Can AutoCAD Be Installed on Multiple Computers?

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Can AutoCAD Be Installed on Multiple Computers?

If you’re an AutoCAD user, you may be wondering if it’s possible to install the software on multiple computers. Whether you have a desktop computer at work and a laptop at home, or you simply want to share your license with a colleague, the answer is yes – AutoCAD can indeed be installed on multiple computers.

Licensing Options

Before we delve into the details of installing AutoCAD on multiple computers, it’s important to understand the different licensing options available. AutoCAD offers two primary licensing models:

  • Single-User License: As the name suggests, this license is tied to a single user and allows installation on one computer only.
  • Multi-User License: This license allows installation on multiple computers and can be shared among several users concurrently.

Installing on Multiple Computers

If you have a single-user license and want to install AutoCAD on another computer, you’ll need to deactivate the software from the current machine before activating it on the new one. To do this:

  1. Open AutoCAD and go to the “Help” menu.
  2. Select “Manage License.”
  3. Choose “Transfer Licenses.”
  4. Follow the prompts to complete the deactivation process.

Note that deactivating your license will make it inactive on the current machine but will free up an activation slot for use on another computer.

If you have a multi-user license, follow these steps to install AutoCAD on multiple computers:

  1. Obtain the license information from your system administrator or Autodesk account.
  2. Download and install AutoCAD on each computer where you want to use the software.
  3. Launch AutoCAD and enter the license information when prompted.

Network Licensing

If you have a multi-user license, you can also take advantage of network licensing. With network licensing, the license server manages and distributes licenses to users on the network. This allows for more flexible usage and simplifies the installation process on individual computers.

To set up network licensing:

  1. Install the Network License Manager (NLM) on a server or computer within your network.
  2. Configure the NLM by specifying the location of your license file and other settings.
  3. Distribute the license file to each client computer that needs access to AutoCAD.
  4. Install AutoCAD on each client computer, selecting “Network License” during installation.

In Conclusion

In summary, whether you have a single-user or multi-user license, it is possible to install AutoCAD on multiple computers. Just remember to follow the proper steps for deactivating and activating licenses depending on your licensing model. Additionally, consider using network licensing for greater flexibility in managing and distributing licenses across your organization.

I hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of how to install AutoCAD on multiple computers. Happy designing!