12 Solutions to Fix AutoCAD License Manager Not Functioning

If AutoCAD fails to start and displays “The license manager is not functioning or is improperly installed,” the issue is often related to Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service, incorrect system time, or a licensing component conflict. Below are 12 effective methods to help you fix the problem step by step.

 

 

Solution 1. Make Sure Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service Is Running

 

Advanced Check: Verify Whether Autodesk Licensing Service Recognizes AutoCAD

If the service is running but AutoCAD still cannot obtain a license, check whether the licensing service has correctly detected your installed Autodesk products.

 

Step 1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

 

Step 2. Run the following command:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing\Current\helper\AdskLicensingInstHelper.exe" list

 

Step 3. Review the output.

If Autodesk products are registered correctly, the command will display the products detected by the licensing service.

 

If the result shows an empty list ([]), the licensing information may not have been registered correctly or the licensing data may be damaged. Try repairing Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service or reinstalling Autodesk software if the problem continues.

 

 

Solution 2. Update Related Services

The issue of the license manager is not functioning is also related to the versions of Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service (ADLS) and Autodesk Single Sign-On Component (AdSSO). Both play crucial roles in accessing and controlling AutoCAD. Although the two do not interact directly, if their versions are outdated, it can cause your AutoCAD license to be unavailable, leading to the “network license not available Autodesk” error. To settle the matter, refer to the following operations to update both to the latest before running AutoCAD.

 

Update the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service

Step 1. Visit the ADLS update site for the 2020 and later product versions.

 

Step 2. Under the “Windows” part, download the installer file.

 

Step 3. Go to the save folder and use WinRAR or other tools to unzip it. Then open and install it.

 

Step 4. After installing, right-click the file and choose “Properties”, where you need to check the “Unblock” box in the “Security” section.

 

Step 5. First click “Apply” and then “OK” to confirm the settings.

 

Step 6. Restart your computer and run AutoCAD. Your license manager should now be available.

 

Update the Autodesk Single Sign-On Component

Step 1. Click “Windows/Start” to search “Task Manager”.

 

Step 2. Hit the “Process” tab and end AutoCAD and the AdSSO.exe process if it is running.

 

Step 3. Launch AutoCAD and log into your account. Then head to the “My Updates” tab.

 

Step 4. Select the update notification titled “Single Sign On Component-V13.7.7-2020.7 SecurityFix English-US 64-Bit”.

 

Step 5. Wait until the process is finished and then you are required to reboot the device.

 

 

Solution 3. Re-register the Licensing Components

 

Step 1. Download the AutoCAD version you want to re-register, and navigate to the save folder.

 

Step 2. Search “*.pit” to find the AutoCAD installation package named “AutoCADConfig.pit”.

 

Step 3. Copy the *.pit file and paste it to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing\Current\helper\.

Step 4. Tap “Win+R” and enter “cmd” to enable Command Prompt. Then you need to press “CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER” together on the keyboard.

 

Step 5. Copy the command below to run.

 

Step 6. Restart the software and you will find the AutoCAD licensing manager not functioning issue is fixed.

Solution 4. Check Your Computer Date and Time Settings

In addition to modifying the basic settings of the license service above to solve the problem of AutoCAD license manager not functioning, you may not be aware that incorrect time zone settings can also be a possible cause of the problem. However, simply synchronizing the time with the internet on your computer can generally resolve this issue. Here is how it works.

 

Step 1. Hit “Windows/Start” to find “Settings”. Alternatively, the “Win+I” key is also available.

 

Step 2. Head to “Time and Language” > “Date and Time”.

 

Step 3. Turn on the “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically” two switches to enable your living time zone to match the internet time.

 

 

Solution 5. Enable Your FlexNet Licensing Service 64

FlexNet Licensing Service 64 is the service required to run AutoCAD standalone licenses. Typically, it is automatically configured with AutoCAD installation to ensure the license manager can operate properly. Although the role of FlexNet has been diminished in newer versions due to the introduction of the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service, it is still worth trying to enable the FlexNet Licensing Service 64 if you see the error saying “license manager not functioning”.

Step 1. Click the “Start” or “Windows” key, then search “Service” to open it.

 

Step 2. Scroll down the screen to find FlexNet Licensing Service 64 in the list of services.

 

Step 3. Right-click it, select “Properties”, and hit “Automatic” from the “Startup type” menu.

 

Step 4. Click “Apply” to activate, and then “OK” to confirm the adjustment.

 

Step 5. Now restart AutoCAD and the AutoCAD licensing manager not functioning error no more appears.

