Autodesk, Inc. works closely with Microsoft Corporation to help ensure that Autodesk applications provide the functionality you may require, regardless of the operating system. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of AutoCAD® 2011 software and AutoCAD® LT® 2011 software are supported on all available Microsoft operating systems, including Microsoft Windows® 7, Windows Vista®, and Windows XP. AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011 are specifically optimized for Windows 7, leveraging new Live Taskbar Preview functionality.

Autodesk Relationship with Microsoft

For more than a decade, Autodesk has collaborated on product development with Microsoft to bring innovative technologies to market and in an effort to exceed customer expectations. A Microsoft Platinum Partner, a Global ISV, and a member of Microsoft’s Manufacturing ISV program, Autodesk works closely with Microsoft to provide products that raise the bar for innovation and transcend operating systems. Whether you use Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, Autodesk is committed to providing the level of performance you expect from Autodesk.

Moving to Windows 7

Whether you choose to stay with your current operating system or adopt Windows 7, AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT software should deliver the same experience. All product features, workflows, and implementation processes are identical. If you migrate from an older OS to Windows 7, Autodesk recommends you reinstall your AutoCAD software. This will help ensure your AutoCAD software runs properly and should not cause any licensing problems. Moving to Windows 7 should not jeopardize your existing AutoCAD customizations. When you reinstall your AutoCAD software, simply move any customizations over to the new installation.

Autodesk does not support 2009 and older versions of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT on Windows 7. If you choose to run such versions of AutoCAD on the Windows 7 operating system, you may opt to use Windows compatibility mode. AutoCAD 2011 is optimized for Windows 7, leveraging the Live Taskbar Preview functionality. With the Windows 7 Live Taskbar Preview functionality, you can point to a taskbar icon to see actual images of all of your open AutoCAD files. Then, simply click the preview image to start working with the AutoCAD file right away. And you can even close windows from the thumbnail previews – a big timesaver.

Autodesk customers moving from Windows XP or earlier operating systems to Windows 7 will discover additional features to significantly improve the overall user experience with respect to AutoCAD software. Specifically, you can see AutoCAD properties in the detail tab of Windows Explorer, and use search tools that look for text strings in the drawing properties, text, and MTEXT of DWG™ files.

In addition, you’ll experience exceptional graphic performance because AutoCAD 2011 uses Direct3D®, Microsoft’s graphic application programming interface (API), which delivers increased stability, reliability, and visuals. As a result, you can maximize your work in the Windows 7 environment.

Third-Party Software and Peripherals

If you use third-party add-ons to AutoCAD software, check with their software manufacturers to discover whether they are compliant with Windows 7. You should ask manufacturers of your printer/plotter, mouse, or digitizer whether you need to update your drivers for these devices.

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