SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

You can report the suspected non-compliant reseller here. 

Go to the password reset page and follow the steps to create a new password for your account.

In SOLIDWORKS Connected, the default Save writes to the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud. To save locally, choose 'Save to my PC' from within SOLIDWORKS Connected, or edit your keyboard shortcut to set Ctrl+S to save locally. In offline mode, all files save to your local computer automatically.

During your browser-based session, any files created or modifications made to sample files are not saved on disk after the session is closed. The exception to this is files saved under the Home Folder location during your session.

You can also download or upload individual files through the virtualization platform.

Signing up is easy and takes less than 1-minute to complete! You must complete the student sign-up form online by entering your school name and other basic information. You are then presented with the download link, unique serial number to use during installation, and an installation guide.

Use the Split and Assembly tools to divide big models, such as helmets or armor, into smaller printable sections. You can add tabs, joints, or dowels for easy alignment and reassembly after printing, ensuring accuracy and ease of use.

You can move your software from your current computer to a new computer, open SOLIDWORKS then use the Help > Transfer License feature.

This feature deactivates the product on your current machine so it can be reactivated on the new machine. You then go to the new computer, install SOLIDWORKS then start it and select Help > Activate to proceed with the activation process.

This issue can occur if the SOLIDWORKS® License Service is not installed properly on the machine. In most of the cases, this issue is resolved by performing a repair installation of SOLIDWORKS. Follow the below steps for a repair installation:

1. Login as an administrator
2. Go to Start > Control Panel > Program and Features > SOLIDWORKS and click ‘Change’ to repair the installation
3. Select ‘Repair the individual installation (on this computer)’
4. Click ‘Next’
5. Follow the instructions to complete the modification

After the repair is successful, try following the steps to perform the activation:

1. Rename the FLEXnet folder and try activation again:
   Go to C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet and rename the folder FLEXnet (maybe to FLEXnet_old) (The ProgramData folder is a hidden folder. Either you can enable to show hidden folders from Folder options or you can directly type c:\Programdata into the address bar and press enter to access this folder. You will be able to find the Flexnet folder)
2. Try the activation again

After modeling, you can export STL files for 3D printing or DXF files for laser cutting. Once printed, finish your parts with sanding, priming, and painting—or add foam, LEDs, and fabric details to complete your look.

Log in to your My Account Portal, go to the Payment Methods tab. If you need help, submit a Support Form.

Stop your current monthly subscription in the Subscriptions tab of your My Account Portal, then wait until the renewal date. On that date, purchase the yearly plan from the Makers store using the same email address to keep your existing files. Do not start the new plan before the current one ends or both subscriptions will overlap. For help, submit a Support Form.

Run fit checks, motion studies, and stress simulations to confirm that your drone design is ready for assembly. You can also create drawings and 3D renderings to document your project or share it with other makers for feedback.

SOLIDWORKS AI Virtual Companions are built to empower designers by handling time-consuming tasks like repetitive geometry creation, assembly structuring, and drawing annotations. By automating these processes, the AI allows you to stay in the driver’s seat, focusing on strategic, high-value design decisions. With AI as your assistant, you maintain full control over your projects while working more efficiently and creatively.

SOLIDWORKS Subscription Services reduces the workflow friction that quietly accumulates in engineering environments over time—extra rebuild seconds, compatibility workarounds, manual file translations and support delays—by keeping your team on a supported, continuously improved version of the software. For teams of ten or more engineers, even small per-engineer inefficiencies compound into measurable operational impact.

The program delivers ongoing:

• Performance improvements and workflow refinements that reduce day-to-day friction across the entire engineering department
• Compatibility updates that keep your environment aligned with evolving operating systems, hardware and integrations
• Live technical support access, so troubleshooting doesn't stall project momentum during deadline-driven work
• Smoother onboarding for new hires who don't inherit undocumented workarounds or outdated processes

Subscription Service provides direct access to SOLIDWORKS technical support, known issue guidance, compatibility validation, bug fixes, and supported recovery paths. This helps reduce internal time spent diagnosing unsupported issues or building manual workarounds when engineering workflows are interrupted.