How to Transfer Solidworks from One Computer to Another

Preparing for the Transfer

Before you start the process of transferring SolidWorks from one computer to another, there are a few things you need to take care of. These steps will ensure a smooth transition and avoid any potential issues. Follow these instructions to prepare for the transfer:

1. Gather the Installation Files and License Key:

Make sure you have a legitimate copy of SolidWorks installation files and the license key. If you don’t have the installation files, you can download them from the official SolidWorks website or use the installation DVD that came with your software package. The license key is usually provided with the purchase or can be obtained from your SolidWorks supplier.

2. Back up Custom Settings and Templates:

If you have customized any settings or created your own templates in SolidWorks, it’s essential to back them up before transferring to the new computer. This will ensure that you don’t lose any valuable information or configurations. To back up your settings, go to the “Tools” menu in SolidWorks and select “Save/Restore Settings.” Follow the instructions to save your custom settings to a designated location. Additionally, make sure to copy any templates or files you have created for future use.

3. Check System Requirements:

Before transferring SolidWorks, ensure that the new computer meets the minimum system requirements for running the software. Visit the SolidWorks website or refer to the documentation provided with your software package to find the necessary specifications. This step is essential as outdated or incompatible hardware could lead to performance issues or failure to run SolidWorks on the new computer.

4. Deactivate SolidWorks License on the Old Computer:

If you no longer intend to use SolidWorks on the old computer, it’s crucial to deactivate the license before transferring it to the new one. Failure to deactivate the license may result in complications during activation on another system. To deactivate the license, open SolidWorks on the old computer and go to the “Help” menu. From there, select “Transfer Licenses” and follow the instructions to complete the deactivation process.

5. Consider Network Licensing:

If you have a network license for SolidWorks, transferring the software becomes easier as you can access it from any computer within the network. In this case, you don’t need to transfer the license or installation files to the new computer. Simply install SolidWorks on the new machine, connect it to the network, and configure the license server settings to access the software as usual.

By following these preparatory steps, you will be ready to transfer SolidWorks from one computer to another without any major hurdles. Having the necessary installation files, backing up custom settings, and ensuring system compatibility will make the process seamless and efficient. Now, let’s move on to the next step of transferring SolidWorks to the new computer.

Uninstalling SolidWorks from the Old Computer

If you are planning to transfer SolidWorks from one computer to another, it is essential to first uninstall the software from the old computer. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to the Control Panel of your computer.

Step 2: Select “Programs and Features” or “Add or Remove Programs” option, depending on your Windows version.

Step 3: Locate SolidWorks on the list of installed programs.

Step 4: Click on SolidWorks and then click on the “Uninstall” button.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Once you have successfully uninstalled SolidWorks from the old computer, you can proceed with the transfer process.

Preparing the New Computer for SolidWorks Installation

Before installing SolidWorks on your new computer, it is important to make sure that it meets the system requirements and has the necessary components to run the software smoothly. Follow these steps to prepare your new computer:

Step 1: Check the system requirements for SolidWorks. You can find these requirements on the official SolidWorks website or in the product documentation.

Step 2: Make sure your new computer has enough storage space to accommodate the SolidWorks installation files.

Step 3: Ensure that your new computer meets the minimum hardware specifications, such as processor, RAM, and graphics card, required by SolidWorks.

Step 4: Update your new computer’s operating system and drivers to the latest versions. This will help prevent any compatibility issues during the installation process.

Step 5: Disable any antivirus or firewall software temporarily to avoid potential conflicts with the SolidWorks installation.

Transferring SolidWorks Installation Files to the New Computer

Once you have uninstalled SolidWorks from the old computer and prepared the new computer for installation, you can proceed with transferring the SolidWorks installation files to the new computer. Here’s how:

Step 1: Locate the SolidWorks installation files on the old computer. These files are usually stored in the default installation directory, which is “C:\Program Files\SolidWorks” or “C:\Program Files (x86)\SolidWorks”.

Step 2: Copy the entire SolidWorks installation folder or the specific files and folders that you want to transfer to the new computer.

