Reset Utility

The Reset Utility is the recommended tool designed to restore your Desktop Connector installation to its default state. This can help resolve syncing issues, crashes, or other unexpected behaviors. Resetting removes local cache and settings but does not delete cloud data. You can also use the Reset Utility to properly uninstall Desktop Connector if you're experiencing persistent issues.

What the Reset Utility does

Clears local cache files and resets settings
Removes locally stored project data
Does not delete any data stored in the cloud
After resetting, you will need to reselect your projects

When to use the Reset Utility

The Reset Utility is designed for two main scenarios:

Primary use: Troubleshooting Desktop Connector or upgrading to a new version

For most users resolving sync issues or upgrading Desktop Connector, the Reset Utility alone is sufficient. This is the recommended approach because it:

Automatically handles the technical cleanup required
Reduces risk of user error
Provides a cleaner, simpler experience
Preserves cloud data while resetting local settings

When to use the Reset Utility for upgrades:

Docs connector from 15.x → upgrading to 16.x or 17.x
Fusion connector from 15.x or 16.x → upgrading to 17.x

Secondary use: Complete removal of Desktop Connector

If you're permanently removing Desktop Connector and won't be reinstalling it, follow the standard uninstall process: Exit Desktop Connector → Run Reset Utility → Uninstall. The Reset Utility is the recommended approach for uninstalling Desktop Connector. For complete cleanup if the Reset Utility fails, refer to the IT Administrator Reset Tools section below.

Before using the Reset Utility

Try these troubleshooting steps first:

Review the Troubleshooting Guide for known issues and solutions.
Collect diagnostic logs using the Collecting Diagnostic Logs process.
Back up any unsynced files outside your Desktop Connector workspace.
Submit diagnostic logs to Autodesk for further assistance.
Try removing then re-adding your projects from the Desktop Connector Home Screen. See Add or Remove Projects for details.
Check your internet connection.

If these steps don't resolve your issue, proceed with the Reset Utility.

Reset Utility Video Tutorial

The following video provides a guide on how to reset the Desktop Connector, but please note that some information may be outdated. Always refer to the current written content on this page for the most up-to-date instructions and features. Keep in mind that there might be additional information in the subsequent text that is not covered in the video. We recommend going through the listed steps after watching the video for a complete understanding.

Steps to Run the Reset Utility

Before Running the Utility

Confirm that there are no changes made locally that have not been synced to the cloud.
- If you have any unsynced changes, you can identify them by running the Troubleshooter. See Troubleshooter guide for more information.
- You can also check for unsynced data by referring to Collecting and Viewing Sync Data in Desktop Connector.
Locate the Utility

Open File Explorer and navigate to the Reset Utility location:
- Desktop Connector v16.x or v17.x: The Reset Utility is included with your installation at:
  - C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Desktop Connector\Reset\ResetDesktopConnector.exe
- Desktop Connector v15.x: Download the Reset Utility from: DC Reset Utility
  
  Note: Running the utility does not require administrator mode. The current user can run it without the need for administrative privileges.
Run the Utility

Double-click the utility and follow the on-screen instructions. You will see three options:
- Reset Desktop Connector: The main command that will reset the installation back to a clean state.
- Open Online Help: Opens the help page for all content including an instructional video on how to use the tool.
- Cancel: Exits the utility.
Follow Prompts
- Confirm you've backed up unsynced files.
- Ensure Desktop Connector is not running. If it is, exit the program and restart the utility.
Get verification
- Once the utility has completed the process, you will get verification that your workspace has been reset to default settings. Important: Verify that you see the green success message.
Restart Desktop Connector

After the reset is complete, restart Desktop Connector and reselect your projects.

If the Reset Utility Doesn't Resolve Your Issue

The Reset Utility is sufficient for most scenarios. However, if you continue to experience issues after running the Reset Utility, or if you're permanently removing Desktop Connector from your system, you may need additional cleanup steps.

In rare cases where the Reset Utility doesn't fully resolve your issue, refer to the manual cleanup steps in the IT Administrator Reset Tools section below. These manual steps should only be used when the automated Reset Utility has not worked.

