Issue:
After starting up or opening AutoCAD, the program seems to load (the application window and the Start Tab appear) but then it hangs or freezes. Also:
The freeze may occur on its own, or it may happen after clicking anywhere on the program window or on the Start Tab. Prior to clicking, hovering over items may show highlight feedback which stops once the program is frozen.
The mouse cursor may or may not be visible inside the AutoCAD program window.
Parts of the Start Tab may be usable, such as switching to the Learning screen and back.
AutoCAD may never recover from the freeze or it may become usable after several minutes.
The hang may end once the Recent list of files is populated.
The issue could also happen with AutoCAD Civil 3D.
Environment:
AutoCAD or LT in WindowsCauses:
Missing AutoCAD updates.
Custom network paths have been added to AutoCAD that are not accessible or do not have read-write access.
Recent drawing files were opened from mapped network locations which are no longer accessible. This includes local network paths and those available across WAN and/or VPN connections.
Firewall or a network proxy is inhibiting online access that AutoCAD is looking for.
McAfee Software & Web Security Software
For 2020: Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service does not work after Windows 10 update
Solution:
Try one or more of the following:
Updates
Install the latest updates for AutoCAD (see Install Updates, Add-ons, and Enhancements), including license updates.
Operating System
Run Windows Update to make sure that current Microsoft updates are installed for Windows.
How to remove and reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables packages
Network
Disable the network drive that is not used at the moment by the software.
For issues with files from remote locations, set the list of Recently Used Files down to 0.
Hardware
Update the graphics driver on the system (see How to update to the latest certified video driver).
Check for corrupted hardware, for example hard disk. If found, reformat it or replace it.
License
Log-in
Close all Autodesk all applications
Delete LoginState.xml
Default file location: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Web Services
Restart Desktop App and sign in.
Start AutoCAD3rd party applications
Reinstall ADSK Licensing service
Uninstall ADKS Licensing service
Download and reinstall: Video: How to download and install the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service on Windows
On local admin profile with more permissions to resolve.
Third-party applications
Uninstall McAfee or include AutoCAD in its Exclusion List.
Uninstall SuperAntiSpyware or include AutoCAD in its Exclusion List.
Installation
Language with special characters, like Korean, Chinese, or Japanese:
Switch OS to English
Reset AutoCAD to defaults. See: How to reset AutoCAD to defaults
Reinstall the software after performing a Clean Uninstall.
If the issue persists, review AutoCAD randomly crashes or freezes for more applicable solutions.