I am having the hardest time getting AutoCAD working on my PC. (student)

[mark_gamarnik]

I go to install AutoCAD 2026 for Windows once getting an educational license and every time I try to install I get this system pending restart error. I have gone through the knowledge base and troubleshooted each individual step and somehow eventually I was able to install. I've even completely removed my antivirus just incase. But now every single time I open up the program it freezes and I've gone through the steps as well too on the knowledge base article. Why does it keep freezing? My computer is strong enough to run the program well. Any suggestions? 

[ethanncollins93]

That sounds frustrating, especially after finally getting it installed. The freezing is often caused by leftover files from the failed installs, graphics driver issues, or a corrupted user profile rather than system performance. Try updating your GPU drivers, running AutoCAD as administrator, and doing a clean reinstall using Autodesk’s Cleanup Tool. Also make sure Windows is fully updated and no restart is actually pending in the background, as that can still trigger instability.

[aisha_khann4422]

When AutoCAD installs only after repeated attempts and then freezes on launch, it’s usually not a hardware problem but a corrupted install or system dependency.

A few things that commonly cause this:

• A stuck Windows “pending restart” flag that wasn’t fully cleared

• Leftover Autodesk services or licensing components from failed installs

• Graphics driver issues (AutoCAD is very sensitive to GPU drivers)

What usually helps:

• Fully restart Windows and make sure there are no pending updates

• Use the Autodesk Uninstall Tool to remove all Autodesk components, then reinstall clean

• Update or temporarily switch to the Microsoft basic display adapter to test if the GPU driver is causing the freeze

• Run AutoCAD once as Administrator after reinstalling

If it still freezes after a clean reinstall, it’s best to contact Autodesk Education Support, as they can check licensing and install logs. This issue is very common and fixable, but it usually requires a truly clean reinstall.

[TheCADnoob]

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@mark_gamarnik wrote:

.... My computer is strong enough to run the program well... 

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Strong does not equate with compatible. 

Have you checked your hardware against the certified devices?

https://www.autodesk.com/support/system-requirements/certified-graphics-hardware/autocad

[mark_gamarnik]

I just did a complete uninstall using the knowledge base article. Followed it to a tee, and then did a reinstall and this time it did not say pending restart, so I proceeded to install it. I ran it for the first time and it started up saying sign in which I did and proceeded to do the same thing again as it froze. It seems to always start up but as soon as I try to click on something it freezes, or starts frozen immediately.

[mark_gamarnik]

Still have same issue after a complete uninstall and reinstall. Have contacted support.

[mark_gamarnik]

I have an Nvidia 3070 Ti which I understand is not on that chart. What does this mean, how can I get it to work then if I have no other computer?

[TheCADnoob]

If its stalling at login you can try this:https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Autodesk-Access-ha...

Autodesk Access hangs or no response when trying to log in

Autodesk Support

Jan 24, 2025

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Products and versions covered

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Issue:

When trying to sign in to Autodesk Access the sign-in doesn't work properly and it hangs.

Causes:

Corrupted Autodesk Identity Manager component.

Solution:

Uninstall and Reinstall Autodesk Identity Manager:

1. Go to Control Panel and open Programs and Features.
2. Look for the "Autodesk Identity Manager" component and uninstall it.
3. Reboot the system.
4. Download and install the component from here.

Note. If the component doesn't show up in "Programs and Features", remove it by doing the following and then proceed with steps 3 and 4:

1. 1. Go to C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AdskIdentityManager.
   2. Right-click on "uninstall.exe".
   3. Run the file as Administrator.

Verify that WebView 2 component is installed

• • Go to Add/remove programs under the windows settings and check whether Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is already installed. If not, then visit the Microsoft page to download it from https://developer.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/webview2/#download-section. You should either use the Evergreen Standalone Installer or Evergreen Bootstrapper to resolve the issue.

Reinstall Autodesk Access

1. 1. Reboot the system.
   2. Download and install the latest Autodesk Access version from here.

Set default browser:

1. Click Windows icon and select Settings
2. Click Application -> Default Application
3. Set Microsoft Edge as the default Web Browser

[bhavani_sankuratri]

Hello @mark_gamarnik ,

Did the information provided by @ethanncollins93 & @aisha_khann4422 and @TheCADnoob  help you and answer your question?

If yes, please click on the "Accept Solution" button on the post(s) that solved your problem. This will assist other community users in finding and benefiting from this information.

If not, please do not hesitate to give an update in this thread so all community members receive an update on the progression of your question, and can suggest next steps that may be helpful for you to achieve what you're looking for.

All the best,

Bhavani Sankuratri | Community Manager