How to Install SolidNetwork License Manager
This guide is an overview of how to install the SolidNetWork License (SNL) manager, which supports multiple license clients by distributing licenses to clients on the network. This allows the number of users to exceed the number of licenses by using floating licenses. When a client computer opens a SOLIDWORKS network licensed product, they consume a license from the network, and when the SOLIDWORKS product is closed the license is returned for others to use.
Watch the video instructions to Install the Network License Server or read on for step-by-step instructions with illustrations.
Prerequisites
- SOLIDWORKS network serial number(s). These serial numbers begin with 9010 (or 0010). Multiple serial numbers can be managed on the same SNL. Admins can access their company’s serial numbers by visiting MyProducts.solidworks.com along with an overview of the functionality.
Note: If you’re installing a standalone SOLIDWORKS desktop license (serial numbers begin with 9000), please reference these instructions instead: How to Install SOLIDWORKS standalone.
- Admin access and privileges to the server or machine where the SNL will be installed.
- SOLIDWORKS installation media, which can be downloaded from the SOLIDWORKS downloads site. Note: The SolidNetWork License Manager version MUST be equal to or newer than the SOLIDWORKS version installed on client/local systems.
- The SNL is normally installed on a server machine, though the application can be installed on a standard Windows computer as long as it meets the SOLIDWORKS and PDM minimum system requirements and the computer is communicating on the same network for clients to obtain a license.
Installation Overview
- Install SolidNetWork License (SNL) manager application.
- Add firewall communication port rules, if required.
- Add SOLIDWORKS serial numbers to SNL and activate.
Installation Detailed Steps
- Navigate to the downloaded SolidWorksSetup.exe and double-click on the file. When prompted, select ‘Unzip’ to extract the files. The SOLIDWORKS installation manager will launch automatically.
If you previously unzipped the files and need to start the installation manager again, navigate into the extracted folder, right-click on setup.exe and choose ‘Run as Administrator.’ The SOLIDWORKS installation manager will now launch.
- On the welcome screen, under Server Products, choose ‘Install SolidNetWork License Manager on this computer.’
- Verify the SolidNetWork License manager installation location and Download Options. We recommend leaving the locations set as default, though you can select the Change icons next to each category to modify the locations.
Default installation location:
C:\Program Files (x86)\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SolidNetWork License Manager
Default download location:
C:\Users\<username>\Documents\SOLIDWORKS Downloads
Accept the terms of the SOLIDWORKS license agreement and then click ‘Download and Install’.
Note, for SOLIDWORKS versions starting with 2023, serial numbers will be entered at a later step in this guide. For SOLIDWORKS versions prior to 2023, the installation manager will prompt to add serial numbers at this point on the Summary page. Multiple serial numbers can be added by separating them by commas (,). For example, you may enter SOLIDWORKS, PDM, and/or Simulation network serial numbers. Once you click Back to Summary, you can proceed with the installation.
- Once the installation is complete, select Finish to close the installation manager.
- In the Windows app list, navigate to SOLIDWORKS Tools folder and launch SolidNetWork License Manager Server Editon. Alternatively, you can simply search Windows start for ‘solidnetwork license’, and Windows should return the license manager in the top results.
- The system will prompt a message that licenses do not exist with a choice to activate now. Choose ‘Yes.’
- Review the SolidNetWork License Server Information and click ‘Next.’ If a firewall is in use, add the required communication port rules for SolidNetWork License manager (25734, 25735) by following these instructions: Adding Windows Firewall Exceptions for SOLIDWORKS Network-Based Products
Note, if you have already entered and activated at least one serial number, and you are accessing the SolidNetWork License Manager again, on the Server Administration tab, select Modify to access the serial number screen as shown below.
- Enter your network serial number(s). Multiple serial numbers can be entered in list form or by separating them by semicolons (;). Click OK once the numbers have been entered.
- Verify the information is correct and enter your email address. The email address is not linked to the serial numbers. It is only required to track who activated the serial numbers at that time. Click Next to activate.
- An activation status window will display for each serial number entered. Let the windows open, process, and close without interruption. Each window should only take a few seconds to complete.
- Once the activations are complete, a summary screen will display. Click Finish to complete the activation process and return to the SolidNetWork License Manager.
- The SolidNetWork License Manager installation is now complete and ready to distribute licenses to clients installed using the same network serial number and connected to the same network as SNL.
Additional Resources
Technical Support
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