Reset AutoCAD to defaults

Issue:

At times, AutoCAD’s settings will become corrupted or missing and need to be reset to the defaults. Fatal errors or frequent crashing of the program are indicators that you may need to reset.

You may also need to reset because of issues with toolbars that are off screen or other workspace issues.

Solution:

To reset AutoCAD to its default settings, run the “Reset Settings to Defaults” application from the Start menu.

• Windows 11: Start > All Apps > AutoCAD 20xx > Reset Settings To Default
• Windows 10: Start > AutoCAD 20xx > Reset Settings To Default

1. Close AutoCAD
2. Rename the following folders in Windows Explorer:
   • %AppData%\Roaming\Autodesk\<version of AutoCAD>
   • %AppData%\Local\Autodesk\<version of AutoCAD>

<version of AutoCAD>: for example: AutoCAD 2023

Best practice: Copy the paths from above and paste it into the address bar of Windows Explorer to switch to the right folders.

3. Rename the following registry key:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD\[release version]\ACAD-[product version]:[language version]
     • From the Start menu type REGEDIT and hit Enter