SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

SOLIDWORKS Design licenses are locally installed, with two options for deployment and connecting your design data to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and Cloud Services.

• Single-user license: SOLIDWORKS Design includes an automatic connection to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and Cloud Services.
• Device license: SOLIDWORKS Design with Cloud Services allows users to connect to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and advanced cloud-enabled features.

If you are interested in a cloud-native, browser-based solution, explore the suite of next-generation product development solutions available with SOLIDWORKS xDesign.

SOLIDWORKS Design is a locally-installed program deployed from the cloud. A named user license gives you the flexibility to install SOLIDWORKS Design 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. 

You can easily create or reuse custom component libraries for motors, batteries, propellers, and controllers. This allows you to assemble your full drone virtually, verify fit and weight balance, and adapt existing open-source designs.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS for Makers enables you to visualize the direction of wood grain and experiment with joinery details, such as mortise and tenon, dados, rabbets, or dowel joints. You can test how each connection fits, refine clearances, and ensure a smooth build before you start cutting.

Yes. You can export DXF or DWG files directly from your CAD models for CNC machining or laser cutting. This ensures precise alignment, smooth tool paths, and accurate results for wood, metal, or acrylic parts.

Yes, Global Networks are an option if the network meets certain requirements.

No, it is not necessary to release SOLIDWORKS to release the license for a SOLIDWORKS add-in. Simply un-check the add-in under Tools, Add-ins, and this will release the license.

No, dongles are no longer supported by SOLIDWORKS.

No. Activation is a secure and anonymous one-time process. After activation is complete, the license manager runs alongside the product for the sole purpose of verifying the integrity of the license file and the validity of the product license. The activation technology in the product never contacts SOLIDWORKS except with your express knowledge and consent.

We use the industry-standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to transmit data to product activation servers that are both physically secure and have limited employee access.

The activation technology uses a robust and proven algorithm to safely write its license data to an unused sector of the hard drive located in track zero. This technology has been used in a variety of software installed on millions of computers worldwide, and verified to be safe by independent sources.

This approach allows license data to remain safe even if the product or operating system require reinstallation. In rare cases where the algorithm determines that writing to track zero may cause a potential conflict, it uses an alternative file system based anchor for the license data.

The SolidNetWork license monitors the concurrent usage of SOLIDWORKS to ensure that the number of concurrent users does not exceed the number of purchased licenses. Additional concurrent users cannot execute SOLIDWORKS once the specified number of users is exceeded.

Yes, an SNL optionally supports a configurable time out feature.  The preset is 15 minutes.

Yes, the SNL license supports multiple site installations in the same global territory.

This error can occur if prior license information is still available on your system, or if the installation is performed with a prior version serial number.

Try the following to troubleshoot:

1. Rename the FLEXnet folder and try the activation again:
   Go to C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet and rename the folder FLEXnet (may be 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 to activate again and if the error still occurs, confirm that a valid serial number is used for the SOLIDWORKS installation by modifying the installation. If the serial number is not a valid one, please change and input the correct serial number:
   1. Go to Start > Control Panel >SOLIDWORKS
   2. click ‘Change’ to modify the installation. Select ‘Modify the individual installation (on this computer)’ >click ‘Next’
   3. Under ‘serial number’ make sure that your valid serial number is in use
   4. If not, replace the serial number with a valid one and click ‘Next’
   5. Follow the instructions to complete the modification
   6. Rename the FLEXnet folder and try to activate again

If the problem still occurs, try doing a repair installation of SOLIDWORKS by following the steps below:

1. Go to Start > User Account > User Account Control Settings. Set it to “Never Notify”. Restart the system
2. Login as administrator
3. Turn off all anti-virus, popup blocker, ad-ware and spy-ware applications along with Windows Firewall
4. Go to Start > Control Panel >SOLIDWORKS and click ‘Change’ to repair the installation
5. Select ‘Repair the individual installation (on this computer)’
6. Click ‘Next’. Follow the instruction to complete the modification
7. Try activating again

Follow the steps available in the How to Register video and enter your serial number to complete the process.

If you already have a 3DEXPERIENCE account, follow the below steps:

1. Visit the MySolidWorks website.
2. Click Log In and login to your account.
3. Click on your name at the top right corner and select My Profile.
4. Click My Subscription and check the Account Type.
5. If your account type is 'Guest', you will need to register your Student Edition serial number (9020...) on your account to access the trainings available under MySolidWorks for Student.
6. Click 'register' option available under MySolidWorks Account, Student section.