Previous Version Rights FAQ
One of the benefits of subscriptions and maintenance plans is access to and support for previous versions of Autodesk software. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
- What are Previous Version Rights?
- Which previous versions are eligible?
- What if a product or version that I need is not on the list of eligible previous versions?
- Can I get access to a new license or a new copy of a software product if it is not on the list of eligible previous versions?
- Can I access a product version I had not previously purchased or licensed?
- How many copies of a previous version can I install and access?
- What if I previously licensed a product; how many copies can I use?
- Given the example above, how many copies of previous versions can you now install and access?*
- If I switched from maintenance to a subscription, can I continue using previous versions of products from my original maintenance plan?
- If I switched from a subscription of one product to another, can I continue using previous versions of products from my original subscription?
- Do Previous Version Rights apply to Education and Commercial licenses?
- Do Home Use Rights apply to previous versions?
- Will Autodesk provide technical product support for Previous Versions?
- How do I access Previous Versions?
- Can I get physical media for previous version licenses?
- What happens to my Previous Version Rights if my maintenance plan or subscription expires?
What are Previous Version Rights?
Previous Version Rights allow you to install, access, and get support for specified previous versions of Autodesk products on a subscription or maintenance plan (subject to the Autodesk Terms and Conditions).
Which previous versions are eligible?
Eligible previous versions vary depending on whether you have a subscription or maintenance plan.:
What if a product or version that I need is not on the previous version list?
If you previously licensed, installed and accessed that previous version, and are still on a maintenance plan or subscription, then you may continue to use that version (see the Autodesk Terms and Conditions for details). Product support and activation*, however, are only provided for versions on the applicable subscription and maintenance plan lists.
* Versions 2011 and later can be activated until March 2021.
Can I get access to a new license or a new copy of a software product if it is not on the list of eligible previous versions?
No. New licenses or copies of previous versions of Autodesk products not listed on the eligible previous version lists will not be distributed.
Can I access a product version I had not previously purchased or licensed?
Yes, if it is listed on the applicable subscription or maintenance plan eligible previous version list.
How many copies of a previous version can I install and access?
While the previous version benefit allows you to install and access specified releases, as well as the most current version, you are not to exceed using the total number of your current licenses at any given time.
For example:
You have a subscription to 3 AutoCAD licenses. You can install and
access your current version and any eligible previous versions if
the number of licenses accessed simultaneously does not exceed 3
(the total number of licenses on subscription). The same applies to
accessing previous versions on a maintenance plan.
What if I previously licensed a product—how many copies can I use?
You may continue to use previous versions of software previously licensed, installed and accessed, which are not listed on the applicable subscription and maintenance plan lists, provided they were previously licensed, installed and activated as part of your subscription or maintenance plan. And you don't exceed the number of licenses previously licensed by you or the number of your current licenses of that product covered by your active contract (whichever is lower). Additionally, you can continue access if you remain active on the subscription or on a maintenance plan. See applicable Autodesk Terms and Conditions for additional details.
For example:
You originally purchased 10 licenses of AutoCAD 2014 on
subscription. You then installed and accessed all 10 licenses. You
continued renewing your subscription for the 10 licenses. When the
current version becomes available, you decide to purchase 5 more
AutoCAD subscriptions. Now you have a total of 15 licenses.
Given the example above, how many copies of previous versions can you now install and access?*
- Up to 15 versions provided they are on the applicable subscription or maintenance plan list.
- Up to ten licenses of 2014 (which are no longer on the eligible list).
* You cannot exceed the use of more than 15 licenses at any given time.
If I switched from a maintenance plan to a subscription, can I continue using previous versions of products from my original maintenance plan?
Yes. After you switch, you can continue using previously licensed, installed and activated versions of your software from your maintenance plan if the product is included in the new subscription. You will be subject to subscription terms and conditions, so if your subscription expires, you must uninstall and stop accessing all versions associated with the original maintenance plan and the subscription.
If I switched from a subscription of one product to another, can I continue using previous versions of products from my original subscription?
Yes. After you switch, you will be able to continue using previously licensed, installed, and activated versions of your software if the product is included in the new subscription. For example, if you are currently using an AutoCAD 2014 subscription, you can continue using the software after switching to the Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection.
Do Previous Version Rights apply to Education and Commercial licenses?
Yes. All maintenance plans and subscriptions (including education and commercial licenses) are eligible for previous version rights as long as they are listed on the applicable subscription or maintenance plan list.
Do Home Use Rights apply to previous versions?
Yes. Home Use Rights are granted for the most recent version of a product and all eligible previous versions for products listed on the Home Use Software - Eligible Product List.
Will Autodesk provide technical product support for previous versions?
Autodesk provides technical support for products on the applicable subscription or maintenance plan list.
How do I download and access previous versions?
Eligible previous versions are available for download in Autodesk Account.
- Subscribers with single-user access - Download the previous version from Autodesk Account. You do not need to request a license.
- Subscribers with multi-user access/network license - The network license activation file includes eligible previous versions. See Understanding Package Licenses and Previous Version Support for details.
- Maintenance plan with single-user access - For products that you have previously installed and accessed, simply reactivate. If you have not previously installed and accessed the version, request a license using the Previous Version License form.
- Maintenance plan with multi-user access/network license - The network license activation file includes eligible previous versions. See Understanding Package Licenses and Previous Version Support for details.
Can I get physical media for previous version licenses?
In general, we suggest making a backup when installing your software. As a maintenance plan customer, you can request product media for the most current version and eligible previous versions. Some products or versions may no longer be supported. See Order Boxed Software for more information.
For subscriptions, media kits can be purchased as needed (contact your reseller).
Note: When a version drops off the list of eligible previous versions, Autodesk cannot provide physical media or download file links, even if you previously licensed, installed or accessed that version.
What happens to my previous version rights if my maintenance plan or subscription expires?
Previous version rights terminate when the applicable maintenance plan or subscription terminates or expires for any reason. Upon expiration of a maintenance plan, you can only use the last activated version of the software and uninstall any other version. After a subscription expires, all previously licensed, installed and accessed versions are no longer eligible for use and must be uninstalled.