The Autodesk Application Manager is installed by default along with most Autodesk software to help the user maintain their applications with updates and service packs. With a simple click all available updates and service packs can be installed for all installed applications. Unless it is configured differently, the application runs during Windows start up and appears in the Notification Area. If a orange-yellow starburst appears on the icon, there are new updates and service packs available.
If your are running the old application, version 5.0.142.9, the Application Manager will give you the opportunity to run an update on itself.
The new application is called the Autodesk Desktop App. It will install itself overtop the running Application Manager replacing it with a much more versatile application.
If you do not allow it to run during Windows start up, the program could be executed by selecting it from the Start, All Programs menu. The old application entry is shown on the top view and the new one is shown on the bottom view.
The new desktop application has a very different layout. The first screen will show all the available update by selecting the upper left hand corner and updates, by the Autodesk applications on your workstation, along the right hand side.
The available updates will give a brief description of what the update contains and if desired selecting the "Read Me" will take you to the full installation and description website. This is the same readme you that you can find on the full Autodesk update site. It is a very handy way to gain an in-depth understanding of the update or service pack.
The update process is the same, simply select the "Update" icon and the rest is done automatically for you. Always make sure the application is closed before applying the update. New to this version is the easy access to a number of Autodesk sites for support, knowledge, forums and the Autodesk Ideastation where you can suggest improvements to the Autodesk applications.
Under the Autodesk entry, I have noticed learning videos and articles are available. These do not appear under any of the other application entries but may in the future.
Settings for the application, the ability to edit your Autodesk Account, feedback and help are located in the upper right corner of the application.
I think this new Autodesk Desktop Application is a good improvement over the previous application manager. Select the update and try it out for yourself.
Out of 11 seats, I have one computer where the desktop app will not run and claims a communication error. Autodesk help sites say to reinstall the desktop app, but do not tell you where to find an install link.
Posted by: Michael Sutton | 05/10/2016 at 08:48 AM
Michael -
This link includes information on how to download the application manager.
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Where-to-download-the-Autodesk-Application-Manager-5-0-142-5.html
Posted by: Caleb Funk | 06/02/2016 at 09:02 AM
Michael,
Here's the link to the installer. Hope this helps. Let me know if you still have issues.
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/downloads/content/autodesk-application-manager.html
Posted by: Jim O'Flaherty | 06/02/2016 at 10:06 AM