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

[pphamTTMHH]

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!

[daniel_cadext]

ProgramData path is no longer supported

[pphamTTMHH]

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!

[kerry_w_brown · Accepted solution]

@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,

[daniel_cadext · Accepted solution]

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/high...

[daniel_cadext]

K is just too fast

[kerry_w_brown]

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

oldtimers is catching up with me.

[pphamTTMHH]

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

Thanks.

[pphamTTMHH]

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.

[daniel_cadext]

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