If you’re tired of AutoCAD frequently checking your license, disrupting your workflow, or simply slowing down your system, you’re not alone. Many users face this issue, especially in environments with network instability. Stopping AutoCAD from checking your license can improve performance and minimize interruptions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through different ways to achieve this. However, keep in mind that while we’re showing how to reduce or stop these checks, it’s essential to stay within the bounds of Autodesk’s licensing terms.
How Do I Stop AutoCAD from Checking My License?
1. Disconnect from the Internet
The simplest way to prevent AutoCAD from checking your license is to disconnect from the internet. AutoCAD cannot reach Autodesk’s servers without an internet connection, which halts the license checks.
- Open your computer’s network settings.
- Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug your Ethernet cable.
This method is straightforward, but remember, it can disrupt other internet-dependent tasks, such as downloading updates, checking emails, or using cloud services. If you rely heavily on these services, you may want to consider an alternative method.
For instance, if you need AutoCAD but also depend on cloud storage or other online tools, disconnecting might not be the ideal solution.
2. Change AutoCAD’s License Checking Settings
Instead of cutting off your internet entirely, you can modify AutoCAD’s settings to reduce how often it checks your license. This gives you more control without impacting other online activities.
Here’s how:
- Launch AutoCAD.
- Go to the ‘Tools’ menu, and select ‘Options’.
- In the ‘Options’ window, navigate to the ‘System’ tab.
- Find the ‘License Checking’ option and adjust the frequency to a lower rate.
By reducing the frequency of checks, you can continue using AutoCAD without the constant license validation interruptions. This keeps your workflow smooth, while still allowing AutoCAD to perform occasional checks.
3. Use a Standalone License
If you’re using a network license, AutoCAD will regularly connect to the network to verify its authenticity. Switching to a standalone license can stop these frequent network-based checks, as the license is tied to one specific machine.
Here’s how to switch:
- Uninstall your current version of AutoCAD.
- Reinstall AutoCAD and select the standalone license option during installation.
- Enter your standalone license key.
While this method is highly effective, it does come with limitations. A standalone license restricts the use of AutoCAD to one machine, meaning you won’t be able to access the software from multiple computers as you would with a network license.
4. Modify the ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE Environment Variable
For more technically savvy users, modifying the ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE environment variable can give you even greater control over AutoCAD’s license checks. This method involves directing AutoCAD to check a local file for the license, rather than constantly reaching out over the network.
Follow these steps:
- Right-click on ‘My Computer’ or ‘This PC’ and choose ‘Properties’.
- Click on ‘Advanced system settings’.
- In the new window, go to the ‘Advanced’ tab and click on ‘Environment Variables’.
- Look for ‘ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE’ in the list and click ‘Edit’.
- Modify the path to direct AutoCAD to a local file.
Caution: Incorrectly altering system environment variables can have a wide-reaching impact on your computer’s performance. Make sure you fully understand each step before proceeding.
By changing this setting, you can significantly reduce the frequency of license checks, but this method is more technical and should only be attempted if you’re confident in your abilities.
5. Reset Licensing Information
If you’re using AutoCAD 2017 or a newer version, resetting the license information is another option. This is particularly helpful if AutoCAD has been throwing license errors, such as the ‘License Checkout Timed Out’ issue.
Steps to reset:
- Close AutoCAD and open Windows Explorer.
- Navigate to: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\CLM\LGS\.
- If the folder doesn’t exist, create it.
- Inside this folder, either find or create a file called LGS.data.
- In this file, type _STANDALONE (in all caps if you’re using a standalone license) and save it.
This process effectively resets AutoCAD’s licensing, stopping constant checks and resolving some of the common licensing issues.
Pro Tip: After resetting the licensing information, restart your computer and relaunch AutoCAD to ensure the changes take effect.
Other Factors to Consider
Stopping or modifying how AutoCAD checks for licenses can improve performance, but there are other things to keep in mind.
AutoCAD Version
The version of AutoCAD you’re using can affect how these checks work. For instance, newer versions like AutoCAD 2022 have different license management systems compared to older versions like AutoCAD 2015. Always consult the documentation for your specific version to ensure compatibility with these changes.
License Agreement
It’s essential to remember that Autodesk’s license agreements must be respected. Altering license settings improperly could lead to penalties. Make sure any changes comply with your license terms.
Impact on Other Software
Changing AutoCAD’s license settings might also affect other Autodesk products installed on your machine, such as Revit or 3ds Max. Be prepared to adjust settings in those programs if needed.
Final Thoughts
Preventing AutoCAD from checking your license can streamline your workflow and improve performance, especially in network-heavy environments. From simple solutions like disconnecting from the internet to more advanced options like modifying environment variables, there’s a method to suit every level of technical expertise.
Just remember: stay compliant with your Autodesk licensing terms and always make changes carefully. By following these steps, you can enjoy a smoother AutoCAD experience without the constant interruptions from license checks.