Issue:
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Keeping your Revit up to date with the latest version of Updates will be CRITICAL in working together on a Revit project using BIM 360 Design.
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Why do my files/models become corrupted?
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The application is performing poorly.
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I do not have time to install the updates.
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I do not know how to install the updates.
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I only install the updates regarding parts of the software I use.
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Solution:
Eighty percent (80%) of the issues you have with the Autodesk software and or model and files related to instability, corruption, and or performance can be prevented by maintaining these steps:
- Autodesk software updates
- Add on software updates (PDF, Add-ons)
- Computer Driver and Firmware Updates (Most significantly, compatible Video Card Driver)
- Windows OS Updates
In this BLOG post, we will only focus on the Autodesk software updates and where you can find them to install them.
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Autodesk releases continual updates throughout the year. It all starts, generally in March each year, with the software's new release (version). Typically, however, things have shifted a little over the past years. As a result, Autodesk generally spreads the development of FILE FORMAT VERSION over three (3) years.
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When referring to the file format, this would be the DWG file format, different from the Software version.
DWG file format
Software version
 
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Autodesk uses this three-year cycle and breaks it down to 3-month chunks, which they use to implement software add-on or upgrades to the current toolset within the application and sprinkled about the year they release:
- Update
- HotFixs
- Quick-Fixes
- Extensions
- Utilities
- Addins
- Security Fix
This is a little knowledge that has been picked up along the way.
- Version: a new version is released annually, normally around the middle of March. Normally, the version numbering is driven by the following year.
- Update: Are normally release quarterly, normally it has several new addons and improvements Â
- Hotfix: Are released as needed or demands are required.
- Build: This is related to a completely updated installation release.
Install Order of updates:
There is a method to installing Autodesk Updates that is important to follow. You should always install the older updates first and work your way up the list installing every update along the way. Do not skip any updates. There is normally overlapping programming that is needed for the preceding updates. It is vital to note, you might not be using a particular addon app with the software, but addon apps can cause instability or files/model corruption when it fails. So, it is important to install ALL the UPDATES.
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- Maintaining and installing all updates are vital to the stability of the software and your file/models.
- Even though you are not using some of the add-on applications, it's essential to maintain the updates of those add-on applications because they can cause corruption in your file/model or instability in the software.
- The way that Autodesk has been promoting updates also provides software upgrades, adding new components and or add-on apps, and upgrading current toolsets within the application. If individuals are using out-of-date software, this can also cause additional conflict and create instability in files/model health.
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If you and your team do not keep all the same updates, you expose your model health and stability to model corruption.
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Two (2) methods for installing updates:
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How to use the Autodesk Desktop App to install updates
How to use the Autodesk Desktop App to install updates
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How to look into manage.autodesk.com and download and install updates from the website
How to look into manage.autodesk.com and download and install updates from the website
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Autodesk Knowledge Reference Link:
How to install updates using the Autodesk Desktop App:
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If the Desktop App doesn't appear to be working, then manually download and install using your Autodesk account:
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