Autocad installation "Failed to initialize download manager"

[brian_whitcherC4G7G]

I keep getting this error when trying to install AutoCAD 2025 using the "Install" button on the website. If I instead use the download button, the direct download button, or deployment, I can get the exe to run. But it get to the point where windows asks me If I want the program to make changes to my computer, I click yes, the installer says "preparing" and then it just closes with no error message.

I had a previous installation of Autocad 2022 that I had trouble uninstalling, so I had to go through manually and delete folders, files, registry entries, etc. 

[deepti_bhardwaj · Accepted solution]

Hello @brian_whitcherC4G7G 

I understand you are encountering the "Failed to initialize download manager" error when attempting to install your Autodesk product using the Install option on our website. You also mentioned that when using the Download, Direct Download, or Deployment options, the .exe file launches but closes after “Preparing” without an error message.

Based on our review, here are the steps that should resolve the issue:

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1. Use the Autodesk Download Manager (Recommended)

• Instead of selecting Install, choose the Download option from the product page.

• This will download all required files before installation, avoiding the initialization error.

2. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall

• Some security software may block the installer during the preparation phase.

• Temporarily disable your antivirus and/or firewall during installation, then re-enable it afterward.

3. Run Installer as Administrator

• Right-click the downloaded .exe file → Run as administrator.

4. Install from the Browser Download Folder

• Move the downloaded file from your browser’s temporary download location to a permanent folder (e.g., C:\Autodesk\Installers) before running it.

5. Use the installers below to test the installation

• Part 1: http://efulfillment.autodesk.com/NetSWDLD/ODIS/prd/2025/ACD/99E57530-7CC1-31F4-89E9-24175C7690C2/SFX...

• Part 2: http://efulfillment.autodesk.com/NetSWDLD/ODIS/prd/2025/ACD/99E57530-7CC1-31F4-89E9-24175C7690C2/SFX...

Make sure you download both installer files to the same location, then run either of them:

• If using the .7z file – Unzip the folder first, then right-click Setup.exe inside the extracted folder and select Run as administrator.

• If using the .exe file – Simply right-click the file and select Run as administrator.

For reference: "Failed to initialize DownloadManager!" when trying to install Autodesk software

[mari.shimode]

Hi @brian_whitcherC4G7G, did the information provided answer your question? If so, please use Accept Solution so that others may find this in the future.

If you still have the issue, please let us know. Thank you.

[camilacuadrasantosfotos]

Hola, a mi no me funciona! que puedo hacer?