRODUCT-GUID}
  • Or try WMIC (deprecated but sometimes useful):
    wmic product where “name like ‘AutoCAD%'” call uninstall

Note: Finding the correct GUID can be tricky. Use only if comfortable with command-line tools.

Safe Mode uninstall

  • Boot Windows into Safe Mode and try uninstalling via Control Panel or Settings. Safe Mode can prevent interfering services from blocking the uninstall.

Third-party uninstallers

  • Tools like Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, or Geek Uninstaller can remove leftover files and registry entries after a failed uninstall.
  • Use the forced/uninstall option, then allow the tool to scan and remove leftover files and registry items.
  • Only download reputable software and create a restore point first.

Manual cleanup (last resort; advanced users only)

Warning: Editing the registry is risky. Back up the registry and create a system restore point first.

  1. Delete program folders:

    • C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20xx (or C:\Program Files\Autodesk)
    • C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\
    • C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\
    • %appdata%\Autodesk\
    • %localappdata%\Autodesk\

  2. Delete user settings (if needed):

    • Documents\AutoCAD files or folders specific to the AutoCAD version.

  3. Remove registry keys (only if you know what you’re doing):

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall{AutoCAD GUIDs}
    • Remove only keys clearly associated with the AutoCAD version you uninstalled.

  4. Clean up leftover services:

    • Use services.msc to stop and delete leftover Autodesk services if present.

Common errors and how to fix them

  • Error: Uninstall failed / Access denied

    • Fix: Ensure you have admin rights, disable antivirus, and run uninstall as Administrator.

  • Error: Error 1603 or MSI error

    • Fix: Restart the Windows Installer service, repair the product installation, or use Microsoft’s troubleshooter. Reinstall then uninstall.

  • Error: Setup.exe has stopped working

    • Fix: Re-download the installer, run compatibility troubleshooter or reinstall the same version and then uninstall.

  • Problem: Partial uninstall / leftover files

    • Fix: Use a reputable third-party uninstaller or perform the manual cleanup steps.

  • Problem: Windows won’t list AutoCAD in Programs & Features

    • Fix: Use Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter, or remove registry Uninstall keys (advanced).

Tips and best practices

  • Always create a restore point before manual changes to the registry or file system.
  • Keep your Autodesk account credentials and installation media handy.
  • After uninstall, run Disk Cleanup and restart to remove temporary files.
  • If planning to reinstall a different AutoCAD version, use the Autodesk Uninstall Tool to remove all previous components first.
  • Keep logs of errors and screenshots — Autodesk support may request them.

FAQ

How do I find the Autodesk Uninstall Tool if it’s not in the Start menu?

Look in the Autodesk program folder inside C:\Program Files\Autodesk\ or visit the Autodesk Knowledge Network for the official uninstall utility download link.

Will uninstalling AutoCAD remove my drawings and templates?

No. User-created drawings and templates in Documents or custom folders are not automatically deleted by the uninstaller. Back them up before uninstalling.

Can I safely delete AutoCAD registry keys if the uninstall failed?

Only if you are experienced and after creating a registry backup and restore point. Deleting the wrong keys can destabilize Windows.

What if I still can’t uninstall after trying everything?

Collect error messages and installation logs, then contact Autodesk Support. They can provide version-specific guidance and cleanup tools.

Is it safe to use third-party uninstallers?

Yes, reputable tools like Revo Uninstaller are often safe and effective, but always create a system restore point before use.

Will reinstalling AutoCAD fix a failed uninstall?

Reinstalling the same exact version often restores missing or corrupted uninstall information, allowing a subsequent proper uninstall.

How do I locate a product GUID for msiexec?

Product GUIDs are stored under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall (or the 32-bit equivalent). Use the registry editor only if comfortable.

Does Safe Mode help with uninstalling AutoCAD?

Yes. Safe Mode can prevent interfering background services, making it easier to remove stubborn programs.

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