Uninstalling AutoCAD can be a simple process if you follow the correct steps. Whether you are upgrading to a newer version or no longer need the software, this tutorial will guide you through the uninstallation process. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Close AutoCAD and any related processes
Before uninstalling AutoCAD, it is important to close the program and any associated processes running in the background. This ensures a smooth removal process without any conflicts.
Here’s how to do it:
- Close AutoCAD: Go to the top left corner of the program window and click on the ‘X’ button or use the keyboard shortcut Alt+F4.
- Task Manager: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc simultaneously to open Task Manager. Look for any AutoCAD-related processes under the ‘Processes’ or ‘Details’ tab, right-click on them, and select ‘End Task’ or ‘End Process Tree’.
Step 2: Uninstall AutoCAD from Control Panel
The next step is to uninstall AutoCAD using the Control Panel on your computer. The process may vary slightly depending on your operating system.
Follow these general steps:
- Open Control Panel: Click on the Start menu, search for ‘Control Panel’, and open it.
- Select Programs and Features (or Add/Remove Programs): In the Control Panel window, locate ‘Programs’ or ‘Programs and Features’. Click on it to open a list of installed programs.
- Find AutoCAD: Scroll through the list of installed programs and locate AutoCAD.
- Uninstall AutoCAD: Right-click on AutoCAD and select ‘Uninstall’ or ‘Change/Remove’. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the uninstallation process.
Step 3: Remove AutoCAD residual files
After uninstalling AutoCAD, there may still be residual files and folders left behind. It is important to remove these to free up disk space and ensure a clean uninstallation.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Delete AutoCAD folders: Open File Explorer (Windows Explorer) and navigate to the installation directory of AutoCAD. Typically, it is located in ‘C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD’.
Right-click on the ‘AutoCAD’ folder and select ‘Delete’.
- Clean registry entries: Press Windows Key + R, type ‘regedit’, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor. Backup your registry before making any changes. Navigate to ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk’ and delete the ‘AutoCAD’ key if present.
Congratulations! You have successfully uninstalled AutoCAD from your computer. Remember to restart your computer for all changes to take effect.
If you ever decide to reinstall AutoCAD in the future, make sure you have a valid license key or subscription before proceeding with the installation process.
I hope this tutorial has been helpful in guiding you through the uninstallation process of AutoCAD. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties, feel free to reach out for further assistance.