I have to use AutoCAD in school. What should I do? (piefed.social)

submitted 3 days ago by XiELEd@piefed.social to c/linux4noobs@programming.dev

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In two days I would need AutoCAD installed for my course. It is common knowledge that AutoCAD doesn't work on Linux, even with Wine. I've been looking around for threads but it seems like knowledge and experience with this is fragmented. Also, I would prefer not using the web version as the WiFi is spotty in my university.

For example, would AutoCAD even work on a VM? I heard that some apps won't even run on a VM.

Is Windows capable of deleting my Linux partition from within a VM? I apologize for my lack of experience regarding this matter.

What VM is better to use? I think I would prefer one that saves files, I think.

Should I even bother with a VM or should I just use an old laptop? Do note that my old laptop is a budget laptop and I don't know how demanding AutoCAD can be.

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[-] superweeniehutjrs@lemmy.world 13 points 3 days ago

AutoCAD barely works on Windows. I don't have any recommendations other than a VM. In a VM everything is sandboxed, unless you go out of your way to expose real hardware to it. Give it a shot. Don't use an unofficial lightweight version of windows, AutoCAD uses niche features that might have been removed. You don't need a license

this post was submitted on 12 Feb 2026

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