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Autodesk Application

Desktop Connector

Autodesk's sync client that exposes Autodesk Construction Cloud, Autodesk Docs, and BIM 360 project files as a folder on the computer, supporting open-in-app for AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Revit workflows.

Reviewed April 2026

Application Guide

Overview

Autodesk's sync client that exposes Autodesk Construction Cloud, Autodesk Docs, and BIM 360 project files as a folder on the computer, supporting open-in-app for AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Revit workflows.

Use the checks below to confirm the right account, app version, and file or project path before contacting support.

Plain English

What this app is usually used for

Autodesk's sync client that exposes Autodesk Construction Cloud, Autodesk Docs, and BIM 360 project files as a folder on the computer, supporting open-in-app for AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Revit workflows.

It is part of the Autodesk family covered in our app help.

Common problems

Common problems

Sign-in or access problem

Desktop Connector opens, but the expected account, subscription, or access is missing.

Likely fix

Sign out, sign back in with the correct work account, and compare the result to the browser version if one is available.

What to collect

Send a screenshot of the sign-in or access message and the work account you expected to use.

A file, project, or workspace will not open

The app launches, but the item you need will not open or does not load correctly.

Likely fix

Test a second file or project and confirm the original path or location is still available before reinstalling the app.

What to collect

Send the file, project, library, or mailbox name involved plus the exact error shown.

The app is slow, frozen, or crashing

Desktop Connector opens slowly, stops responding, or closes unexpectedly.

Likely fix

Restart the computer, install pending updates, and note whether the issue began after a recent change.

What to collect

Send the app version, when the issue started, and a screenshot of any crash message.

First things to try

First things to try

Quick checks before you change anything

  • What exact Desktop Connector task is failing: sign-in, opening files, syncing, printing, or startup?
  • Did the issue begin after an update, restart, password change, or new computer?
  • Does the same task work in the browser or on another computer if that option is available?
  • Is the problem limited to one file, project, library, or mailbox, or does it affect the whole app?

Try these fixes first

  • Restart the app and computer before bigger changes.
  • If a browser version exists, compare it to the desktop app before reinstalling.
  • If only one file, project, or mailbox fails, test a second one before assuming Desktop Connector itself is broken.
  • Capture the exact message and when the problem started.

Slow down

Do not do this yet / warnings

Avoid these until support says it is safe

  • Collect screenshots of the license prompt, About screen, build year, and missing content path symptoms before handing off.

What support needs

What details support needs

Send these details

  • A screenshot of the exact Desktop Connector message or screen where the problem happens.
  • The work account you used to sign in and whether the same task works in the browser or on another computer.
  • The Desktop Connector version shown in the app.
  • The file, project, library, or workflow name involved in the problem.

Licensing & access

Licensing / access notes

Licensing / access checks

  • Desktop Connector itself is a free helper, but access to ACC, Autodesk Docs, or BIM 360 projects depends on the user's Autodesk account and the specific project membership and roles assigned by a project owner.

More checks

More setup checks

Install / update basics

  • Install the company-approved Desktop Connector build, sign in with the assigned Autodesk account, confirm the user sees the expected ACC, Docs, or BIM 360 projects, and test opening one known-good file from a project.