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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[-] mushroommunk@lemmy.today 22 points 3 days ago

This is the answer. It's annoying and sucks, but the truth.

A VM would work in a lot of other cases but with CAD I wouldn't trust it without extensive testing of all the features, testing OP doesn't really have time for. GPU passthrough and full feature support can be wonky in VMs.

this post was submitted on 12 Feb 2026

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