BIM Software Tips: Preparing Your System Before Installing Autodesk Software
Before installing Autodesk software, ensure you have purchased a valid license and are ready to install the product on your computer. This guide outlines the general installation workflow applicable to all Autodesk products.
Step 1: Check System Requirements
Verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the Autodesk product by visiting the Autodesk System Requirements page.
Network Installation: If you plan to install the software on a network, download and install the latest version of the Network License Manager to activate the software successfully. For detailed instructions, refer to the Network License Manager Installation Guide.
Windows Version: Ensure the version you download and install matches your operating system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Step 2: Obtain Administrator Privileges
If you’re installing the software on your personal computer, you can skip this step.
For installations on non-personal computers, confirm that you have local user management permissions to install software. On Windows, check your permissions via Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage User Accounts.
Note: Domain users may lack sufficient administrative privileges to install Autodesk software. If you don’t have local administrator rights, please contact your system administrator for assistance.
Step 3: Disable Antivirus Programs
Temporarily disabling antivirus software during installation can prevent interruptions. Antivirus programs may block the installer from writing to the Windows TEMP directory, causing installation failures or hangs, sometimes without error messages. When errors occur, they often reference issues in the user’s TEMP folder.
Antivirus solutions vary widely. Some allow temporary disabling or pausing of scans, while others require a system restart or administrator privileges. In certain cases, disabling antivirus software at Windows startup may be necessary to ensure it does not interfere with the installation.
Step 4: Clear the TEMP Folder
To clear the TEMP folder, open Windows Explorer, enter %TEMP% in the address bar, and press Enter.
Important: If your installation fails and you contact Autodesk Support, they will need to review the installation logs stored in this TEMP folder.
Step 5: Install System Updates and Close Applications
Make sure your operating system is fully updated. Install all pending updates, then restart your computer. Before starting the Autodesk installation, close all running applications to prevent conflicts.
Note: Antivirus programs can interfere during installation. Temporarily disabling them may resolve related issues.
Step 6: Disable User Account Control (UAC)
Depending on your Windows version:
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
Adjust UAC settings to minimize interruptions during installation.
Step 7: Download Software or Insert Media
Download your Autodesk software digitally or insert the physical media (DVD, CD, or USB) into your computer. Run the installation executable to begin the setup process.
Reminder: Confirm that the software version matches your operating system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Step 8: Locate Installation Files
Downloaded Software: If you downloaded your software from the Autodesk Account, Speed App Center, or another source, check your default download folder or the Autodesk folder on your desktop. The folder typically follows the naming format ProductName_Version_Language_S.
USB or DVD: After inserting the media, the installation folder should appear on your desktop.
View the documentation linked in the bottom left corner of the main installation screen for assistance.
Additional Resources:
- Installation Help – Authorization Guide and other support resources
- System Requirements – Autodesk Support
- Self-Description File: Contains important, up-to-date information that may not be included in the final documentation.
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