How to Block AutoCAD Firewall?

Understanding the Importance of Blocking AutoCAD Through Firewall

Blocking AutoCAD from accessing the internet through your firewall might be necessary for various reasons, including enhancing security, preventing unauthorized updates, or maintaining work productivity without online interruptions. The following guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to configure your firewall settings to block AutoCAD effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Block AutoCAD in Windows Firewall

Step 1: Open Windows Firewall Settings

1. Click on the "Start" menu located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Type “Windows Defender Firewall” in the search bar and select it from the list that appears.

Step 2: Access Advanced Settings

1. In the Windows Defender Firewall window, look for "Advanced settings" on the left side and click on it. This will open the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security window.

Step 3: Configure Inbound Rules

1. On the left side, click on “Inbound Rules” to manage incoming traffic.
2. In the right pane, click on “New Rule…” to create a new rule that will block AutoCAD.

Step 4: Choose the Rule Type

1. Select “Program” as the type of rule you want to configure, then click “Next.”

Step 5: Select the AutoCAD Executable

1. Choose “This program path:” and use the “Browse…” option to locate AutoCAD’s executable file (typically found in the installation folder).
2. After selecting the correct EXE file, click “Next.”

Step 6: Define the Block Action

1. Select “Block the connection” to prevent AutoCAD from accessing the internet.
2. Click “Next” to continue.

Step 7: Specify When the Rule Applies

1. You will be prompted to choose the network types for which this rule applies—Domain, Private, and Public. Select all that apply, then click “Next.”

Step 8: Name Your Rule

1. Provide a descriptive name for the rule, such as “Block AutoCAD Internet Access.”
2. You may also add a description for future reference. Press “Finish” to complete the configuration.

Step 9: Configure Outbound Rules (Optional)

1. Still in the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security window, click on “Outbound Rules.”
2. Repeat steps 3-8 to create another rule for outbound traffic if you wish to block AutoCAD from sending data out as well.

Stopping AutoCAD from Connecting to the Internet

If you want to ensure AutoCAD doesn’t connect to the internet automatically via registry settings, follow these instructions:

Step 1: Close AutoCAD

1. Ensure that AutoCAD is not running.

Step 2: Access the Registry Editor

1. Press "WINDOWS-R" on your keyboard to bring up the Run dialog.
2. Type “REGEDIT” and press OK to open the Registry Editor.

Step 3: Navigate to AutoCAD Settings

1. In the Registry Editor, navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD\R25.0\ACAD-XXX:XXX
     (The "XXX:XXX" will vary based on your specific installation.)

Step 4: Modify InfoCenter Setting

1. Look for a key named “InfoCenterOn” on the right pane.
2. Double-click on it and change its value to "0" (zero) to disable the InfoCenter feature and prevent internet connections.

Step 5: Restart AutoCAD

1. Close the Registry Editor and relaunch AutoCAD to implement the changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still use AutoCAD without an internet connection?
Yes, most desktop versions of AutoCAD, including AutoCAD 2025, can function independently after installation and activation. However, an internet connection is required for initial installation and activation.

2. Is it possible to undo the changes made in the firewall?
Absolutely. You can go back to the Inbound and Outbound Rules in the Windows Firewall settings and either disable or delete the rules you’ve created to unblock AutoCAD.

3. What should I do if I have difficulty finding the AutoCAD executable?
If you’re unsure of the location, you can typically find AutoCAD installed in the “C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2025” folder. Look for files ending with .exe, such as "acad.exe."