Understanding Your AutoCAD License
When managing your AutoCAD software, it’s essential to stay informed about your license status. Knowing how to check your AutoCAD license can help ensure that you have uninterrupted access to all features you need for your projects.
Steps to Check Your AutoCAD License
1. **Locate the License Borrowing Icon:** Begin by looking for the License Borrowing icon in the status tray of your computer. This icon serves as a quick way to access license-related information.
2. **Access Product Information:**
– Right-click on the License Borrowing icon.
– Choose the Help menu from the context options and select ‘About’.
– From there, navigate to either ‘Product Information’ or ‘Product License Information’.
3. **Review License Details:** A dialog box labeled ‘Product License Information’ will appear. Here, look for specific details about your license, including the License Expiration Date, which indicates how long you have before you need to renew your subscription.
Determining License Expiration Date
To know your license’s expiration date:
1. **Launch the Software:** Open the AutoCAD application on your computer.
2. **Access the About Menu:**
– Navigate to the Help menu located in the application’s main toolbar.
– Select ‘About’ followed by the name of the product you’re using (AutoCAD 2025).
3. **Find Licensing Information:** In the About window that appears, click on ‘Product Information’ or ‘Product License Information’. This will provide you with details, including the expiration date of your current license.
Checking Autodesk Licensing Service Status
To verify whether the Autodesk licensing service is operational:
1. **Open the Services Console:**
– Click on the Start menu or right-click the Start button (particularly in Windows 10).
– Type `services.msc` in the Run dialogue box and hit Enter.
2. **Find the Licensing Service:** In the Services window that opens, scroll through the list to locate ‘Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service’.
3. **Check Status:** Look at the Status column next to the service name. It should read “Running” to confirm that the service is operational. If it’s not running, you may need to restart the service.
Accessing Your Autodesk ID
Your Autodesk ID is essential for managing your account and licenses. Here’s how to find it:
1. **Log In to Your Account:** Use your email address to log into your Autodesk Account.
2. **Locate Your Profile Information:** Once logged in, proceed to the Profile section, where your Autodesk ID is displayed.
3. **Password Recovery If Needed:** If you’ve forgotten your password, navigate to the accounts.autodesk.com page. Enter your email and follow the prompts to reset your password.
Renewing or Modifying Your License
If you need to update or change your AutoCAD license type:
1. **Open License Management:**
– Click on the drop-down arrow next to your username located at the top right corner of the AutoCAD window.
– Select ‘Manage License’ from the options provided.
2. **Change License Type:** In the License Manager dialog box, choose the option to ‘Change License Type’.
3. **Restart AutoCAD:** After making the necessary changes, close AutoCAD and restart it to apply your new settings.
Considerations for AutoCAD License Expiration
Be aware of what happens if your AutoCAD subscription expires:
– Loss of Access: Upon expiration, access to both the software and any associated cloud services will cease.
– Viewing Projects: You can continue to view and share your projects using Autodesk’s free viewing tools.
– Renewal Restrictions: Once expired, you cannot renew your subscription directly. New purchases must be made through the Autodesk online store to regain access.
FAQs
**1. Can I check my AutoCAD license information without opening the software?**
Unfortunately, you need to access the AutoCAD application to view detailed license information, including expiration dates and type.
**2. Is my AutoCAD license transferable to another computer?**
AutoCAD licenses typically cannot be transferred to a different computer directly. You may need to deactivate the license on one machine before activating it on another.
**3. How do I obtain a new AutoCAD license?**
To acquire a new license, visit the Autodesk online store or contact an authorized reseller for options and pricing based on your needs.
