To update AutoCAD on Windows, you can use either your Autodesk Account or the Autodesk Desktop App. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Method 1: Through Autodesk Account
- Access your Autodesk Account: Go to the Autodesk Account website and sign in.
- Navigate to Product Updates: Look for the "Product Updates" or "Updates" section. This is usually located within the "Products & Services" area.
- Find Available Updates: The "Product Updates" tray will display the updates and hotfixes available for your version of AutoCAD.
- Select and Install Updates: Choose the updates you want to install and follow the on-screen instructions. Download the update files.
- Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, run the installer file and follow the prompts to complete the update process. Ensure AutoCAD is closed during installation.
Method 2: Through the Autodesk Desktop App
- Open the Autodesk Desktop App: If you have the Autodesk Desktop App installed, it's usually located in your system tray (the lower-right corner of your screen, near the clock). If you don't have it, you can download it from your Autodesk account.
- Check for Updates: The app will automatically check for available updates. You might see a notification indicating that updates are available.
- Install Updates: Click on the updates to view details and then click "Update" to install them. The app will download and install the updates automatically. As with manual installation, ensure AutoCAD is closed during this process.
Important Considerations:
- License Maintenance: Keeping your AutoCAD license up-to-date is important for accessing the latest features, improvements, and security patches.
- Administrator Privileges: You might need administrator privileges on your Windows machine to install the updates.
- Backup: It's always a good practice to back up your custom settings and files before installing any updates, just in case something goes wrong.
- Release Notes: Before installing an update, consider reviewing the release notes to understand what changes are included and if there are any known issues.
By following these steps, you can successfully update your AutoCAD software on Windows and ensure you are using the latest version.
