SolidWorks 2021 and 2023 Installation

Due to the size of the installation, please DO NOT attempt to install this application via a wireless or VPN network connection. Prior to installing any new version or upgrade, please ensure that you are connected to a live, wired, Ethernet jack on campus and that your wireless network interface is disabled.

Note: Installation of SolidWorks in a virtual machine, whether on a Windows, Mac, or Linux host, is not supported.

This installation process will install the entire 2021 SolidWorks suite, including all other applications such as eDrawings, DWGeditor, SolidWorks Explorer, SolidWorks Installation manager, and all COSMOS applications. In order to use these latest application versions, you must perform the following tasks:

1. Backup any existing Solidworks files you wish to keep or have available after the upgrade. (parts, assemblies, drawings, document templates, sheet formats, library features and form tools).

Uninstall all previous versions of Solidworks and Solidworks related applications:

• If you are uninstalling Solidworks 2019:
  • Make sure you are connected the OLIN WiFi network.
  • Press the Windows Key + R to open the run prompt.
  • Copy the following link and paste it into the run prompt. Hit Enter.

\\fsvs01\Applications\Public\netapps\SolidWorks\2019\SP03\StartSWInstall.hta

• If you are uninstalling a different version of Solidworks:
  • Access Window's Apps & Features removal service and select Solidworks.
  • The first checkbox for Program Files and Folder should be checked off for you
  • Click to mark checkboxes for both Registry Entries as well as Data Files and Folders
    • These checkboxes may be located under Advanced Options
  • Click the “Uninstall SOLIDWORKS products now” button
    • The white window that is currently open should close and the installation manager will appear momentarily

Following removal, please reboot your computer before proceeding with installation of the latest version

• Note: If your laptop is a Dell Mobile Precision 3551, after installing Solidworks 2021/2023 you will have to disable the onboard graphics card before you can use Solidworks. To do so:

1. In the search box type in “Device Manager”.
2. In the Device Manager window that opens, expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click the Intel Graphics adapter and select “Disable this device”.
4. select yes when you are asked if you really want to disable it.
5. close the Device manager window.
6. Start your Sollidworks 2021/2023 program.

• Press the windows key and search for “Company Portal” and select it (NOTE: If you do not have Company Portal, contact IT or follow the “Alternative Installation Instructions”) 
• Select SolidWorks, and the installation should begin automatically.

Alternative Installation Instructions:

• Copy and paste the following link into your File Explorer:
• \\fsvs01\Applications\Public\netapps\SolidWorks
• Once you are in the SolidWorks folder, select the version you want to install, and copy the folder to your device.
• Run the file called startswinstall
• Once SolidWorks is done installing, delete the SolidWorks folder

• Copy and paste the following link into your File Explorer:
• \\fsvs01\Applications\Public\netapps\SolidWorks
  • You will be prompted for credentials to connect to fsvs01.olin.edu at this point. Please use your Olin network credentials:
    • Username: olin.edu\<your Olin domain username>
    • Password: <your Olin domain password>
      • NOTE: You MUST specifiy olin.edu\ preceding your username

• Once you are in the SolidWorks folder, select the version you want to install, and copy the folder to your device.
• Run the file called startswinstall
• Once SolidWorks is done installing, delete the SolidWorks folder

Solidworks PDM instructions can be found here.

SolidWorks licenses can be borrowed for use without internet or VPN connectivity using the SolidNetWork License Manager. Additional details can be found as documented by SolidWorks:

• Borrowing SolidNetWorks Licenses
• Returning SolidNetWorks Licenses