NOTE - The home use license key is valid for Solidworks 2025, as well as some older versions. We recommend you install Solidworks 2025 to match what is being used in labs. Please speak with your instructor if you are unsure.
Solidworks is a solids modeling and computer-aided engineering application. This article includes instructions for new installations and reactivation (scroll down).
Disclaimer: If the installation below fails, please ensure you have followed the instructions provided in the ticket. If the issue still persists, contact support@hawkridgesys.com for assistance.
Please refrain from contacting the Animation Techs, as they are not trained in this software. The IT Service Desk is also not trained in it; while they can help with basic troubleshooting, they are not equipped to handle advanced installation issues or provide support for software functionality.
IT Service Desk Support Scope:
| What the Service Desk Can Help With |
What the Service Desk Cannot Help With |
| Confirming a valid serial number has been received |
Advanced installation issues or software functionality |
| Verifying that installation instructions were generally followed |
Performing actions directly on a user’s device |
| Checking if a device meets minimum technical requirements |
Hands-on troubleshooting beyond basic checks |
| Helping interpret installation instructions and serial usage |
Continued troubleshooting once instructions are followed correctly |
| Providing access to RemotePC as a backup option |
|
New Installations
Step 2: Read & Accept Solidworks Community Access Initiative
Read & accept the terms of Solidworks Community Access Initiative.
Step 3: Check your ECU Email
Check your inbox for full installation instructions.
Step 4: Download & Run the Setup File
1) Download the initial setup file (note this will be a small file):
2) Run the setup file with elevated admin credentials:
3) Reboot your PC if recommended. After restart, run the setup once more.
Step 5: Choose "Individual" Install
Choose 'Individual' install option.
Step 6: Enter the Serial Number Provided
Enter the serial provided into the 3D Design / Solidworks product area only (leave all other boxes empty).
Step 7: Change Configuration / Language if Required
Change configuration & language options or leave as default .
*Removing unnecessary product options will save you up to 12 GB of downloaded media. Emily Carr installs only the following on campus:
- SOLIDWORKS
- PhotoView 360
- Example Files
- Manuals
- Help Files
- SOLIDWORKS Languages(English)
- SOLIDWORKS Motion
- SOLIDWORKS Simulation
Step 8: Accept Terms and Begin Download & Installation
Accept terms & click 'Download & Install'
Depending on your connection, this may take over an hour. This download is for the larger, final installer.
Installer will start automatically. Allow up to 30 minutes for it to complete all required components.
Step 9: Request to Download Solidworks
Launch Solidworks. Use the Product Activation window to 'activate now' using an Internet connection.
If activation reports failure:
-
Please check your internet connection and try again.
-
Reply to the ticket email thread for further assistance
Reactivating an Existing (Expired) Installation
If you already have Solidworks installed with an expired Student activation key, you can simply update the serial number without reinstalling the software.
Step #1: Under Control Panel\Programs and Features Select SolidWorks and click Change.
Step #2: Using the Solidworks GUI that appears, select Modify the individual installation and add in the new serial number.
Step #3: Click Next when prompted, and then Modify now.
Step #4: De-activate your old serial if prompted, and ignore any warnings that the old serial has expired. Continue to click Next whenever prompted.
Step #5: Launch SolidWorks and allow it to activate the new serial when prompted.