Quick-start guide

This guide walks you through your first experience with Desktop Connector — from installation to syncing your first files. Follow each step in order to get up and running quickly.

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Before installing, confirm your system meets the minimum requirements:

• Windows 10 or 11 (supported by Microsoft)
• An active internet connection
• Sufficient local disk space for your project files

For the full list of requirements, see System Requirements.

Step 2: Install Desktop Connector

Download and install Desktop Connector using one of the following methods:

• Direct download: Download the latest version
• Autodesk Account: Go to Products and Services and search for Desktop Connector

For detailed installation steps, see Install Desktop Connector.

Step 3: Sign In

After installation, Desktop Connector will prompt you to sign in with your Autodesk credentials. Once signed in, your connected drives will appear in Windows File Explorer — one for each cloud data source you have access to (Autodesk Docs, Drive, or Fusion).

For more information, see Sign In and Sign Out.

Step 4: Find Desktop Connector on Your Desktop

Desktop Connector runs in the background and is accessible from the system tray in the bottom-right corner of your Windows taskbar.

• Left-click the tray icon to open the Home Screen, where you can view sync activity, manage settings, and access menu options.
• Hover over the tray icon to see your current Desktop Connector version.

Step 5: Add a Project

Projects are the foundation of Desktop Connector. You need access to at least one project in Autodesk Docs or Fusion to start working with files.

1. Click the tray icon to open the Home Screen.
2. Click Select Projects to browse available projects.
3. Select the projects you want to work with and confirm.

The selected projects will appear as folders in your connected drive in File Explorer, mirroring your cloud project structure.

For full details on managing projects, see Manage Projects.

Step 6: Sync Your First Files

Once a project is added, you can start working with files:

• Open cloud files locally: Navigate to a project folder in File Explorer and double-click a file. Desktop Connector will download it on demand.
• Add files from your computer: Drag and drop files from another location into a project folder. Desktop Connector will upload them to the cloud.
• Edit and save: Open a file, make changes, and save. Your updates will sync automatically.

You can monitor sync progress from the Home Screen — look for queued, syncing, and completed status icons.

For more on how syncing works, see Syncing Behaviors.

What's Next?

Now that you're up and running, explore these features to get more out of Desktop Connector:

Need Help?

• Sync errors or conflicts: Check the Home Screen for error details and resolution options
• Troubleshooting: Visit Basic Troubleshooting for common issues and solutions
• Send Feedback: Use the Send Feedback option in the Desktop Connector menu to share your experience with the team

Related Concepts:

• What is Desktop Connector?