To uninstall Autodesk Inventor efficiently, the recommended method is to use the Autodesk Uninstall Tool, which simplifies the process by automatically removing all associated components. Alternatively, you can use the Windows Programs and Features utility for manual removal.
How to Uninstall Autodesk Inventor?
Uninstalling Autodesk Inventor ensures a clean system, which is crucial for troubleshooting, preparing for a new installation, or freeing up disk space. While multiple methods exist, some offer a more thorough removal than others.
Method 1: Using the Autodesk Uninstall Tool (Recommended)
The Autodesk Uninstall Tool is designed to remove all Autodesk products and their related components, providing the most complete and hassle-free uninstallation. This method is highly recommended to avoid residual files and registry entries that could cause issues with future installations.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Locate the Tool:
- Navigate to your Windows Start Menu.
- Search for "Autodesk Uninstall Tool" or look for it within the "Autodesk" program group.
- Alternatively, you might find it in the installation media or downloadable from the official Autodesk support website.
- Run the Tool:
- Launch the Autodesk Uninstall Tool. You may need administrative privileges.
- Select Inventor:
- In the list of installed Autodesk products, locate and select "Autodesk Inventor" (e.g., Autodesk Inventor Professional 2024).
- Crucially, when you select Inventor, all its related components, add-ins, and shared libraries are automatically selected by the tool, ensuring a comprehensive removal.
- Initiate Uninstallation:
- Click the Uninstall button.
- Confirm and Complete:
- Follow any on-screen prompts to confirm the uninstallation.
- Once the process is complete, it is highly recommended to restart your computer to finalize the removal of all files and clear temporary data.
This method is ideal because it systematically addresses the core application along with its dependencies, which are often overlooked in manual uninstallation.
Method 2: Manual Uninstallation via Windows Programs and Features
If for any reason the Autodesk Uninstall Tool is unavailable or encounters issues, you can uninstall Inventor and its components manually through Windows. This method requires more attention to detail to ensure all related parts are removed.
Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 10/11:
- Access Apps & Features:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
- For older Windows versions (Windows 7/8), open the Control Panel and navigate to Programs and Features.
- Identify Components:
- In the list of installed programs, you will find "Autodesk Inventor" along with numerous other Autodesk-related components. These can include material libraries, licensing services, content centers, and desktop applications.
- Uninstall in Order:
- It's best practice to uninstall related components before the main Inventor application. This often means removing add-ins, utilities, and shared components first, then the core Inventor product, and finally any shared libraries or licensing services.
- Select each Autodesk component one by one and click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts for each.
Common Autodesk Inventor Components to Uninstall:
To help you identify related components during a manual uninstall, here's a table of common items often associated with Autodesk Inventor. The exact names may vary by version.
| Component Type | Example Component Name (Version Specific) | General Uninstallation Order |
|---|---|---|
| Add-ins & Content | Autodesk Inventor Content Libraries | First (before main app) |
| Add-ins & Content | Autodesk Inventor Content Center Libraries | First (before main app) |
| Main Application | Autodesk Inventor Professional 20XX | Middle |
| Shared Components | Autodesk Material Library | Later |
| Shared Components | Autodesk Revit Interoperability for Inventor 20XX | Later |
| Licensing & Services | Autodesk Desktop App | Last |
| Licensing & Services | Autodesk Single Sign On Component | Last |
| Licensing & Services | Autodesk Licensing Service | Last |
| Licensing & Services | Autodesk Identity Manager | Last |
- Restart Computer: After uninstalling all identified components, restart your computer.
Performing a Clean Uninstall (Removing Leftovers)
Even after using the Autodesk Uninstall Tool or manual removal, some residual files and registry entries might remain. For a truly "clean" uninstall, especially if you're experiencing installation issues, you might need to perform additional cleanup steps.
- Delete Remaining Files and Folders:
- Navigate to the following directories and delete any remaining Autodesk Inventor or related Autodesk folders (be cautious not to delete folders for other Autodesk products you wish to keep):
C:\Program Files\Autodesk\C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\C:\Users\<Your_Username>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\C:\Users\<Your_Username>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\
- Note: Some folders (
ProgramData,AppData) are hidden by default. You may need to enable "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" in File Explorer options.
- Navigate to the following directories and delete any remaining Autodesk Inventor or related Autodesk folders (be cautious not to delete folders for other Autodesk products you wish to keep):
- Clean Registry Entries (Advanced - Use with Caution):
- Warning: Modifying the Windows Registry incorrectly can cause serious system instability. Always back up your registry before making changes.
- Open the Registry Editor (type
regeditin the Start Menu search and press Enter). - Navigate to and delete any keys related to Autodesk Inventor or specific Autodesk components that you've uninstalled in the following locations:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Installer\Products\(Look for product codes related to Inventor)
- This step is typically reserved for advanced users or when troubleshooting persistent installation issues.
- Use a Third-Party Cleaner (Optional):
- Tools like CCleaner (used responsibly) can help remove temporary files and clean up registry entries, but manual checks are often more precise for specific software remnants.
Tips for a Smooth Uninstallation
- Close All Programs: Ensure all Autodesk applications and any other programs are closed before starting the uninstallation process.
- Back Up Custom Settings: If you have custom profiles, templates, or settings for Inventor, consider backing them up before uninstallation, as they might be removed.
- Check Autodesk Support: For the most up-to-date and specific uninstallation instructions for your Inventor version, always refer to the official Autodesk Support documentation. You can find comprehensive guides on their website.
By following these methods, you can effectively uninstall Autodesk Inventor and ensure a clean environment on your system.
