These instructions solve issues around installing/running your old AutoCAD 2012 on 64bit Windows 11. Some common issues are error messages like these
- “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® 2012”
- “You cannot install this product on the current operating system”
- “You are attempting to use a 32-bit installer on a 64-bit operating system”
- “This is a 32-bit AutoCAD® 2012. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”
You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD 2012 installation so that you can be up and running again… Follow these instructions:
Ransomware Protection Windows 11 and AutoCAD
Just before we start note that Windows 11 comes with a Ransomware Protection which includes Controlled Folder Access. Controlled folder access blocks applications from writing to your Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Public and Favorites folders. AutoCAD versions all the way to AutoCAD 2021 write to certain user Public folders and are therefore blocked by this feature. This can cause issues with all sorts of things including activating your AutoCAD license and even running AutoCAD. Ransomware Protection is an important feature of Windows 11 but it will affect your AutoCAD unless you allow AutoCAD and its dependent applications access to the controlled folders.
How to install AutoCAD 2012
IMPORTANT NOTE: Autodesk no longer supply License Activation codes for this version of AutoCAD. The best way is to transfer your existing license to the new PC but there are other options, we document them here
- If you don’t yet have a copy of the Longbow Converter App you can purchase it here or click on the download link we sent you via email in order to download the Converter App to your PC.
- Before installing the Converter App, make sure the files downloaded from our site are not blocked by Windows SmartScreen… Windows 11 is finicky, click the TLC zip first to make sure it’s fully selected then Right+click the file and select Properties. Be sure to check the Unblock checkbox as shown below and Click OK…
- Double click the zip file to open it and install the TLC application as normal. By the way, TLC stands for The Longbow Converter
- Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
- Start the Converter App and note the user interface
- Select the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter“
- Using the “. . .” button, selection your AutoCAD installation CD
- Next, click the “Convert“ button and follow instructions
- Once the conversion process is complete
- click Install/Run Setup to start setup
- if you see a dialog stating “An App on your PC needs the following Windows Feature: .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)” be sure to click “Download and install this feature” as this must be installed in order for the setup to run.
- Simply install as normal, remembering to…
- Close the setup program when the installation is complete.
- Back in the Converter app and make sure it has completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab – it should be green stating “SUCCESS”
- click Install/Run Setup to start setup
- Now run your AutoCAD as normal
Installing AutoCAD 2012 Service Packs
We recommend that you download and install the latest Service Packs from Autodesk which can be found here
- AutoCAD 2012 sp1 – install as normal
- Install the 2012 Ribbon Hotfix – install as normal
- AutoCAD 2012 sp2 – install as normal
Troubleshooting
- If your AutoCAD crashes while interacting with the Ribbon click here
- If you are unable to activate your product, or the activation process crashes:
- If you have crashing problems using the File->Open or File->Save dialogs inside of AutoCAD please read this blog entry on the File->Open or File->Save Crash in AutoCAD