Autodesk Desktop App: Replaced

The Autodesk Desktop App (ADA) gets installed on users’ computers when Autodesk applications are installed. Its purpose is to read which Autodesk software is installed on the user’s machine and provide information about which updates and add-ins are available. It uses the user’s Autodesk login credentials to determine what applications and services to which the user is entitled.

March 16, 2023, a new Application, Autodesk Access (AA), was made available which will replace ADA. Read this Autodesk document for more information. It accomplished essentially the same goals as ADA.

Why this change?

• AA will provide a simpler and more streamlines update experience for the users.
• AA is more secure than ADA.
• AA will be expanded in the future with more features.

What does this mean for you?

• When installing the Autodesk 2024 applications, ADA will be removed, and AA will be installed in its place.
• Unlike ADA, AA cannot be uninstalled. Only when the last Autodesk product on the machine is removed, will AA be removed.
• If you need to disable users’ abilities to install updates via Autodesk Access, click here for the registry key you must set.

To learn more about Autodesk applications, feel free to contact us and one of our representatives will reach out to you shortly.