 

 

Solution 6. Grant AutoCAD Permissions

Antivirus software and Microsoft Defender are likely to affect the installation and performance of AutoCAD. Therefore, when you find that AutoCAD license manager is not functioning, it’s essential to consider granting AutoCAD permissions and setting the software as an exclusion in your antivirus settings. This will give AutoCAD full control over its folders and components, ensuring more efficient operation. For AutoCAD 2020 and newer versions, here are some license components that may need to be added to the antivirus program as exclusions:

 

• C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk\ Shared\AdskLicensing\Current\AdskLicensingAgent\AdskLicensingAgent.exe
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk\ Shared\AdskLicensing\Current\AdskLicensingService\AdskLicensingService.exe
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk\ Shared\AdskLicensing\Current\helper\AdskLicensingInstHelper.exe

 

If your AutoCAD has a maintenance subscription license, also try these:

 

• C:\Program Files\Common Files\Macrovision Shared\FlexNet Publisher\FNPLicensingService64.exe
• C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdLM\R14\LMU.exe (the folder R14 may differ depending on the version of the product installed – i.e it could be R12, R10…).
• C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk AutoCAD 201x\acad.exe (or the exe of the Autodesk program that is running).

 

 

Solution 7. Uninstall and Reinstall the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service

Uninstalling and reinstalling the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service is one of the most recommended ways to fix the issue of AutoCAD license manager not functioning. Such an operation creates a clean environment for the entire associated files and components. And any previous file corruption, misconfiguration, or installation conflicts can be corrected. Just follow the detailed steps to try to uninstall and reinstall Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service.

 

Uninstall the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service

For Windows Computer:

Step 1. Launch Windows File Explorer and head to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing

 

Step 2. Right-click “uninstall.exe” and choose “Run as administrator”.

 

Step 3. Wait until the folder is empty, at which point the ADLS will be uninstalled from your computer.

 

For Mac Computer:

Step 1. Download the script UninstallAdskLicensingService.sh. And then open Terminal.

 

Step 2. Type “sh”, drag the script to Terminal, and the command will auto complete.

 

Step 3. Tap the “Enter” key to execute the command. Then verify your Mac password to proceed.

 

Step 4. Enter “ls -lrt /Library/Application\ Support/Autodesk/AdskLicensing/Current”.

 

Step 5. AdskLicensing is successfully removed when you see “No such file or directory”.

 

Reinstall the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service

For Windows Computer:

Step 1. Close AutoCAD and end its operation on your computer.

 

Step 2. Navigate to the ADLS download site to download the latest version of ADLS.

 

Step 3. Right-click the “AdskLicensing-installer.exe” file and go to Properties > General Tab. If you see a security window as shown in the following, select “Unblock”.

 

Step 4. Click “Apply” and “OK” consecutively to confirm the settings.

 

Step 5. Now double-click the EXE file to download it on your computer.

 

For Mac Computer:

Step 1. The first two steps are the same as Windows to download the latest installer file.

 

Step 2. Open Finder, head to the folder save path, and double-click it to extract the file.

 

Step 3. Double-click the “.pkg” file and follow the on-screen instructions to finish its installation.

 

 

Solution 8. Change Your Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service Property

If you still encounter the “AutoCAD license manager is not functioning or is improperly installed” problem after reinstalling the AutoCAD license service, you can check if the settings of Autodesk License Service Properties are correct. Autodesk License Service Properties affect various aspects, such as license verification, allocation, and release. If the properties are incorrect or not configured properly, it will impact the normal use of AutoCAD. To adjust the properties for Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service, refer to the following process.

 

Step 1. Press the “Win” and “R” keys together to open the Run command. Then type “services.msc” in the search box.

 

Step 2. In the service prompt, find “Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service”. Right-click it and select “Properties”

 

Step 3. Hit the “Log on” tab to check “Local System account” and select “Allow service to interact with desktop”.

 

Step 4. Click “Apply” followed by “OK” to confirm the changes. Now restart ADLS and AutoCAD.

 

 

Solution 9. Disable AutoCAD Conflicting Software

To further ensure that your AutoCAD license manager functions well, it is worth checking if there is any third-party software you are using on the computer that conflicts with AutoCAD. These applications may either prevent the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service from starting or potentially affect the installation and performance of ADLS. Common software known to conflict with AutoCAD includes Acronis True Image, AppGuard, Astrill VPN, Cylance, and others. It is recommended that you disable or uninstall these software packages. For a more detailed list of software to disable, see Autodesk Licensing Service: Known Conflicting Applications.

 

 

Solution 10. Make Sure Your License Is Available

 

 

Solution 11. Clean Uninstall and Reinstall AutoCAD

In technical products, there is a silver bullet for fixing faults and bugs, and that is to reinstall the software. This is equally useful for addressing the AutoCAD license manager not functioning issue. A clean uninstallation and installation of AutoCAD software will remove related residual files and registry items and ensure a fresh usage environment and correct configuration.

 

At the same time, the software will be downloaded as the latest version, which may fix some known issues in previous versions and provide better compatibility and stability. For most Windows users, this process is not difficult and can be followed using the steps below.

 

Step 1. Click “Windows” or “Start”, and enter “appwiz.cpl”, which will open Control Panel. Then select and uninstall AutoCAD and its related programs.

