How to Install SOLIDWORKS
In this post we’ll show you how to install SOLIDWORKS Desktop CAD. Please note this is for standalone licenses of SOLIDWORKS, the installation process is different for network licenses or admin images. Following this installation if you’d like to connect SOLIDWORKS to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform then you can follow our guide for installing the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in from the Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS role.
How to Download SOLIDWORKS
The first step is to download the SOLIDWORKS installation manager, you can find this on the download page on the SOLIDWORKS website.
SOLIDWORKS Download Page
You will need to log in with your 3DEXPERIENCE ID to access the downloads, if you do not have a log in you can sign up for one there. We recommend that you download the latest version of SOLIDWORKS so that you can take advantage of the newest enhancements to the software, however it is also important to use the same version of SOLIDWORKS as your colleagues.
Once the installation manager download has completed double click to run it and when the small grey window appears choose “Unzip”, this will extract the files from the download and then automatically launch the installation manager.
SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager – Unzip Files
SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager Settings
On the installation manager welcome screen, select to “Install on this computer” and proceed by clicking “next”. Then fill in any serial numbers to be used by this machine. You must input your SOLIDWORKS serial number under 3D Design for it to be available as an installation product.
After inputting your serial numbers press next and the installation manager will quickly check that the serial numbers are valid and then you will proceed to the summary screen.
SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager – Summary Screen
From the summary screen you can confirm which products will be installed and set where to install SOLIDWORKS and the toolbox.
We recommend modifying the names of your installation location and Toolbox folders to include the version year, for example change “C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp” to “C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS 2023“. This will help you to avoid confusion when you upgrade SOLIDWORKS in future.
SOLIDWORKS Install Tip – Change Location Name
After confirming the installation locations and product selections you will need to accept the terms and conditions and then press download and install, this will install SOLIDWORKS. Note that the download and installation process may take some time as the file set is large.
Activating your SOLIDWORKS Licenses
Once the installation has finished open SOLIDWORKS. When SOLIDWORKS opens for the first time, the Activation Wizard will start, select any products that require activation and choose the option to automatically activate over the internet. Once activated, SOLIDWORKS will be available to use.
Activate SOLIDWORKS Licences