SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

Activation is a onetime process which does require that you have Internet or email access. Once you have activated, you do not need to be online to use your software. If you wish to transfer a license, or repair your activation, you must be connected to the Internet or send request via email.

Yes, because the SOLIDWORKS installation or upgrade needs to update system DLLs and drivers, which require administrative privileges. Note that you are only required to have administrative privileges on the machine on which you are installing or upgrading SOLIDWORKS.

A dedicated getting started page has everything you need to get up and running, from download and install to onboarding and tutorials. Visit the Getting Started page.

A dedicated getting started WIKI has everything you need to get up and running. Upon purchase you will receive access to the WIKI.

No. Only read and execute permission are required.

Certain anti-virus (AV) applications do not allow system resources to be updated if they are in use. The other issue with having the AV on during installation is performance-related. With that said, most users cannot turn off their AV software due to corporate IT policy. If you are using one of the recommended AV programs, you should not experience issues installing SOLIDWORKS. See the System Requirements page for details.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is a locally-installed program deployed from the cloud. A named user license gives you the flexibility to install 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS on multiple devices. If you are interested in a purely browser-based solution, explore the suite of next-generation product development solutions available with SOLIDWORKS xDesign. 

Home use licenses are no longer available.

Yes, an SNL fully supports SOLIDWORKS Add-ins.

No, SOLIDWORKS products have been on product activation since 2007.

Product activation is a simple one-time process. Most users activate their software as soon as they install it, and never have to worry about it again.

No. If you upgrade or replace your computer, you can transfer your license to the new or upgraded machine at your convenience. Simply deactivate your license through the Transfer License option in the Help menu; then, after upgrading or replacing your computer, reinstall the product and reactivate it.

No. The core technology of product activation only runs when you run your SOLIDWORKS software, and will have no noticeable effect on the overall performance of your computer.

No, SNL product activation will not affect triad licensing using license files.

Yes. All SOLIDWORKS CAD solutions include access to cloud collaboration and data management tools.