Set the Latest Version of AutoCAD as the Default for Opening DWG Files


Issue

You need to set the latest version of AutoCAD as the default program for opening CAD drawings (DWG files).


For example, you may have:

  • Upgraded to the latest version of CAD but your DWG files are opening with a previous version
  • Tried to open a drawing and received the following error message:

AutoCAD is no longer the default application associated with DWG files. What do you want to do?


You might see this message after uninstalling AutoCAD. It's a known issue that can be resolved using the steps on this page.



Solution

You can resolve this issue using the AutoCAD DWG Launcher – a utility that automatically tells your computer to use the most recent installed version of AutoCAD to open all DWG files (CAD drawings).

The steps for configuring the DWG Launcher will vary depending on whether you have a Windows 7 or 10 operating system.


Windows 10

Right-click any existing DWG file (AutoCAD drawing) on your computer to open the menu pictured to the right.


Select Open with.

Then select Choose another app from the submenu that opens.

You might see an option to Choose default program instead. If so, select that option.




In the dialog box that opens, select the AutoCAD DWG Launcher option.


Check the box to Always use this app to open .dwg files.


Click OK.

Your DWG files should now open by default in your most recent installed version of AutoCAD.

Is the wrong version of AutoCAD opening when you double-click a DWG, even though you've set the latest version as the default? Here's the fix >


Windows 7

Right-click any existing DWG file (AutoCAD drawing) on your computer to open the menu pictured below.

Select Open With from the menu.


Then select Choose Default Program from the submenu that opens.


Then select Choose another app from the submenu that opens.


You might see an option to Choose another program instead. If so, select that option.




Select AutoCAD DWG Launcher from the Recommended Programs.


Check the box to Always Use the selected program to open this kind of file.


Click OK.

Don't see AutoCAD DWG Launcher here?


Here's what to do >


Your DWG files should now open by default in your most recent installed version of AutoCAD.

Don't See AutoCAD DWG Launcher in the Recommended Programs?

If not, click the down-facing arrow next to Other Programs. This will expand the Other Programs list.


Look for the file AutoCAD DWG Launcher in this list.

Click AutoCAD DWG Launcher to select it.


Make sure the box to Always Use the selected program to open this kind of file is checked.


Click OK.

Don't see AutoCAD DWG Launcher here?

Here's what to do >



Don't See AutoCAD DWG Launcher in the Other Programs?

If not, you'll need to browse to it.


Click Browse in the Open With dialog box.



Navigate to the folder C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AcShellEx.


Click the file AcLauncher, then click Open.




Back in the Open With dialog box, check the box to Always Use the selected program to open this kind of file.


Then click OK.


Your DWG files should now open by default in your most recent version of AutoCAD.