SolidWorks Installation FAQs

TriMech’s Enterprise Solutions Team brings together experts from Adaptive, Forward Vision, Design Rule, Desktop Engineering, and Majenta Solutions Dassault Systèmes Division to form an elite solutions team.

The team's core function is to use their wealth of experience to deliver enterprise solutions from the Dassault Systèmes portfolio of products and solutions, including CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA and the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.

Explore the TriMech Enterpise site to find the full portfolio and more information on our offerings.

Are there any recommendations when doing an installation?

You can install SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard or SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional using:

SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager (SLDIM)

SOLIDWORKS PDM InstallShield Wizard

For full information check out the installation guide

Install on an admin account -> disable antivirus

What computer specification is required to run SOLIDWORKS?

Various packages may require certain specifications which can be found here.

Can I change my data directory after installation?

No, once installation is complete the only way to change the data directory is to uninstall, then reinstall the software.

How do I download SOLIDWORKS?

Visit the SOLIDWORKS downloads page

You will need to register an account with SOLIDWORKS if you haven’t already done so.

Can I run SOLIDWORKS on my Mac?

Yes, however running SOLIDWORKS on a Mac is not fully supported and SW will recommend running the programme on a windows pc. Running SOLIDWORKS on a Mac means you are making compromises on speed, functionality and stability.

SOLIDWORKS is only supported when:

1) Running on Microsoft operating systems. With SOLIDWORKS 2014 that means running Windows 7 or 8 operating systems. It also means you have to buy a copy of the Windows operating system.

2) Running with a supported graphics card.

The operating system on a Mac is called “Mac OS” and there are 2 ways of running Windows 7/8 on a Mac:

Bootcamp

Parallels

Visit the apple page for a guide on how to install windows on to your Mac

Do you recommend turning off anti-virus scanning when installing SOLIDWORKS?

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.