SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

This message can appear during the activation of the SOLIDWORKS Design Premium for Students license or with the SOLIDWORKS Student Engineering Kit [SEK] license. The serial number of these licenses starts with [9020…].

This message can appear because of the following reasons:

1. If your serial number is of an older version [say SOLIDWORKS 2025], and you use this old serial number to install a newer version [say SOLIDWORKS 2026]. Here, as your license is of an older version [say 2025], it will not work with the new version [say 2026]. 
   Note: SOLIDWORKS Student licenses are version specific and backward compatible.
   For example: You can use a 2024 version license to install SOLIDWORKS 2024 or an older version [like SOLIDWORKS 2023, 2022…]. However, the 2024 version license will not work with the newer version [2025, 2026…].
2. If an old serial number auto-populates on the serial number screen during the installation. For example: An older [say 2023] version serial number is present on your computer from a previous installation. This old serial number can automatically appear in the serial number field during the installation of the new version [say 2025].

Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

1. Uninstall all SOLIDWORKS versions present on your system. [If any]
   1. Go to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Programs and Features.
   2. Search for SOLIDWORKS [Version] > right-click it and select Uninstall.
   3. In the Installation Manager, under Advanced Options click Change
   4. By default, the software selects the Program files and folders option. Select the remaining items [Registry Entries and Data Files and Folders] and click back to Summary.
   5. Click Remove Items.
   6. Once uninstallation is complete, restart your system.
2. Check the version of your license and download the appropriate version [2026 or 2025 or 2024…] setup file from: www.solidworks.com/SEK 
   To determine the version of your license, you can check the name of the product in the purchase invoice email. For home use license [which is provided by your school], check the name of the product in the instruction provided by your school or university. 
   For example: If the product name is:
   1. SOLIDWORKS Design Premium for Students – 2026: This means you can install SOLIDWORKS 2026 or older version [2025, 2024...]
   2. SOLIDWORKS Design Premium for Students – 2025: This means you can install SOLIDWORKS 2025 or older version [2024, 2023...]. Note: In this case, your license will not work with the later SOLIDWORKS 2026 version.
3. During the installation, on the serial number screen:
   1. Always enter your new serial number manually in 3D Design under the SOLIDWORKS check box.
   2. Leave all the other products [like composer, Visual, simulation, CAM, Electrical...] serial number check boxes blank and unchecked.
   3. Click Next and proceed with the installation.
4. If the software automatically populates some serial numbers on the Serial Number screen, follow these steps:
   1. Enter your new serial number manually on the Serial Number screen in the 3D Design, SOLIDWORKS check box.
   2. Uncheck the check boxes of all the other product's [like composer, Visual, simulation, CAM, Electrical...] on the serial number screen.
   3. Click Next.
   4. If the following message appears, then select Yes and proceed with the installation: 
      "Are you sure you want to remove the SOLIDWORKS Composer [or Visualize, Simulation, Flow Simulation, CAM, Electrical...] serial number from the computer? This could cause existing applications to stop working."

You can import reference images or 3D scans directly into your workspace using the Sketch Picture tool. By including a ruler or known dimension in the photo, you can accurately scale your model. This makes it easy to recreate parts such as dash panels, brackets, or body sections without manual re-measuring.

Active subscription provides each SOLIDWORKS user with regular rolling updates, continuous validation and predictable upgrade paths. These tools help IT administrators manage change efficiently across the entire team and production environment, ensuring hardware and software upgrades remain aligned.

It is not uncommon that consumers to purchase or use non-genuine software unknowingly. Unauthorized resellers often offers non-genuine software with an attractive package to entice unknowing customers into purchasing.

Makers use DIY CNC software to cut panels, engrave designs, mill parts, and prototype components for furniture, art, and mechanical builds. With SOLIDWORKS for Makers, you can model assemblies, generate 2D drawings, and export DXF or DWG files for use with routers, mills, or laser cutters.

SOLIDWORKS for Makers makes it easy to design jigs, templates, and fixtures that can be 3D printed to match your wood parts. You can check the fit and tolerances in your 3D CAD model, then export parts for printing to create cutting, drilling, and assembly guidance that is more accurate and repeatable.

You can always access your tools here: Makers Dashboard. Bookmark this link for easy access.

You can always access your tools here: Makers Dashboard . Bookmark this link for easy access.

The quickest way to access technical support is to create a service request in our 3DSupport App or call your SOLIDWORKS Reseller. It’s that simple.

SOLIDWORKS AI tools are included with your current license at no additional cost. To get started, sign in to your account and enable Cloud Services from your account settings. For a full walkthrough see the Getting Started Guide.

This can be verified by modifying the existing installation of SOLIDWORKS on the computer. You need to follow the steps below for modifying the installation:

1. Make sure SOLIDWORKS® is not running.
2. In Windows, open the Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
3. Select the SOLIDWORKS® installation you want to modify and then click 'Change'.
4. On the Welcome screen, ensure that 'Modify the individual installation (on this computer)' is selected and click ‘Next’.
5. On the Serial Number screen, verify that the appropriate serial numbers are specified and click ‘Next’.
6. On the Product Selection screen, select the products to install or remove, and then click ‘Next’.
   When modifying an installation:
   • No products are installed or removed by default, even if you specify a new serial number. You must change the installation action of each product or feature.
   • To view the projected modification action for a particular component, click the component name (but not the check box). The intended modification action appears in the information field below the product listing.
   • To see the available features for each product, click + next to that product and then click the icon next to the product or feature to change the installation actions.
   • When you change a product selection from the initial specification, an asterisk (*) appears next to that product component in the listing.
7. On the Summary screen, click Modify Now.
8. Once the ‘Installation is Complete’ screen, click Finish.

Restart your computer.

A SOLIDWORKS Reseller Partner, also known as a Value-Added Reseller (VAR), is an independent business that sells and supports SOLIDWORKS design and product development software. SOLIDWORKS resellers work directly with customers to help them implement, optimize, and get the most value out of their purchase. If you need help deciding on a solution to fit your business, Reseller Partners have the industry expertise to help you make the best selection. Learn more about Reseller Partners or contact us to connect with an expert in your area. 

Your email address can't be changed for the first 30 days after purchase. After that, log in to your 3DEXPERIENCE ID profile, edit your email, and click Update. Until the 30-day period ends, use your original email to access the platform.

Use the mesh and geometry analysis tools in SOLIDWORKS for Makers to detect thin walls, unsupported overhangs, and weak spots before printing. These checks help ensure your design is strong, printable, and ready for your slicer software.

Use motion studies to simulate propeller rotation and verify that your blades clear the frame and surrounding components. You can also test multiple configurations digitally before committing to physical parts.