The Windows 11, version 24H2 update introduced significant improvements and new features, but it also caused AutoCAD 2022 to fail to launch on some systems. Users reported encountering critical errors, preventing AutoCAD from opening entirely. Autodesk and Microsoft have identified the root cause and issued a solution, allowing users to restore AutoCAD functionality quickly.

Update AutoCAD 2022 to Resolve Launch Issues

The most effective and recommended solution for this issue is to update AutoCAD 2022 to the latest version provided by Autodesk. Autodesk released a specific patch addressing the compatibility issue with Windows 11 version 24H2.

Step 1: First, confirm your current AutoCAD 2022 version. Open AutoCAD, click on the "Help" menu, and select "About AutoCAD." Check the version number displayed in the dialog box. If your version is lower than 2022.1.4 (S182.0.0), you will need to update your application.

Step 2: To update AutoCAD, visit the Autodesk Account Management portal. Log in with your Autodesk credentials and navigate to the product updates section. Alternatively, you can use the Autodesk Desktop App, which automatically detects available updates for your installed Autodesk products.

Step 3: Locate the update labelled "AutoCAD 2022.1.4 (S182.0.0)" or higher. Download and install this update, carefully following the on-screen prompts. Ensure AutoCAD is closed during the update process to avoid any conflicts.

Step 4: After completing the update installation, restart your computer to apply the changes. It may take up to 48 hours after updating AutoCAD for the Windows 11 24H2 update to become available in the Windows Update channel if it was previously blocked by a compatibility safeguard.

This targeted update from Autodesk resolves the underlying compatibility conflict, enabling AutoCAD 2022 to run correctly on Windows 11 version 24H2. Autodesk's official documentation provides additional details if needed.

Alternative Method: Clean Reinstall AutoCAD and Redistributables

If updating AutoCAD does not resolve the issue, performing a clean uninstall and reinstall of AutoCAD along with the required Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables can help eliminate corrupted files or configuration issues that might persist after the Windows update.

Step 1: Begin by fully uninstalling AutoCAD. Go to Windows Settings, select "Apps," then "Installed apps."

Step 2: Locate AutoCAD 2022, select it, and choose "Uninstall." Follow the prompts to remove the software entirely.

Step 3: After AutoCAD has been uninstalled, you should also uninstall all Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables. Navigate to "Apps" again, type "Visual C++" into the search bar, and uninstall each listed redistributable package. Restart your system once all redistributables are removed.

Step 4: Next, download and install the latest Visual C++ Redistributable packages directly from Microsoft's official website. Ensure you install both the x86 and x64 versions if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows.

Step 5: Once the Visual C++ Redistributables are reinstalled, download the latest AutoCAD 2022 installer from the Autodesk Virtual Agent or your Autodesk account. Install AutoCAD following the default prompts to ensure a clean setup.

Step 5: After installation, run AutoCAD to confirm it launches successfully. If AutoCAD opens without errors, the issue has been resolved.

Temporary Workaround: Using System Restore

If neither updating nor reinstalling resolves the issue and you urgently need AutoCAD working, temporarily reverting your system to a restore point before the Windows update can help. You should have set up a restore point earlier for this method to work.

Step 1: Open the Start menu, type "Create a restore point," and select the matching result. In the System Properties window, click "System Restore."

Step 2: Choose a restore point dated before the Windows 24H2 update installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to revert your system to this earlier state.

Step 3: After the restoration completes, ensure AutoCAD launches correctly. You can then wait for an official update from Autodesk or Microsoft before reapplying the Windows 24H2 update.

Note that this solution is temporary, and you should eventually update AutoCAD to the latest compatible version to avoid long-term issues and maintain system security.

With these methods, you can quickly resolve AutoCAD 2022 launch issues caused by the Windows 11 24H2 update. Keeping your software updated is the best preventive measure to avoid similar compatibility problems in the future.