AutoCAD - Reassociating DWG files to AutoCAD

By Dennis Collin

I recently came across an issue where, when starting AutoCAD, it caused an error message stating that no application is associated for a particular file type. These kinds of issues have plagued users for years. The causes for this are either an unsuccessful software install or update process, or a serious system crash.

Sometimes a dialogue will appear offering to reassociate the DWG file with the native AutoCAD (LT) application, but this does not always happen. If so, it can be done manually by using Windows Settings, via Control Panel or similar.

From the dialogue above, browse to the DWG file extension in the list and choose a suitable AutoCAD application. If several versions of AutoCAD are installed, choose the application at the bottom of the list for the most recent version. If in any doubt consult the folder names, which usually reveals AutoCAD’s version number.

Alternatively use file explorer and browse to the directory containing DWG files. Right click on the file and select the General Properties Tab. Change the ‘Opens with’, to a new application. An application list will appear allowing the selection of the program which will open DWG files in future.