Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 8.1 in January 2018 and Microsoft users had to move to Windows 10 to continue to receiving security updates and support.
Autodesk support for the Microsoft Windows 8.1 operating system will end in March 2021 for all new and upgraded versions of AutoCAD* products released in the year 2021 and beyond.
Versions of AutoCAD products released prior to AutoCAD 2022 will continue to be supported on the Windows 8.1 operating system as they are today.
Questions and Answers
Why is Autodesk ending AutoCAD* support for Windows 8.1 in 2021?
Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 8.1 in January 2018 and customers have indicated Windows 8.1 is no longer a viable option given the availability of Windows 10. Revit and Inventor ended support of Windows 8.1 in March 2019, and Autodesk is ending support for 8.1 for AutoCAD in 2021.
Will my existing licensed AutoCAD* products still work if I upgrade my Windows 8.1 computer to Windows 10 or buy a new computer?
AutoCAD 2016 and previous versions will not work on Windows 10.
If you are on AutoCAD 2017, AutoCAD 2018, AutoCAD 2019, AutoCAD 2020, or AutoCAD 2021, and you want to upgrade your operating system or buy a new computer with a different operating system, your existing product licenses will remain valid for your new system. Here are the recommended steps for a successful operating system upgrade:
- Record your Serial Number and Product Key and Request Code just in case you need them for activation later.
- Export your existing product license using the Online License Transfer utility. See How to Transfer Stand-Alone Licenses Online and Online License Transfer FAQs.
- Install the new operating system (if you’re not upgrading to a new computer).
- Reinstall your Autodesk software. See How to download or re-download software, How to prepare your system before installing Autodesk software and How to install Autodesk software on a single computer.
- Import your product activation information using the Online License Transfer Utility.
You should check the system requirements for your AutoCAD product and version to confirm compatibility.
How do I migrate my older licensed AutoCAD* products to a Windows 10 computer, if I lost the installation discs and serial numbers?
Please contact ATG for a copy of the product and your original serial number. If you are a current Autodesk Subscriber, you can sign in to the Subscription Center and download the previous three versions of the product.
You should check the system requirements for your AutoCAD product and version to confirm compatibility.
What versions of AutoCAD Products* support Windows 8.1?
Please check the system requirements for your AutoCAD product and version to confirm compatibility with Windows 8.1.
Will the AutoCAD* 2021 software I purchased work on Windows 8.1 even though Autodesk is ceasing support for this operating system?
Yes, the AutoCAD 2021 product line will continue to be supported on Windows 8.1. Support will cease for new versions of AutoCAD products released beginning with AutoCAD 2022.
How does ending Windows 8.1 support affect me and the products that I currently own (version 2021 and earlier)? I am still on Windows 8.1 and do not have the ability to migrate to another Windows OS.
Autodesk will continue to support you and your existing purchased products on Windows 8.1 in alignment with our current product support policies.
What do I do if I run into issues with AutoCAD* products on Windows 8.1? Who do I contact for support?
You can continue to use your existing Autodesk support channels for Windows 8.1 issues with AutoCAD products and versions that shipped prior to AutoCAD 2022.
I’m running Windows 8.1 with my AutoCAD* products. Can I still purchase apps and plug-ins from the Autodesk App Store after AutoCAD 2022 is released?
If you are installing apps from the Autodesk App Store, please check with the supplier/developer of the app for system and product requirements pertaining to Windows 8.1 support.
*This includes: AutoCAD, AutoCAD including specialized toolsets, and AutoCAD LT.
Originally published on the Autodesk Knowledge Network.
For more information on Autodesk products, please visit our Autodesk products page.
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