Windows 11 24H2 goes back to the drawing board over AutoCAD 2022 glitch

Safeguard hold applied after designer darling borked by problematic update

Microsoft has thrown up another safeguard hold for Windows 11 24H2. This time, it's problems with AutoCAD 2022 that are to blame.

The issue was last night added to the ever-growing list of problems with Windows 11 24H2.

In what feels a little like Microsoft slamming the stable door after the horse has bolted (Windows 11 24H2 debuted in 2024), the megacorp admitted there were glitches with Autodesk AutoCAD 2022 on some devices. It said that some users encountered an error when opening the application.

Designers use Autodesk AutoCAD to come up with 2D and 3D designs. According to Autodesk, it is "trusted by millions." It is also quite an investment, costing more than $2,000 per year for a single user.

Autodesk was aware of potential issues. In a support page from December 12, 2024, the company noted that while Windows 11 was compatible with version 2023 and above (other than Autodesk CFD 2023 and 2024), anything earlier might run into trouble.

It helpfully said: "You might still try to install the 2021/2022 software on Windows 11 but there could be issues encountered that would not be seen with later versions."

The "try it and see" approach does not appear to have gone down well with Microsoft, which decided to apply a compatibility hold. Devices with the software installed will not be offered the Windows 11 24H2 update.

The problem is specific to AutoCAD 2022. Microsoft said: "All other versions of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are working as expected, such as AutoCAD 2023, 2024, and 2025, and will not prevent devices from installing Windows 11, version 24H2."

Windows 11 24H2 is shaping up to be one of Microsoft's more problematic releases of its flagship operating system. The safeguard hold is evidence there is no guarantee that previously compatible applications will work. AutoCAD 2022 lists Windows 11 or Windows 10 as part of its system requirements.

The timing is also unfortunate. Windows 11 24H2 has been in the hands of consumers for several months now, and there is every chance it could have already made its way onto designers' devices only for errors to appear when starting AutoCAD 2022.

Microsoft did not provide a timescale for when the malfunction might be resolved, and the safeguard hold lifted. It said: "We are working on a resolution and will provide more information when it is available." ®