Step 2. Go to C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AdODIS\V1 and run RemoveODIS.exe to uninstall Autodesk Access.

 

Step 3. Head to Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared and run AdskLicensing\uninstall.exe to uninstall Autodesk Licensing Desktop Service.

 

Step 4. Use an install and uninstall troubleshooter by Microsoft to delete residual programs.

 

Step 5. Type “%temp%” from the “Windows” or “Start” button to launch the Temp folder.

Step 6. Remove all folders and files, excluding those currently in use. And then clean the three files in the path C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet that begin with “adsk” (one of them is hidden).

 

Step 7. Turn to Windows Registry Editor (REGEDIT) and delete the following entries:

• Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk
• Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Autodesk

 

Step 8. Open the Control Panel again to uninstall Autodesk Genuine Service. After that, you can visit the official Autodesk site to reinstall the latest AutoCAD.

 

 

Solution 12. Update Your Windows Operating System

For AutoCAD 2020 and newer versions, the software and integrated Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service rely on higher operating system requirements. If your computer currently cannot meet the minimum requirements of the software and license service, you may encounter AutoCAD license manager not functioning. Moreover, outdated operating systems not only severely limit AutoCAD’s design capabilities but also make your computer and software more vulnerable to attacks. Therefore, trying to upgrade the Windows operating system is also a worthwhile solution to solve the AutoCAD license not functioning problem. The detailed process is as follows.

Step 1. Hit the “Windows” icon to open “Settings”;

 

Step 2. Choose “Update & Security” from the left sidebar and go to “Windows Update”;

 

Step 3. Click “Check for updates” to check the new version. If there is one, click and install it.

 

 

Turn to Cost-Effective AutoCAD Alternative – ZWCAD

The above 12 solutions to “AutoCAD license manager is not functioning” mostly come from official tips and contributions from netizens, which can solve the problem. However, none of them provide a once-and-done operation. Therefore, to avoid delays in work or study progress, it’s advisable to prepare an AutoCAD alternative.

 

ZWCAD is one of the most worthwhile alternatives to consider for AutoCAD. Its interface is similar to AutoCAD’s, and its design capabilities are comparable. ZWCAD has all the common and advanced design features such as 2D drawing, annotation, 3D modeling, Point Cloud, and API integrations. Moreover, it is fully compatible with native AutoCAD file formats such as DWG and DXF. In this way, no longer afraid of AutoCAD errors. You can directly import files into ZWCAD to complete the design without any barriers.

 

In addition, compared to AutoCAD, ZWCAD is more lightweight. It only requires 2GB RAM and 1GB graphics card to run perfectly on Windows and Linux computers. Meanwhile, thanks to its built-in multi-core CPU and GPU acceleration, this top-notch design software can easily design large projects and handle multiple drawings simultaneously, boasting a running speed 1.7 times faster than AutoCAD.

 

Notably, ZWCAD is user-friendly for all types of users. It introduces some more handy features such as Smart Plot, Smart Mouse, Smart Select, and Smart Voice. All of them simplify the original complicated commands and keystrokes required. In the latest 2026 version, ZWCAD has added even more powerful features, including Parametric Design, ZWCAD Toolbox, Smart Match, and Similar Search, which further enhance drawing editing efficiency and significantly reduce manual effort.

What’s even better is that ZWCAD is very affordable. It doesn’t have lefty and complex subscription models and supports a one-time purchase for just $899. This is especially suitable for personal and small-size company use.

 

 

FAQ about nonfunctional AutoCAD License Manager

 

Can ZWCAD open AutoCAD drawings if licensing problems prevent AutoCAD from launching?

ZWCAD supports DWG and DXF compatibility and is commonly positioned as an AutoCAD alternative, so users can continue working on drawings while avoiding repeated licensing interruptions.

 

What does “unable to connect with Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service” mean?

This message means AutoCAD cannot communicate with the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service, which is responsible for verifying your license. It usually happens when the service is stopped, corrupted, outdated, or blocked by firewall, antivirus, or network settings.

To fix it, first check whether Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service is running, then restart the service, update the licensing components, and make sure firewall, antivirus, or VPN settings are not blocking AutoCAD.

 

What should I do if I get an Autodesk licensing error in AutoCAD?

First, check whether Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service is running and make sure your system date and time are correct. If the error continues, update the licensing components, sign out and sign back in to your Autodesk account, and try restarting AutoCAD and your computer.

 

How can I continue working with CAD files if licensing problems prevent AutoCAD from launching?

If the AutoCAD licensing issue cannot be resolved, you can consider an alternative CAD solution such as ZWCAD. ZWCAD supports DWG and DXF files, allowing you to open, edit, and continue working with your existing drawings.

 

 

Conclusion

If the error disappears after these steps, your AutoCAD licensing issue is likely resolved. If the problem keeps coming back, it is worth checking your software environment, security settings, and license status. For users looking for a more stable licensing environment, ZWCAD can also be considered as an alternative.