How to Uninstall AutoCAD in Windows 8?

Uninstalling AutoCAD in Windows 8

If you need to remove AutoCAD from a Windows 8 computer, follow these detailed steps to ensure a complete uninstallation process.

Accessing Control Panel

1. Open the Start Screen: Swipe from the right edge of the screen and tap on the “Search” icon. Alternatively, you can just start typing "Control Panel" on the Start screen.

2. Navigate to Control Panel: Click on the “Control Panel” app that appears in the search results.

Uninstalling AutoCAD

1. Programs Section: In the Control Panel, look for the “Programs” category and click on “Uninstall a program.” This will display all installed programs on your system.

2. Find AutoCAD: Scroll through the list of applications until you locate the AutoCAD version you wish to uninstall, such as AutoCAD 2025.

3. Start Uninstallation: Click on the selected AutoCAD installation, and then hit the “Uninstall” button located at the top of the window.

4. Follow the Wizard: A wizard will launch to guide you through the uninstallation process. Follow the prompts carefully—this may include selecting options related to configuration settings or custom files.

Using the Autodesk Uninstall Tool

If the standard method does not completely remove AutoCAD, consider using the Autodesk Uninstall Tool.

1. Locate the Tool: Open the Control Panel again and navigate to “Programs and Features.”

2. Find Autodesk Uninstall Tool: Look for the Autodesk uninstall tool. It may be listed among your installed applications.

3. Run the Tool: Select it and follow the prompts to remove AutoCAD and any associated components completely.

Removing Leftover Files and Folders

To ensure all files and folders related to AutoCAD are gone:

1. File Explorer Access: Open File Explorer and navigate to the following directories:

   • C:\Program Files\Autodesk\
   • C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\
2. Delete Residual Files: If you find any folders or files pertaining to AutoCAD, you can safely delete them.

Cleaning the Registry (Optional)

For advanced users, it may be helpful to clean out any registry entries related to AutoCAD.

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to AutoCAD Entries: Look through the following paths:

   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Autodesk
3. Delete Entries: If you find entries specific to AutoCAD, right-click and delete them. Be cautious while editing the registry, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.

FAQ

1. Can I uninstall AutoCAD while I have other Autodesk products installed?
Yes, you can uninstall AutoCAD without affecting other Autodesk products. However, it’s advisable to check compatibility before making changes.

2. How can I uninstall AutoCAD if I encounter errors?
If you’re facing issues uninstalling through Control Panel, try using the Microsoft Install/Uninstall Troubleshooter. This tool can help resolve complications and enable you to uninstall successfully.

3. Will uninstalling AutoCAD affect my projects or drawing files?
No, uninstalling AutoCAD itself will not delete your project files or drawings. However, ensure you back up files in case any critical directories are modified during the uninstall process.