Step 3: Connect the old computer and new computer using a network connection, external storage device, or any other suitable method for file transfer.

Step 4: Paste the SolidWorks installation files into a location on the new computer’s hard drive. It is recommended to create a new folder specifically for SolidWorks to keep the software organized.

Step 5: Once the file transfer is complete, disconnect the old computer from the network or remove the external storage device.

Installing SolidWorks on the New Computer

Now that you have transferred the SolidWorks installation files to the new computer, you can proceed with the installation process. Follow these steps to install SolidWorks:

Step 1: Locate the SolidWorks installation files on the new computer.

Step 2: Double-click on the installation file to begin the installation process.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to install SolidWorks. Make sure to select the appropriate installation options and customize the settings according to your preferences.

Step 4: Once the installation is complete, activate your SolidWorks license on the new computer using your license key or activation code.

Step 5: Restart the computer to ensure that SolidWorks is properly installed and ready to use.

By following these steps, you can transfer SolidWorks from one computer to another, ensuring that all the necessary files and settings are successfully migrated. Remember to deactivate your SolidWorks license on the old computer once the transfer is complete, as most licenses only allow installation on a limited number of machines.

Transferring the SolidWorks Files

When transferring SolidWorks from one computer to another, it is important to ensure that all necessary files are copied over. This includes the installation files, license key, and any custom settings or templates. By following these steps, you can successfully transfer SolidWorks to a new computer.

Installing SolidWorks on the New Computer

To transfer SolidWorks from one computer to another, you will need to install the software on your new computer. Follow these steps to complete the installation process:

1. Insert the portable storage device, such as a USB drive or external hard drive, into the new computer.

2. Navigate to the SolidWorks installation files that you copied from the old computer. These files may be stored in a specific folder or on the root directory of the storage device.

3. Locate the setup program called “SolidWorks Setup.exe” or a similar file with a .exe extension.

4. Run the setup program by double-clicking on it. This will launch the SolidWorks installation wizard.



5. Follow the prompts provided by the installation wizard to complete the installation. Make sure to carefully review and accept the license agreement, choose the desired installation options, and select the installation location for SolidWorks.

6. Wait for the installation process to finish. This may take some time, depending on the speed of your computer and the size of the SolidWorks software.

7. Once the installation is complete, you can launch SolidWorks on your new computer. You may need to activate the software using your product key if prompted.

By following these steps, you can successfully install SolidWorks on your new computer and transfer your design files and settings from the old computer. It is important to note that the installation process may vary slightly depending on the version of SolidWorks you are using and the operating system of your new computer.

Activating SolidWorks on the New Computer

After successfully transferring SolidWorks to your new computer, the next step is to activate the software. Activation ensures that your SolidWorks installation is properly licensed, allowing you to use all the features and functions of the software.

To activate SolidWorks on your new computer, you will need the license key. This key is provided to you when you purchase SolidWorks or obtain it through a subscription. During the installation process, you will be prompted to enter the license key. Make sure to carefully enter the key to avoid any errors.

Follow the installation prompts to complete the activation process. The steps may vary slightly depending on the version of SolidWorks you are using, but generally, you will be guided through a series of screens that will verify your license and activate the software.

It is important to note that SolidWorks licenses are typically tied to specific computers or users, depending on the type of license you have. Some licenses are node-locked, which means they can only be used on a specific computer, while others are floating licenses that can be shared among multiple users or computers within a network.

If you have a node-locked license, you may need to deactivate the license on the old computer before you can activate it on the new one. This can usually be done through the SolidWorks License Manager. Consult the SolidWorks documentation or contact your license administrator for specific instructions on how to deactivate and transfer your license.

After successfully activating SolidWorks on your new computer, you should now have full access to all the features and capabilities of the software. You can start using SolidWorks to create 3D models, perform simulations, and design a wide range of mechanical components and systems.

Remember to keep your license key and activation information in a safe place in case you need to reinstall or transfer SolidWorks again in the future. It is also important to comply with the terms and conditions of the SolidWorks license agreement to ensure that you are using the software legally.