topic Re: Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path in ObjectARX Forum

Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path

pphamTTMHH — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 07:08:15 GMT

Hi everyone,

I have a plugin that I've been using for several versions of AutoCAD Architecture, and it's always worked fine when placed in the following location:

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins\MyPlugin.bundle

The plugin loads automatically on startup in versions 2025 and earlier, but after upgrading to AutoCAD Architecture 2026, it no longer loads automatically.

Interestingly, when I move the exact same plugin bundle to this path:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins

…it works just fine and loads as expected in 2026.

This leads me to believe that AutoCAD 2026 may have changed its plugin loading behavior, possibly due to updated security or sandboxing policies. However, I haven't found any official documentation that confirms this change or offers guidance.

Has anyone else experienced this issue?

Any official clarification or workaround would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path

daniel_cadext — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:26:03 GMT

ProgramData path is no longer supported

Re: Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path

pphamTTMHH — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:25:41 GMT

Thank you for the clarification.

That explains why my plugin wasn’t loading automatically in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 when placed under ProgramData.

Just to confirm, is there any official documentation or release notes that mention this deprecation? I’d like to make sure we update our deployment process correctly and inform our team accordingly.

Also, are there any best practices recommended by Autodesk for deploying plugins across multiple users or in enterprise environments now that ProgramData is no longer supported?

Appreciate your help!

Re: Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path

kerry_w_brown — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 01:35:52 GMT

@pphamTTMHH

I have seen no official public details on this issue. added: oops, erroneous statement 😳

This attached pdf was part of the Beta distribution.

I don't think it voids the NDA , but if so I'm sure officials will remove this post and hopefully make an official public announcement.

Regards,

Stay well,

Re: Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path

daniel_cadext — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 01:16:35 GMT

It was mentioned in ADN.

https://help.autodesk.com/view/OARX/2026/ENU/?guid=GUID-5E50A846-C80B-4FFD-8DD3-C20B22098008

I think the choices are now %PROGRAMFILES% or %APPDATA%, the docs still show %ALLUSERSPROFILE% which is an oof I guess

also:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/net/packagecontents-xml-for-2026-do-not-load-my-dll/m-p/13395542/highlight/true#M86089

Re: Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path

daniel_cadext — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 01:16:53 GMT

K is just too fast

Re: Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path

kerry_w_brown — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 01:26:20 GMT

That's embarrasing . . . I posted that less than 3 weeks ago 😳

oldtimers is catching up with me.

Re: Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path

pphamTTMHH — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 01:53:58 GMT

Hi Daniel,
From what you know so far, does it look like this will impact the Revit 2026 side as well?

Thanks.

Re: Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path

pphamTTMHH — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 03:16:04 GMT

I created a sample plugin to test on Revit 2026, and it loaded properly from ProgramData. This suggests that Revit 2026 is not impacted.
That said, I’m curious why Autodesk applied the security enhancement to AutoCAD 2026 but not to Revit 2026.

Re: Plugin not auto-loading in AutoCAD Architecture 2026 from ProgramData path

daniel_cadext — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 06:40:42 GMT

Someone forgot to send the memo to the Revit team. Guessing it will make its way through at some point