Failed to initialize the add-in when launching Revit

Gregory Lee

Version: Revit 2023 and later.

Issue:

Revit fails to initialize the add-in when launching, displaying the following message repeatedly multiple times:

"Failed to initialize the add-in [add-in name] because the assembly [path to DLL] does not exist."

The path to the DLL points to a non-existing drive or a custom drive where it was previously installed. Even after a clean uninstall and re-installation of Revit, the issue persists.

Causes:

This issue arises from a previous Revit installation with custom settings. If the reinstallation of Revit is set to a different drive from the one used for the previous installation, a clean uninstall may not resolve the issue. Following the instructions on the links below does not resolve the issue either:

Solution:

To resolve the issue during the clean uninstall process, additional steps are required.

Use the Microsoft Uninstallation troubleshooter tool to ensure the removal of all relevant Revit support tools, including schemas, material libraries, texture packages, and add-ins. Note that you may need to run the Microsoft Uninstallation tool multiple times as it only removes one software at a time.
After completing the removal of the specific Revit version and all associated tools, navigate to the following folder locations and delete them:
- C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit [Version]
- C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RVT [Version]
- C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Revit\Addins[Version]
- C:\Users%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit [Version]
- C:\Users%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit [Version]
Follow the remaining steps outlined in the guide "2023: How to Complete a Clean Uninstall of Revit products (autodesk.com)" to complete the uninstallation process.
Download the new Revit installation package from the Autodesk Product page under your account.
Reinstall Revit and apply the latest update to complete the installation process.

About the Author

Sr Technical Support Specialist<br><br> Skilled in AutoCAD, Mixed-use, Renovation, Revit, and Sustainable Design. Strong arts and design professional with a BA in Urban design focused in Architecture from University of Washington.
Follow on Linkedin More Content by Gregory Lee

Pipe Insulation thickness unit override with Project Unit setting

Revit Bug in Pipe Insulation thickness Dim override By Project Unit

"This Operation Could Not Be Completed.” even after a successful sync

Update issue for Revit 2022 and 2023

Revit Classes Now Available

Check Schedule

Return to Resources

Welcome to our Hub

Failed to initialize the add-in when launching Revit

Issue:

Causes:

Solution:

About the Author

Previous Article

Next Article

Solutions Beyond Software™

Failed to initialize the add-in when launching Revit

Issue:

Causes:

Solution:

About the Author

Previous Article

Next Article

Related Content

With Autodesk BIM360, organizations can streamline communication and data transfer seamlessly between Revit and Inventor.

See the enhancements now available in Autodesk Revit 2025, including: Design Optimization and Productivity, Analysis, Interoperability, Cloud Data, and more

Discover the benefits of Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro for seamless cloud collaboration and learn how teams can enhance project visibility, reduce risks, and boost productivity.

The Autodesk service that you are trying to access is Temporarily unavailable. If you get this, here's what you need to know and do.

Explore the newest tools and features in IMAGINiT Utilities for Revit 2024.1 at your convenience! Tune in to our on-demand webcast and learn how you can enhance your Revit experience.

Discover how our Autodesk software Health Checks transform your team's productivity, efficiency, and collaboration by providing recommendations on utilization and process improvements.

Announcement! IMAGINiT Clarity for Autodesk Revit has saved firms, from small firms to ENR Top 500 design firms, over 3 million hours on projects to date.

See various options of how Revit can generate simple and rather complex roof systems with less effort than traditional CAD format design.

Of the 50 Revit tools in the collection, MEP industry workers regularly use the following to increase overall productivity by automating time-consuming tasks.

Of the 50 Revit tools in the collection, construction industry workers regularly use the following to increase overall productivity by automating time-consuming tasks.

Of the 50 Revit tools in the collection, Architecture industry workers regularly use the following to increase overall productivity by automating time-consuming tasks.

Learn about ALFA Engineering's move to Revit with tailored library of electrical symbols and training to help them gain a competitive edge.

After synchronizing a Revit view using the Twinmotion Direct Link add-on, the updates or changes made to the model view in Revit is not reflected in Twinmotion.

Check what version of Datasmith Exporter plugin you have currently installed and verify that it is compatible with the version of Twinmotion you have installed.

First thing to note is that the version of Unreal Datasmith plugin installed is what determines the compatibility between versions of Revit and Twinmotion.

In Revit 2024, the add-in has been updated to reveal the full geometry of elements which are within the visible portion of the cropped view when the sectioning tool is disabled.

Getting rid of one of either the opening or cut(s) on the host element in the parent family will clear the error and resolve the issue.

If you are currently using tools like Bluebeam, Newforma, Panzura, Nasuni, Lumion, Enscape, or Fuzor there may be overlap with Autodesk tools you already own. Learn more in this on-demand session.

Solutions Beyond Software™