Understanding the Limitations of AutoCAD’s Free Trial
AutoCAD offers a free trial period of 30 days, allowing users to explore its comprehensive features before committing to a purchase. However, once this trial period has expired, it cannot be extended or renewed on the same machine. The software is designed this way to prevent abuse of the trial system. Users are discouraged from reinstalling the software or attempting to bypass the trial limits, as this can violate the software’s licensing agreement.
Steps to Install and Use AutoCAD Free Trial
1. **Download the Software**: Visit the official Autodesk website to retrieve the AutoCAD free trial. Ensure that you meet the system requirements for your device.
2. **Installation Process**:
– Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
– Upon installation, launch the AutoCAD application.
3. **Activation**: When prompted with the trial version screen, click on the “Activate” button to start your trial.
Renewing Your AutoCAD Free Trial
While you cannot officially renew your trial, minor adjustments may extend your access temporarily. However, these alternative methods are not endorsed by Autodesk.
Methods to Extend Your Free Trial Period (Not Recommended)**
While there is no legitimate way to extend the AutoCAD trial, some individuals attempt the following steps:
1. **Uninstall AutoCAD**: First, uninstall the software completely from your computer.
2. **Registry Cleanup**: Access the Windows Registry:
– Press `Windows Key + R` to open the Run dialog.
– Type `regedit` and hit enter. This opens the Registry Editor.
– Locate and delete the entries related to AutoCAD. Be cautious when modifying the registry, as incorrect changes can affect system performance.
3. **Reinstallation**: Reinstall AutoCAD from the Autodesk website and begin a new trial. This method may or may not successfully reset the trial period, and it is essential to keep in mind that using such methods goes against Autodesk’s terms of service.
Using Student Versions for Extended Access
Students and educators can access a version of AutoCAD that is free for an extended period, often up to three years. Register on the Autodesk Education Community to download the student version, which includes most features of the full software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. **Can I install the AutoCAD free trial on another computer?**
– Yes, you can install it on another computer, provided that the previous installation has been removed and its trial period has ended. However, once the trial is used on a machine, it cannot be reinstated.
2. **Is there a way to use AutoCAD for free indefinitely?**
– While there are unofficial methods to extend the trial, they are not recommended because they violate Autodesk’s policies. The best legal option for individuals is to use the student version if applicable.
3. **What should I do if I encounter activation issues?**
– If activation fails, check your internet connection, restart AutoCAD, or contact Autodesk Support for assistance. They can help resolve activation issues effectively.
