What is AdSSO.exe?

AdSSO.exe is a legitimate executable file known as the Autodesk Single Sign On Component. It is developed by Autodesk, Inc. and is typically located in the C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Autodesk AdSSO\ directory.

This component is associated with the entire suite of Autodesk software products, such as AutoCAD, Maya, 3ds Max, and Inventor. Its primary function is to manage the licensing and user authentication for these applications. When a user signs into one Autodesk product, the Single Sign On component allows them to access other Autodesk services and applications without needing to sign in again, streamlining the user experience.

This file is necessary for the proper functioning of Autodesk software's licensing and sign-in process. It runs as a background process to handle user sessions and authentication. Without it, users may encounter errors or be unable to launch or use their Autodesk products, as it is a required part of the licensing technology.

A user might consider removing it if they no longer use any Autodesk software. However, some users have reported issues where AdSSO.exe causes high CPU or GPU usage, slows down applications, or prevents files from being released even after the main program is closed. In such cases, updating the Autodesk Single Sign On Component to the latest version is often the recommended solution. While it is a legitimate file, it's important to be aware that malware can sometimes disguise itself using the same filename, especially if located outside of its typical Autodesk directory. If you are uncertain about the file, a tool like the Security Task Manager can provide more detailed information and help verify its authenticity.