Question:
You want to know if you should upgrade from Desktop Connector version 15.x to 16.x
Answer:
It is not necessary or required to upgrade to Desktop Connector version 16.x if the installed version 15.x is functioning properly.
While it is not necessary to upgrade to the latest version of Desktop Connector Version 16.x, it is highly recommended to do so, in order to take advantage of the latest enhancements.
Why you may not upgrade:
Stability – If all you’re interested in is a stable and working program, then you have little to no need to upgrade, if the Desktop Connector version 15.x is working fine for you and your team.
Why you should consider upgrading:
Here are the key reasons why you should really consider upgrading to the latest version of the Desktop Connector Version 16.x
Customer Support – While you can have older versions installed and functioning properly, only the latest release of the Desktop Connector is officially supported by Autodesk. This means that when contacting Autodesk for support, you will be asked to replicate the issue using the most current version.
Compatibility – If you're considering upgrading to 2025 or later versions of some Autodesk products, then note that some products/workflow will no longer support Desktop Connector v15.x, and here’s why;
According to Autodesk sources, “the Autodesk 2025 global launch required changes in some products which now require Desktop Connector v16.x. The products we have confirmed that will only work with Desktop Connector v16.x are AutoCAD, Civil, Plant 3D, ReCap, and Revit.”
More product support – Desktop Connector version 16.x now supports Inventor files, and the latest release of SolidWorks 2023.
File locking – File lock now automatically applied to all file types when the files are opened. Locked files will be marked as read only for other users, and Locks will automatically be removed upon closing of the file.
Temporary file exclusions – Now blocks upload of some temporary Document files known to cause conflicts, including temporary Word files identified by a ~$ at the beginning of the file name. Others include; .vce~, .sqlite-shm, .sqlite-wal, .idlk (Adobe), .laccdb (MS Access).
New features and enhancements – These changes include a redesign making it faster, providing better feedback, and adding support of familiar File Explorer workflows.
Here's a few of the new features:
-
- Administrators now have the ability to set the local workspace location during install/deployment of Desktop Connector.
- Works in virtual environments (not officially supported).
- Project selection limits have now increased to 80 Projects.
- A reset utility is now included with the install/deployment.
- Support for native Windows File Explorer commands/workflows are now available in the Autodesk Docs Connector.
- Improved feedback tool in the new Desktop Connector Home Screen.
The size of the Desktop Connector has also increased because of the new additional features.
You can check and decide if the upgrade works for your team’s workflow.
Read more about the features of Desktop Connector Version 16.x here.
