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Learn how to download and install or deactivate SolidWorks, a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) computer program.

Cal Poly Service Desk staff have reported that the installation could take approximately 30 minutes to complete from start to finish on average. Please be sure to plan accordingly to avoid interruption/errors…

First-time SolidWorks installation - STUDENT Edition

 click to view how to install the STUDENT version...
  1. Go to software.calpoly.edu and log in with your Cal Poly account.
    If you have not set up your computer to use the Software hub visit this Quickstart guide.

  2. Use the Search Apps field located at the top of the page to search for "SolidWorks". You should see the edition that is applicable to your user account at Cal Poly listed in the search results.

  3. Select the SolidWorks logo icon to expand a more detailed view. You will need to view these detailed notes/info to install SolidWorks.

  4. Download SolidWorks.

    For the Education Edition (faculty/staff), click the dropdown arrow, then click Download.

    SOLIDWORKS (education edition). Virtual computer labs dropdown arrow is highlighted. Download is highlighted


    For the Student Edition (Cal Poly students), click Download via SolidWorks.com.

    Download via SolidWorks.com button is highlighted

  5. Once redirected to the SOLIDWORKS Community download website, enter you First Name, Last Name and email. In the forth box, select Student from the dropdown. Under Product Information select Yes under ‘I already have a Serial Number that starts with 9020’ and the appropriate version under ‘Academic Version’. Select Request Download.

    SOlidworks download website. Contact Information. Under Project Information, for 'I already have a Serial Number that starts with 9020' Yes is selected.

  6. Select Accept and Continue and then Download on the next screen. This will prompt the download of a file titled SolidWorksSetup.exe. Allow the file to make changes to you hardware.

    Solidworks Community Access Initiative.Solidworks Community Access.

  7. If the WinZip Self-Extractor window doesn’t pop-up, navigate to your local Downloads folder, locate and double-click the SolidWorksSetup.exe file. Once open, click Unzip.
    The Solidworks Installation Manager window will pop up.

  8. Under the Specify type of installation field, click Install on this computer, then click the Next button.
    A serial number will automatically populate. Make sure the serial number ends in  NZ27

    Solidworks installation manager. 'Install on this computer' is selected

  9. Only SolidWorks should be selected (make sure all other items are unchecked before proceeding), then click Next.

  10. Accept the terms at the bottom, then press Download and Install.

    Solidworks. Installation Summary.

  11. Once downloaded, start Solidworks Student Edition.

  12. The SolidWorks license activation manager will appear. To activate click the Automatically over the Internet button.

  13. Once activated, click the Finish button. You should now have SolidWorks installed and activated on your device.

If you receive an error message during the installation process, submit the Student Support Form and include a screenshot of the error, if possible. You can also contact support by sending an email to studentsupport@Solidworks.com.

First-time SolidWorks installation - EDUCATION Edition

 click to view how to install the EDUCATION version...
  1. Go to software.calpoly.edu and log in with your Cal Poly account.
    If you have not set up your computer to use the Software hub visit this Quickstart guide.

  2. Use the Search Apps field located at the top of the page to search for "SolidWorks". You should see the edition that is applicable to your user account at Cal Poly listed in the search results.

  3. Select the SolidWorks logo icon to expand a more detailed view. You will need to view these detailed notes/info to install SolidWorks.

  4. Download SolidWorks.

    For the Education Edition (faculty/staff), click the dropdown arrow, then click Download.

    SOLIDWORKS (education edition). Virtual computer labs dropdown arrow is highlighted. Download is highlighted

  5. Navigate to your local Downloads folder, locate and double-click the solidworks_win file.

  6. Check the box to select the SolidWorks folder, Click the Extract tab, then click Extract all.

  7. Check the Show extracted files when complete box, then click the Extract button.

  8. Open the SolidWorks folder, then double-click the SolidWorksSetup file.

  9. Click the Yes button.

  10. Click the Unzip button. Then click OK. Click OK again.

  11. Under the Specify type of installation field, click Install on this computer, then click Next.

  12. Enter the Serial Number in the spaces provided, then click Next.
    Only SOLIDWORKS should be selected.

You will find the serial number listed in the License_Information text file included in the SolidWorks folder that was referenced in step 8. If you are prompted to choose a newer version of the software, choose No.

  1. Accept the terms at the bottom, then press Download and Install.

  2. The SolidWorks license Installation manager will appear. Enter the Port@ server in the space provided, then click OK.

You will find the Cal Poly Port@ server listed in the License_Information text file included in the SolidWorks folder that was referenced in step 8.

If you receive a message about verifying the server, click Yes to continue.


  1. The installer screen will indicate the downloading and installing progress while you wait. You will see Installation is Complete when done, click the Finish button.


SolidWorks is now installed and activated on your device.

Deactivate License

 click to view how to deactivate...

We’ll let the experts explain this one.

Visit SolidWorks' How to Deactivate a SOLIDWORKS License page for more information.

Uninstall SolidWorks

 click to view how to uninstall...
  1. Run the SolidWorksSetup.exe file from the initial SolidWorks download (you can redownload it from Software Hub if needed) and click Unzip. The Installation Manager will open.

  2. Select Modify your installation then click Next.
    The serial number should auto-populate; if it doesn’t, you can find it on the Software Hub.

  3. Make sure SOLIDWORKS under 3D Design is checked, then click Next.

  4. Deselect every product, then click Next.
    In the Summary, it should list all of your products under Products to Remove, and that the Estimated additional installation size is 0 KB.

  5. Accept the license agreement at the bottom, then click Modify Now. A new window will open.

  6. Select Deactivate now.

  7. Click Next. SolidWorks will deactivate.

  8. Press Finish.
    NOTE: The installation progress could take several minutes.

Please refer to the SolidWorks Installation Common Issues and Troubleshooting section if you have trouble installing.

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