SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

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

A dedicated getting started page has everything you need to get up and running from download and install to onboarding and tutorials. After purchase, you’ll receive an email with getting started resources.

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.

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.

Yes, an active SOLIDWORKS Subscription drastically reduces the burden on your administrative staff. Instead of fighting unpredictable software conflicts, IT leaders gain access to documented compatibility guides, direct technical support from a SOLIDWORKS certified expert and validated configurations. This clarity makes planning and maintaining your infrastructure straightforward.

SOLIDWORKS Subscription Services also includes newer capabilities that may not have been available during previous subscription periods. One example that could drastically simplify ongoing IT planning is SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services. Cloud Services is available to SOLIDWORKS customers on subscription – it provides secure, cloud-based storage, sharing, and management capabilities made for SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD data, and accessible from any web browser.

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.

Most Embedded AI features — including Command Predictor, Auto-Fastener Recognition, Generative Drawings, AI-Powered Assembly Structure Generator, and What's Wrong Analysis — run within SOLIDWORKS Design and do not require anything additional beyond your existing license. AURA, the context and knowledge Virtual Companion, requires an activation of Cloud Services to operate, but this is already included in your subscription. Contact your SOLIDWORKS reseller for entitlement details specific to your license type. No special hardware is required to use SOLIDWORKS AI — the tools are designed to run within your existing SOLIDWORKS Design environment.

No. Customer data is not used to train AI models. Governance controls ensure protection of intellectual property and you can learn more by visiting the 3DS Trust Center.

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