A comprehensive PowerShell script for safely and thoroughly removing all Autodesk software from Windows systems.
Created by AI to address the inadequacy of Autodesk's official removal methods. After Autodesk discontinued their comprehensive "Autodesk Uninstall Tool" and replaced it with limited manual instructions, users were left without a reliable way to completely remove Autodesk software.
This AI-developed tool provides a complete solution for removing all traces of Autodesk software from Windows systems. It goes beyond standard uninstallation and Autodesk's insufficient manual methods by removing:
- All Autodesk applications (AutoCAD, Inventor, Maya, 3ds Max, Revit, Fusion 360, etc.)
- Services and processes (including licensing services)
- Registry entries (software keys, file associations, installer entries)
- Files and directories (program files, user data, temp files, cache)
- Shortcuts (desktop, start menu, taskbar, quick launch)
- System files (MSI cache, prefetch files, event logs)
- Network settings (firewall rules, hosts file cleanup)
- Administrator privilege verification
- System safety checks (Domain Controller detection, disk space verification)
- Automatic system restore point creation
- Comprehensive error handling
- Recovery instructions and backup creation
- Process termination - Safely stops all Autodesk processes
- Service management - Stops and removes Autodesk services
- Official uninstallers - Runs RemoveODIS.exe and AdskLicensing uninstaller
- Registry cleanup - Removes all Autodesk registry entries
- File system cleanup - Handles locked files and permissions
- Network reset - Cleans firewall rules and network settings
- Color-coded output - Clear visual feedback
- Progress indicators - Shows current operation
- Interactive prompts - Confirms dangerous operations
- Flexible execution - Multiple command-line options
- Detailed logging - Comprehensive operation feedback
- Windows 10/11 or Windows Server
- PowerShell 5.1 or higher
- Administrator privileges
- At least 1GB free disk space
- Download the script:
AutoDeskRemovalTool.ps1 - Right-click PowerShell and select "Run as administrator"
- Navigate to the script directory
- Run the script:
.\AutoDeskRemovalTool.ps1
# Interactive mode with all safety checks
.\AutoDeskRemovalTool.ps1
# Force mode (skip confirmations) - USE WITH CAUTION
.\AutoDeskRemovalTool.ps1 -Force
# Skip automatic restart prompt
.\AutoDeskRemovalTool.ps1 -NoRestart
# Skip system restore point creation
.\AutoDeskRemovalTool.ps1 -SkipRestorePoint
# Combine options
.\AutoDeskRemovalTool.ps1 -Force -NoRestart| Parameter | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
-Force |
Skip user confirmations (use with caution) | $false |
-NoRestart |
Skip automatic restart prompt | $false |
-SkipRestorePoint |
Skip system restore point creation | $false |
- AutoCAD (all versions)
- Inventor
- Maya
- 3ds Max
- Revit
- Fusion 360
- Autodesk Desktop App
- All Autodesk licensing components
- FlexNet Licensing Service
- Autodesk Licensing Service
- Autodesk Material Library Services
- Autodesk Desktop App Service
- Autodesk Genuine Service
C:\Program Files\AutodeskC:\Program Files (x86)\AutodeskC:\ProgramData\AutodeskC:\ProgramData\FLEXnet- User AppData directories
- Temp files and cache
- And many more...
HKLM\SOFTWARE\AutodeskHKCU\SOFTWARE\Autodesk- File associations (.dwg, .dwt, etc.)
- Windows Installer entries
- Service registry keys
- ✅ Create backups of important data
- ✅ Close all applications
- ✅ Ensure you have Administrator privileges
- ✅ Verify you have at least 1GB free space
- 🛡️ System restore point created automatically
- 🛡️ Hosts file backup created
- 🛡️ Domain Controller detection (prevents running on DCs)
- 🛡️ Server environment warnings
If you experience issues after running the script:
- Type
rstruiin the Start menu - Select the restore point created by the script
- Follow the wizard to restore your system
- Hosts file: Restore from
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.backup - Windows Update: Check for missing drivers
- Firewall: Reconfigure settings if needed
The script removes all versions and installations of:
| Product Category | Applications |
|---|---|
| CAD Software | AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical |
| 3D Modeling | Inventor, Fusion 360, 3ds Max, Maya |
| Architecture | Revit, AutoCAD Architecture |
| Manufacturing | Inventor, Fusion 360, PowerMill, FeatureCAM |
| Media & Entertainment | Maya, 3ds Max, MotionBuilder |
| Utilities | Autodesk Desktop App, Autodesk Genuine Service, FLEXnet Licensing |
"Access Denied" Errors
- Ensure you're running as Administrator
- The script handles most permission issues automatically
"Service Cannot Be Stopped" Errors
- Some services may be in use; the script will retry
- Restart your computer if services remain after script completion
"Registry Key Not Found" Errors
- This is normal - means the key was already removed or doesn't exist
- The script continues with other operations
Script Execution Policy Error
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUserContributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit issues, feature requests, or pull requests.
- Follow PowerShell best practices
- Maintain error handling and safety checks
- Test on different Windows versions
- Update documentation for new features
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
This tool makes extensive changes to your system. While it includes safety features:
- Use at your own risk
- Test in a non-production environment first
- Ensure you have system backups
- Review the code before running
The authors are not responsible for any damage caused by this tool.
- Created by AI in response to Autodesk's inadequate removal solutions
- Developed after Autodesk discontinued their comprehensive "Autodesk Uninstall Tool"
- Inspired by the need for a reliable alternative to Autodesk's limited manual cleanup instructions
- Thanks to the PowerShell community for best practices and techniques
- Built with safety, thoroughness, and user needs in mind - something Autodesk failed to provide
Autodesk previously provided a comprehensive "Autodesk Uninstall Tool" that could effectively remove their software. However, they discontinued this tool and now only provide basic manual cleanup instructions that are:
- ❌ Incomplete - Leaves behind hundreds of files and registry entries
- ❌ Manual - Requires users to manually delete files and edit registry
- ❌ Time-consuming - Takes hours of manual work
- ❌ Error-prone - Easy to miss components or damage system
- ❌ Unsafe - No backup or recovery options provided
This tool was developed by AI to provide what Autodesk failed to deliver:
- ✅ Complete removal of all Autodesk components
- ✅ Automated process with minimal user intervention
- ✅ Safety features including restore points and backups
- ✅ Comprehensive cleanup beyond what Autodesk's manual method covers
- ✅ Error handling and recovery procedures
- ✅ User-friendly interface with clear feedback
The result: A tool that actually works and removes Autodesk software completely, something Autodesk themselves no longer provides.
⭐ If this tool helped you, please give it a star!
🐛 Found a bug? Please report it in the Issues section.
💡 Have a suggestion? We'd love to hear it!