Optimizing AutoCAD performance in Windows

Autodesk Support

Jun 26, 2024

Products and versions covered

Issue:

You want to optimize the performance of your AutoCAD-based program in Windows.

Environment:

Windows

Solution:

Follow these guidelines to improve your AutoCAD performance. Determine which of them provides the best results for your environment. Not all guidelines have the same effect on all systems, so test and compare results.

Windows environment guidelines

Verify that your hardware meets or exceeds AutoCAD's minimum system requirements.
- See System requirements for AutoCAD.
Update your computer's graphics card driver to the latest version available.
- See How to update to the latest certified video driver.
Turn off all compatibility settings except for Run This Program As Administrator:

In File Explorer, right-click the AutoCAD executable file and choose Properties.
From the Compatibility tab, deselect all options except Run This Program As Administrator.

Stop the Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache:

From Windows Start, search for 'Services'.
Click View Local Services.
On the Services dialog box, scroll down to Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache 3.0.0.0 and right-click.
Select Stop.

Delete the contents of the Windows TEMP folder. See How to delete temporary files in Windows.
Disable your antivirus program to see if it's slowing down your AutoCAD software. If it is, set up antivirus exclusions. See How to set up Antivirus (AV) exclusions to improve stability and performance of Autodesk software.
Eliminate slow network performance. See Working with shared contents: eliminating slow network performance (blog).

AutoCAD guidelines

Toggle hardware acceleration on and off to see which setting improves your performance. See How to enable or disable hardware acceleration in AutoCAD.
Download and install the latest service pack and any hotfixes for your AutoCAD software. See Install Updates, Add-ons, and Enhancements.
On the Options dialog, go to the Display tab and turn off Show Tool Tips and Show Rollover Tool Tips. Then turn off Quick Properties.
Remove network paths from Options > Files > Support File Search Path.
Remove any third-party plugins that are installed.
Clean up drawings with performance issues. See How to repair corrupt AutoCAD files. Examine highly nested blocks and consider exploding and purging them.
Use the UCSICON command to activate the origin in the drawing. Determine whether any data or XREFs are located far from the origin. If so, use the MOVE command to relocate the data closer to the origin. Choose coordinates close to the origin when loading drawings via XREF.
Disable one or more system variables which may impact graphics performance: See Improving AutoCAD performance with older or low-end graphics cards

Products:

AutoCAD Products;

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