How to Uninstall Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service

Overview of Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service

The Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service is an essential component for users of Autodesk software starting from version 2020 and beyond, including AutoCAD 2025. It manages the licensing and activation process of Autodesk applications. Occasionally, users may need to uninstall this service due to various reasons, such as troubleshooting or reinstallation.

Why Uninstall Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service?

There may be circumstances where users encounter issues with their Autodesk software that require the removal of the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service. This could include problems related to licensing errors or the need to reset licensing settings. However, uninstalling this service is not straightforward since it does not appear in common uninstall locations like the Autodesk Uninstall Tool or Control Panel.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Uninstall Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service on Windows

Prerequisites:
Before starting, ensure that you have administrative privileges on your Windows machine.

1. Open File Explorer:
   Begin by launching File Explorer from the taskbar or by pressing Windows + E on your keyboard.

2. Navigate to the Licensing Folder:
   Enter the following path into the address bar of File Explorer:
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing

3. Run the Uninstaller:
   Locate the uninstall.exe file within the folder. Right-click on the file and select "Run as administrator." This action will initiate the uninstallation process.

4. Monitor the Uninstallation:
   Wait for the uninstallation process to complete. Once finished, ensure the folder is empty; this indicates that the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service has been successfully removed from your system.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Uninstall Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service on macOS

Prerequisites:
You will need to download a script file and have administrative access to perform this uninstall.

1. Download the Uninstaller Script:
   Access the official Autodesk resources to download the UninstallAdskLicensingService.sh script.

2. Open Terminal:
   Go to the Finder, click on "Go," then navigate to "Utilities" and select "Terminal."

3. Execute the Uninstaller Script:
   Begin typing sh in the Terminal window. Drag the downloaded script file into the Terminal to insert its path. The command should display as:
   sh /path/to/UninstallAdskLicensingService.sh

4. Run the Command:
   Press ENTER to execute the command. You will be prompted to enter your Mac password. Note that as you type your password, no characters will appear on the screen for security reasons.

5. Verify Uninstallation:
   To ensure that the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service has been removed, type the following command in the Terminal and hit ENTER:
   ls -lrt /Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AdskLicensing/Current
   If the response indicates "No such file or directory," this confirms that the service has been successfully uninstalled.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if I encounter errors while uninstalling?
If you experience issues during the uninstallation process, ensure you have administrative rights. Restart your computer and try the process again. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to Autodesk support for assistance.

2. Is it necessary to uninstall the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service before reinstalling Autodesk software?
It is recommended to uninstall the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service if you are troubleshooting or if you plan to install a different version of the software. This helps avoid potential conflicts.

3. Can I reinstall the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service after uninstallation?
Yes, you can reinstall the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service anytime by downloading it from the Autodesk website or during the installation of Autodesk software.