How to Download and Install SOLIDWORKS Desktop
All perpetual SOLIDWORKS Design products are installed from the same installation manager, and there are several ways to get your hands on the installation files. For named user licensed 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Design products, all download and installation are performed from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
The workflow outlined below is for active perpetual SOLIDWORKS subscription customers. If your subscription service has lapsed or you need a version of SOLIDWORKS that is older than the last 5 major releases, you will need to request a manual download.
Choose an Option
Preferred: Download from the SOLIDWORKS website
- Go to www.solidworks.com/sw/support/downloads
- Click on Log In (head and shoulders icon in the upper right).
- Enter your 3DEXPERIENCE ID credentials then click the Log in button. If you do not have a 3DEXPERIENCE ID, click here to learn how to create one.
- Select the SOLIDWORKS version and then the version specific link to download the SOLIDWORKS Installation manager, which will install all client and server software.
- Accept the license agreement (scroll down as you read to the bottom to activate the Accept Agreement & Continue button). The download will start automatically once the agreement is accepted.
- The file should be downloaded in your browser and will be called SolidWorksSetup.exe.
NOTE: This is the installation manager only, it contains everything you need to start an installation, but it will require additional downloads during the installation process depending on what is selected to install.
- Run SolidWorksSetup.exe. Accept any security prompts and click Unzip to extract the installation files.
NOTE: If a message appears indicating that a reboot is pending, you can still proceed, though it is recommended to reboot once before installing. - You are now ready to install any SOLIDWORKS product, visit this page for links to specific installation instructions for each product. To perform a full download of all installation files, select Download and share all files. This will allow you to perform the download one time and share the files to save on bandwidth and speed up the installation process.
NOTE: The default download location for all installation files is Documents\SOLIDWORKS Downloads\. The downloaded files can be copied to any location with sufficient permissions. - To run the installation manager again from a previous installation attempt or from previously downloaded files, run setup.exe in the top-level folder.
Video Instructions
Workaround: Download the SOLIDWORKS Installation manager now (No login required)
NOTE: Your browser security settings may block the download of .exe files. If nothing happens when you click the link above, right-click the link and choose “Save Link As” to save it to your hard drive. It may still flag the file as potentially harmful, displaying a security warning on the file download status bar in your browser. Find the download list and if you see a security warning, expand it to choose to “Keep” the file anyways. This is usually found along the bottom-left of the screen or the top-right corner.
Frequently Asked Questions When Downloading SOLIDWORKS
Yes, a valid SOLIDWORKS serial number is required to access the download files through the Customer Portal. This ensures your license entitlements are verified before you install the software.
In most cases, a Customer Portal login is required. However, MLC provides a direct download link for the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager for eligible users. While this allows you to skip the login step, you’ll still need a valid serial number to install and activate the software.
The best version depends on your operating system, hardware specs, and license entitlements. You can review supported versions in our full requirements guide here: mlc-cad.com/solidworks-help-center/solidworks-system-requirements/
If your SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager opens but appears blank or doesn’t load properly, this may be a permissions issue This is an uncommon issue with an easy fix. Follow the step-by-step resolution here: mlc-cad.com/solidworks-help-center/blank-solidworks-installation-manager-resolution/
Yes, you can choose the “Download and Share All Files” option in the Installation Manager. This saves a complete local installation package, which you can use offline or distribute across multiple devices. We recommend saving this full package on a network drive or someplace else safe to use for future use.
To run SOLIDWORKS Desktop smoothly, your system should meet both the minimum and recommended hardware requirements. View the latest supported hardware and OS list here: mlc-cad.com/solidworks-help-center/solidworks-system-requirements/
Once installed, launch SOLIDWORKS and follow the on-screen activation prompt. You’ll need an internet connection and your serial number. Full instructions can be found here: mlc-cad.com/solidworks-help-center/solidworks-license-activation/
If you’ve already downloaded the installation files, follow our full walkthrough for installation and product selection here: mlc-cad.com/solidworks-help-center/how-to-install-solidworks/
Still need help?
Contact support to request a special download link if you need something else, common examples where you must contact support:
- • Licenses not on subscription (not entitled to download online)
- • Special requests, such as an older service pack that is no longer available on the website
- • Errors or issues with the installation (Link to troubleshooting installation page)
- • Locks or errors logging in with your SOLIDWORKS ID (link to SOLIDWORKS ID page)