Understanding Deletions: Recycle Bin and Cloud Workflows

When you remove files or folders in Desktop Connector, the way deletions are handled depends on whether the files are synced, cloud-only, or local-only. For a full explanation of deletion workflows and recovery options, see Recover Deletions.

Command Line Parameters

Note: The utility can also be run through a Command Prompt window with administrator privileges. Command line parameters for the utility are not required for resetting Desktop Connector for the local user.

Command	Command Switch	Description
Help	-h	Displays help page to the user
Promptless	-p	Skips displaying user prompts and moves straight to reset logic

IT Administrator Reset Tools (manual fallback)

While the Reset Utility for Desktop Connector is the recommended approach and resolves most issues, these manual steps are provided as a fallback option if the Reset Utility doesn't work or for advanced troubleshooting scenarios.

Important: For advanced users, select Expand this Section for extra Details to reveal the individual steps that you can manually execute for troubleshooting Desktop Connector.

Expand this Section for more Details

Important: These manual steps should only be used if the automated Reset Utility has not resolved your issue or if you did not see the green success message after running the Reset Utility. The Reset Utility is the recommended first approach.

Warning: Before uninstalling, reinstalling, or resetting Desktop Connector, review these steps that may resolve your issues before performing more aggressive steps. Manual cleanup should be your last resort after the Reset Utility and other troubleshooting steps have been attempted.

Review the Troubleshooting Guide for known problems and solutions.
Collect Diagnostic Logs through the Collecting Diagnostics Logs process.
Back up any unsynced files outside your Desktop Connector Workspace.
Submit the diagnostic logs to Autodesk.
Add and Remove your projects from the Desktop Connector Home Screen.

Note: Resetting the Autodesk Desktop Connector can sometimes resolve sync issues. The following steps are also provided to reset the Desktop Connector and put the install back into a clean state.

The following steps will only remove files from the local machine and will not delete data in the cloud. Confirm that there are no changes made locally that haven't been synced to the cloud before following these steps.

Exit Desktop Connector:
- Right-click the Desktop Connector icon in the status tray.
- Select the gear icon in the upper right corner.
- Select Exit to close the program.
In File Explorer, navigate to the cleanup utility tool by going to this location.

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Desktop Connector\ShellCleanup.exe
Double-click to run the ShellCleanup.exe script to unregister the Desktop Connector drive.
- Running the shell cleanup script will remove the Docs, Fusion, and Drive connectors from File Explorer.
- The connectors will appear again the next time the Desktop Connector is started.
Important: Running the ShellCleanup tool will only work if logged in as a Windows user (it does not support SYSTEM account).
In File Explorer, navigate to the following folder as shown and delete any of the following Desktop Connector workspace cache locations if they exist:

Important: Confirm that there are no changes made locally which haven't been synced to the cloud before deleting the workspace. If you suspect that new data or edits to data on the local machine have not been uploaded you should move/copy the data before deleting the workspace.
```
- %userprofile%\DC\ACCDocs.
- %userprofile%\DC\Fusion.
- %userprofile%\DC\ADrive.
- %userprofile%\ACCDocs.
- %userprofile%\Fusion
- %userprofile%\ADrive
```
Manually delete existing Desktop Connector databases found at the path shown. Delete the entire "Data" folder to remove local databases.

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Desktop Connector\Data
Delete the folders or folders that start with "DesktopConnector.Applicat_Url_" found at this path.

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\DesktopConnector.Applicat_Url_xxxxxx)

Use the Microsoft® Registry Editor at your own risk. Remember to back up the registry, system.dat, and user.dat files as guided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.
Restart Desktop Connector

A. Type Desktop in Windows Search bar.

B. Select Autodesk Desktop Connector.
If the user is a BIM 360 or ACC Docs project member, go to Select Projects to reselect projects.
Select your projects and Save the dialog box.
Open File Explorer and navigate to %userprofile%. You should now see the projects that you selected in the following location: %userprofile%\DC\ACCDocs.

Related Concepts: