"Fatal Error: Unhandled Delayload pm16.dll" typically occurs when AutoCAD is unable to find or load a critical module required for its startup, often due to corrupted support libraries or an incomplete installation Recommended Solutions Follow these steps in order to resolve the error: Repair .NET Framework & Visual C++
: This error is often tied to these essential Windows components. Repair or reinstall the Microsoft .NET Framework Uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables Install Latest Updates : Check your Autodesk Account
for available updates, hotfixes, or service packs specifically for your version of AutoCAD. Perform a "Clean Uninstall"
: If a standard reinstall fails, a clean uninstall is necessary to remove leftover registry keys and folders. Follow the official Autodesk Clean Uninstall guide
Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall during the subsequent reinstallation to prevent file locking. Verify Windows Updates
: Ensure your operating system is fully up to date, as missing security or system updates can cause module loading failures. Potential Causes Corrupted Installation : Files like
may be missing or damaged due to a failed update or software conflict. Drawing Corruption
: If the error occurs when opening a specific file rather than at launch, try using the commands to fix the drawing. Permissions Autocad Fatal Error Unhandled Delayload Pm16.dll
: Running AutoCAD with insufficient administrative privileges can sometimes block the "delayload" process. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Are you seeing this error or only when opening a specific drawing file
FATAL ERROR: Unhandled Delayload "pm16.dll" Module Not Found
typically occurs when AutoCAD is unable to load a required component during startup. This is often due to corrupted system files or an incomplete installation. Recommended Solutions
Autodesk recommends trying these steps in order to resolve the error: Update Your Operating System
: Ensure Windows is fully up to date by checking for and installing all pending updates. Repair or Reinstall .NET Framework : Corrupted .NET Framework components are a common cause. Use the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool or manually reinstall it. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables : This error can stem from missing or broken Visual C++ Runtime Libraries
. Uninstall existing versions and reinstall the packages required for your AutoCAD version. Install AutoCAD Updates : Check your Autodesk Account Autodesk Access app
for the latest updates, hotfixes, or service packs for your specific AutoCAD product. Perform a Clean Uninstall : If other methods fail, follow the Autodesk clean uninstall process "Fatal Error: Unhandled Delayload pm16
to remove all leftover files before performing a fresh installation. Additional Troubleshooting Disable Antivirus
: Temporarily disable antivirus or desktop locking software, as these can sometimes prevent the from loading correctly. Admin Permissions : Try launching Run as Administrator or test the program on a new Windows administrator profile to rule out permission issues. Hardware Acceleration
: If you can reach the startup screen before it crashes, try disabling hardware acceleration to see if a graphics driver conflict is the cause. Autodesk Community, Autodesk Forums, Autodesk Forum Does this error happen every time you open the application, or only when opening specific drawing files
Q: Does this error happen only on cracked versions of AutoCAD? A: No. While cracked versions often lack trusted DLL signatures, this error is extremely common on legitimate licensed copies due to Windows updates.
Q: Will reinstalling Windows fix the pm16.dll error? A: Yes, but it is overkill. A clean Windows install will fix it 100% of the time. However, try Methods 1-6 first; they resolve the issue in 95% of cases.
Q: I use AutoCAD LT. Does this apply to me?
A: Yes. AutoCAD LT also uses pm16.dll for the same PDF functionality. The fixes are identical.
Q: Why does the error mention "VCRUNTIME140.dll" alongside pm16.dll? A: This indicates a missing Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Download and install "VC_redist.x64.exe" from Microsoft to fix both. 📦 Solution 4: Reinstall VC++ Runtimes
Since pm16.dll errors often stem from a corrupted user profile, resetting the settings is the fastest fix.
Step-by-step:
2025 with your version number):
%appdata%\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2025\R24.3\enu\R24.3 varies by version (R24.0 for 2021, R24.2 for 2023, etc.).Profile.aws .Profile.aws.old.Why this works: A corrupted profile can break the search path for pm16.dll. This reset forces AutoCAD to re-register its DLL dependencies.
Sometimes third-party plugins (like PDF converters, rendering engines, or specialized toolsets) try to load pm16.dll before AutoCAD is ready.
Shift key while AutoCAD is starting to prevent add-ons from loading.This is a surgical fix. If the error only occurs when the DLL is called, we can force Windows to ignore the delayloading mechanism.
Warning: Back up your registry before proceeding.
Win + R, type regedit, press Enter.HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WindowsAppInit_DLLs .pm16.dll, delete the path and leave the value blank.Alternative: If the error is application-specific, disable the Delayload feature via Group Policy (gpedit.msc) > Administrative Templates > System > DLL loading.
When installing a new AutoCAD version, never use the "Migrate Custom Settings" wizard. Instead, manually export your LISP routines and re-create your workspaces from scratch.
The DLL might be choking on a corrupted object in the drawing.
AUDIT > Yes to fix errors.PURGE > Purge all.