CAD tip # 9032:

The described approach summarizes our own compatibility tests of Windows 8 Pro 64-bit (performed in a VMware virtual environment).

1. In Win8 go to the "Windows Features" settings - e.g. using search - and check the option ".NET Framework 3.5" (on top). If it was not yet checked, Windows will install this component.

   

2. If you are installing from a physical media (DVD, USB), copy the installation files of your CAD application to your hard drive (anywhere to a temporary folder you create)
3. In the file explorer, right-click on the installation program setup.exe, choose Properties in the context menu and on the Compatibility tab, set the Windows 7 compatibility mode; save your setting with OK:

   

4. Right-click again on setup.exe and run this program "As Administrator":

   

   (not neccessary if your account is a member of the local Administrators group)
5. Perform a standard installation of AutoCAD or Inventor
6. After the installation is completed, right-click on the newly created desktop icon (launch shortcut) or directly on acad.exe and again set its compatibility mode to Windows 7 (similarly as in step 3)
7. Right-click on the CAD application shortcut (or .exe) and choose "Run as Administrator" (not neccessary if you are a local Administrator or if you have disabled the UAC mode)

Now a standard, fully working CAD application should be launched in Win8 - AutoCAD:

NOTE: this is an unsupported method - we don't recommend to use it in a standardized production environment