AutoCAD 2026 Performance Drops When Working With Large Xref Files

[mubashiriqbal1162]

Hi everyone,

After updating to AutoCAD 2026, I've noticed significant performance issues when working on projects that contain multiple large Xref files. Opening drawings takes much longer than before, and simple operations such as zooming, panning, and switching layouts occasionally freeze the application for several seconds.

I have already tried the following steps:

• Updated graphics drivers to the latest version
• Disabled hardware acceleration and tested both settings
• Purged and audited the drawings
• Moved project files to a local SSD instead of a network drive
• Reset AutoCAD settings to default

My system specifications:

• Windows 11 Pro
• 32 GB RAM
• NVIDIA RTX 3070
• AutoCAD 2026

Has anyone else experienced similar slowdowns with large Xref-based projects? Are there any recommended settings, workflows, or patches that improved performance for you?

[vladimir_michl]

Are those Xref files hosted on your network? Or on a slower disk drive? Try to adjust the variables XLOADCTL and also INDEXCTL.

Vladimir Michl, www.cadforum.cz - www.linkedin.com/in/vmichl/ 

[paullimapa]

1) Do you have latest 2026 updates installed?

Enter About command, do a screenshot & share this here

2) Have you tried DirectX11 vs DirectX12?

To switch from 12 to 11:

At command prompt enter:

GFXDX12

0

That's a zero, close & restart AutoCAD

Enter GraphicsConfig command, do a screenshot & share this here

[pendean]

@mubashiriqbal1162 What does "large xrefs" mean to the rest of us? and how many is "multiple"? We can't replicate what you are facing without more details.

And did you restart your PC/Laptop yet then turn off Wifi/Bluetooth/unplug from the network as a test to confirm it's still a problem since your files are now local to you for testing?

[rosie_lucas1]

Hello @mubashiriqbal1162, 

Thank you for posting your question in the community. I noticed that you have had a few community members asking more questions about the issue you have ran into so they can assist you. Have you had the chance to look at them yet?

Best, 

[JStanke_2_0]

Sorry to buttinski on the thread...

Different person, same problem.  Files attached.  I am a remote worker, so all files are local. Guessing it takes 30 seconds to regen. I can't purge layers, as they are created by a CAM product, used further down the line for fabrication.  Yes, there are a ton of splines and ellipses. This is still in preliminary stage, and I have weeks / months more work to do on this, so if anyone can provide any insight to make these files move quicker, I am all ears.  Help?!?!?   Thanks in advance for any direction.  - John

Chips and Salsa:

ACAD 2027 X60.0.0

Win 11 Pro

i9-13900K, 3000Mhz, 24 cores, 32 logical processors. (overclocked / liquid cooled)

64 GB Ram

Samsung SSD 990 Pro 1TB

Nvidia RTX A2000 12GB

File history:

Rvt from Architect, into Inventor 2027 Pro, for "view creations". Generically papered in Inventor (idw, only geometry and view names, no dimensions or tags). Exported from Inventor idw to dwg. Dwg's cleaned up, as far as layers / blocks, Overkill, purge, etc. Xrefs created, work in progress / development files. Plan views are from architects provided dwg files. Minimally cleaned. They will be eliminated as work develops. Yes, there are x-refs in x-refs. 

[paullimapa]

“I am a remote worker, so all files are local”

Perhaps you can clarify:

1) How do you remote into your office to work on these drawings?

2) Is AutoCAD running from the computer you are using to connect to your office or is AutoCAD running at the remote location?

[JStanke_2_0]

Paul,

I should have reworded that statement. I am a remote employee, working for a shop a couple of states over. I keep all files on my local system. I do not "remote in" while working. I do my work, then upload to server, thru vpn as needed. All files are on my computer. AutoCAD is running on my system, not browser based.  Thanks...    I have not tried directx12 (just read your input above).  I will give that a shot after lunch...

[BhaskarMurari · Accepted solution]

AutoCAD Performance: How to Improve Speed When Using Xrefs
check this system variables:

XLOADCTL to  0 or  1
LAYOUTREGENCTL  to 0
UPDATETHUMBNAIL to  0
SELECTIONPREVIEW to  0
SELECTIONCYCLING to  0
ISAVEPERCENT to  0
BLOCKMRULIST to  0

[JStanke_2_0]

THANK YOU!!!

[paullimapa]

Follow up question:

in previous AutoCAD version before updating to 2026 were all these settings already there but didn’t get migrated over?

[JStanke_2_0]

Negative for most of these variables. I am using 2027 but I did migrate my 2026 settings over. 

My previous settings were:

XLOADCTL = 2

LAYOUTREGENCTL = 0

UPDATETHUMBNAIL = 15

SELECTIONPREVIEW = 2

SELECTIONCYCLING = 2

ISAVEPERCENT = 50

BLOCKMRULIST = 50

I know I have changed Preview (because it drives me nuts, in most uses) and for Cycling, I toggle on/off pending complexity of what is going on (if overkill didnt clean it up imports). Xload, Thumbnail, ISAVE, and rulist were "new" to me. Never heard of them or used them in 30+ years of using AutoCAD, well from what I can remember. 

[paullimapa]

Out of curiosity if you had left all the other settings the same but just changed XLOADCTL to  0 or  1, would that resolve your problem in 2027?