Question:
You want to know if you should upgrade from Desktop Connector version 15.x or 16.x or 17.x to 2027.x
Answer:
It is necessary to upgrade to a newer version if you’re using Desktop Connector versions 15.3 to 16.7.1 since these versions are now retired, however, it is not necessarily required to upgrade if you’re using versions 16.8.x to 17.1.x.
While it is not necessary to upgrade to the latest version of Desktop Connector Version 2027.x, it is highly recommended to do so, in order to take advantage of the latest features and 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 your Desktop Connector version works fine, and is not set to be retired.
Backward Compatibility – You may encounter a bug that prevents some IFC links from loading correctly in Revit 2026 and earlier versions due to updated product label in link paths (from "Autodesk Docs" to "Autodesk Forma") when using Desktop Connector v2027.x.
The recommended solution is to upgrade to Revit 2027, which includes the fix for IFC link path handling, or consider downgrading to an earlier supported version of the Desktop Connector until your team is ready to upgrade to Revit 2027.
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 may be asked to replicate the issue using the most current version. In addition, bug fixes are not applied to older versions.
Compatibility – Some Autodesk products like AutoCAD 2027 only supports Desktop Connector v2027.x or later. Desktop Connector v2027.1.x now includes support for Solidworks 2026 file operations, including thumbnail previews and metadata extraction.
New product branding and support – Desktop Connector v2027.x and later versions fully support Forma Document Management Essentials, with references to "Autodesk Docs" or "Docs connector" now appearing as Autodesk Forma or Forma connector.
File locking – Desktop Connector now supports automatic file locking for additional applications, including; Adobe InDesign (.indd), Bentley OpenRoads/MicroStation (.dgnsi and .dgnws), and Rhino (.3dm) files.
Shareable links – You can now create a shareable web link to the online location of projects in Forma or Fusion from the File Explorer.
New features and enhancements – Major changes include a redesign to match the new Autodesk Forma brand, enhanced user experience, and stability improvements.
Here's a few of the new features:
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- Desktop Connector v2027.x now maintains rolling detailed logs automatically, so diagnostic information is always available when you need support.
- A dedicated home screen is now displayed for users who signed in without required entitlements, or without access to any projects, explaining why no connected drives are available, instead of showing a blank screen.
- File locks are now properly tracked across Desktop Connector restarts, preventing stale locks from blocking other users.
- Desktop Connector v2027.x now shows a specific message indicating the file is locked, instead of a generic error.
- When used with AutoCAD 2027.1, Desktop Connector now extracts thumbnails for locally downloaded DWG files (synced or always available) when cloud thumbnails are not yet available.
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Please test and review the new product thoroughly to decide if or when an upgrade should be implemented considering your team’s workflow.
Read more about the features of Desktop Connector here.
