Installation on Individual Computers

You can install SolidWorks on an individual computer using several installation methods.

The SolidWorks Installation Manager performs the installation, tailoring the installation to the products you have purchased. Before you start the installation:

  • Have your SolidWorks serial number available.
  • Verify that you have a working internet connection.
SolidWorks Installation Manager requires various Microsoft components, including Microsoft Windows Installer, Office Web Components, Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Applications, and .NET Framework. If the correct versions of all Windows prerequisite components are not installed on the computer, SolidWorks Installation Manager installs them automatically prior to installing SolidWorks products.

Installation Method Summary of the Process
Using the SolidWorks installation media Insert the appropriate DVD disk into the computer disk drive.
The SolidWorks installation media provides separate DVDs for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows installations.
   
Using a download directory on a server In the download directory, double-click setup.exe.
The download directory must be accessible from the computer on which you are installing SolidWorks products, and it must contain all of the SolidWorks installation files before installation can begin. SolidWorks Installation Manager can help you find missing files if you have internet access and write access to the download directory.
This is not an administrative image. The only way to install a client computer from an administrative image is by clicking the link in the HTML page distributed by the SolidWorks administrator.
   
Updating an existing SolidWorks installation using Check for Updates Do one of the following:
  • In SolidWorks, click Help > Check for Updates.
  • In Windows, click Start > All Programs > SolidWorks Installation Manager > Check for Updates.
You must have a working internet connection.

Workgroup PDM clients detect Vault updates automatically. You do not need to download a service pack to update clients. For details, see Update Clients in the Workgroup PDM online help.

   
Downloading from the SolidWorks customer Web site.
  1. Browse to the SolidWorks Web site.
  2. Login as a Subscription Service Customer, using your email address and password, or your SolidWorks serial number.
  3. Under Self Service, click Download Software and Updates.
  4. Under Download Software, click the SolidWorks version you wish to install.
You must have a working internet connection.

You must be a Subscription Service Customer with login access to the Customer Portal site.

When the installation is complete, start the SolidWorks application and activate the license.

Installation on Individual Computers