topic Autocad Opens DWG Files in Different Windows in Installation & Licensing Forum

Autocad Opens DWG Files in Different Windows

emretopuz9 — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:25:17 GMT

Hello,
Autocad 2021 was installed on my computer and I had no problems with my work or opening files. I wanted to install Autocad 2023 to update my Autocad version. After installing it, I removed the 2021 version from my computer. After doing this, my files with dwg extension started to open in different windows. Normally, Autocad can open multiple dwg files at the same time as tabs in a single window, but now it opens different files in different windows. I tried the solutions suggested in the community but it didn't work. (SDI command, opening with DWG Launcher, etc.). When I try to open with DWG Launcher, I encounter the error I attached. Help please..

Re: Autocad Opens DWG Files in Different Windows

TomBeauford — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 12:45:24 GMT

First you can keep as many old versions on your PC as you want, I'd never uninstall an old one until I worked out all the kinks in the new one.

You had some kind of issue with the install of 2023 if the launcher is looking for a 2021 file as shown in your error message.

Re: Autocad Opens DWG Files in Different Windows

paullimapa — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 13:38:45 GMT

Since the error message shows your computer is looking for AutoCAD 2021 (not 2019 which you uninstalled) just download and install AutoCAD 2021 to fix the problem.

Re: Autocad Opens DWG Files in Different Windows

paullimapa — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 13:42:17 GMT

Have you tried these solutions?

Ynt: Autocad Opens DWG Files in Different Windows

emretopuz9 — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:27:35 GMT

Hello,
The version I installed should be 2021, not 2019. My fault. I corrected my message. I will try the solutions you suggested soon, but I do not want to use the old version. I want to continue from the 2023 version.

Re: Autocad Opens DWG Files in Different Windows

TomBeauford — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 16:55:49 GMT

DWG Launcher should open drawings with the last version of AutoCAD that was opened if it's working properly though as a rule it's best to open drawings from AutoCAD not by double-clicking them.

You may need to reinstall DWG Launcher.

DWG file type associativity in Windows for AutoCAD:

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/DWG-file-type-associativity-in-Windows.html

Double-clicking a DWG file launches the wrong AutoCAD: program https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Double-clicking-a-DWG-file-launches-the-wrong-AutoCAD-Product.html

Ynt: Autocad Opens DWG Files in Different Windows

emretopuz9 — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:16:26 GMT

Hello,
I solved the solution by contacting Autocad Support. The solution is in the 'registry edit solution 2' section under the 'Edit the Windows registry' heading at "https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Double-clicking-a-DWG-file-opens-a-new-instance-of-AutoCAD.html"

Ynt: Autocad Opens DWG Files in Different Windows

gudadaiah_durgappa — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:34:04 GMT

I tried as suggested, but not working the above solution.

Ynt: Autocad Opens DWG Files in Different Windows

pendean — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:12:30 GMT

@gudadaiah_durgappa wrote:
I tried as suggested, but not working the above solution.

These tips work for all of us to resolve the posted topic

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/DWG-file-type-associativity-in-Windows.html

If you literally tried all and nothing worked, consider opening a support ticket with Autodesk through your accounts page login or reach out to your I.T. team for guidance.