Menu

SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Data Management System Requirements

These requirements apply to all SOLIDWORKS products except where noted. Use this information to ensure you are always working with a SOLIDWORKS-supported and optimized system for hardware, operating system and Microsoft products.

 

System Requirements for SOLIDWORKS CAD Workstations

We are often asked to advise on the best hardware to run SOLIDWORKS and your other CAE applications on. The answer will invariably depend on the type of work your company does, the size and the complexity of the models and drawings which you will create.

One thing, however, is certain. The criteria used when selecting hardware for CAE Applications is different to the criteria used when selecting hardware for gaming or for general 'office' applications to run. This is especially the case when selecting a Graphics Card. There are any number of Graphic Cards released each year but only those designed for Workstations / CAD usage should be considered for a CAD / CAE workstation.
stay-up-to-date.png

SOLID Applications have defined a selection of Workstations and Mobile Workstations as solutions to run SOLIDWORKS. We are able to provide the best possible prices for this class of machines. We have chosen a selection of specifications which are outlined below, but these are subject to change at any time. Please see our SOLIDWORKS Worksations page for further information.

Create a collaborative bridge with SOLIDWORKS Electrical Boost your team productivity with SOLIDWORKS PDM Easily navigate Plastic part design with SOLIDWORKS Improve your assembly process with SOLIDWORKS Composer

System Requirements

Use this information to ensure you are always working with a SOLIDWORKS supported and optimized system for hardware, operating system and Microsoft products.

Operating Systems

SOLIDWORKS
2019
(EDU 2019-2020)		 SOLIDWORKS
2020
(EDU 2020-2021)		 SOLIDWORKS
2021
(EDU 2021-2022)
Client Products (e.g. SOLIDWORKS)
Windows 10, 64-bit
Windows 7 SP1, 64-bit
Server Products (e.g. SOLIDWORKS PDM)
Windows Server 2019
(2019 SP3)
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2012 R2
eDrawings for Mac
macOS Catalina (10.15)
macOS Mojave (10.14)
macOS High Sierra (10.13)
macOS Sierra (10.12)

 

Microsoft SQL and Office

SOLIDWORKS
2019		 SOLIDWORKS
2020		 SOLIDWORKS
2021
MS SQL
SQL 2019
SQL 2017
SQL 2016
SQL 2014
SQL 2014 SP3 required
SQL 2014 SP3 required
(End of Life: SW2021 SP5)
SQL 2012
MS Office
Microsoft Excel and Word 2013, 2016,
2019 (SW2019 SP2)		 2013, 2016, 2019 2016, 2019

 

Hardware and Hypervisors

SOLIDWORKS
2019		 SOLIDWORKS
2020		 SOLIDWORKS
2021
Hardware
Processor 3.3 GHz or higher
RAM 16 GB or more
PDM Contributor/Viewer or Electrical Schematic: 8 GB or more
Graphics Certified cards and drivers
Drives SSD drives recommended for optimal performance
Hypervisors (Virtual Environments)
SOLIDWORKS 2018 SOLIDWORKS 2019 SOLIDWORKS 2020
VMware vSphere ESXi 6.0 6.5 6.7
VMware Workstation 9 14 15
Microsoft Hyper-V 2012 2016 2019
Parallels Desktop, Mac 10 14 14
Citrix XenServer 6.2 7.4 7.6
  • SOLIDWORKS and eDrawings require a GPU for optimal performance in a virtualized environment. SOLIDWORKS has tested and certified graphics cards for virtualized environments. For a complete listing, check Certified Cards and Drivers.
  • SOLIDWORKS Composer is not supported in virtualized environments.

 

Antivirus Products

Guidelines to help ensure SOLIDWORKS installation success and optimal runtime performance:

  • Use a trusted antivirus product.

  • Keep your antivirus product updated to the latest version.

  • Stay updated with the latest antivirus definition/signature file (This defines the known current vulnerabilities and exemptions).

  • To ensure optimum performance, it is not recommended to install antivirus software on the SOLIDWORKS PDM vault server.

  • Consider creating exemptions for SOLIDWORKS file types and folder locations to improve SOLIDWORKS file based runtime performance such as File Open/Save/Save As and PDM Vault Checkin/Checkout.

  • If you encounter install or runtime errors or warnings from your antivirus product, first check the SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base for known issues or contact your SOLIDWORKS reseller.

 

Microsoft/Apple Products Support Lifecycle (SOLIDWORKS 2019 - 2021)

Products Start of Support End of Support 1
Windows 10, 64-bit SW 2015 SP5 Active
Windows 7, 64-bit SW 2010 SP1 SW 2020 SP5
Windows Server 2019 SW 2019 SP3 SW Active
Windows Server 2016 SW 2017 SP2 SW Active
Windows Server 2012 R2 SW 2014 SP3 SW 2019 SP5
SQL Server 2019 SW 2020 SP0 Active
SQL Server 2017 SW 2018 SP0 Active
SQL Server 2016 SW 2017 SP0 Active
SQL Server 2014 SW 2015 SP0 SW 2021 SP5
SQL Server 2012 SW 2013 SP2 SW 2019 SP5
IE 11 SW 2014 SP3 Active
Excel, Word 2019 (64-bit recommended) SW 2019 SP2 Active
Excel, Word 2016 (64-bit recommended) SW 2016 SP3 Active
Excel, Word 2013 SW 2013 SP4 SW 2020 SP5
macOS Catalina (10.15) eDrawings 2020 Active
macOS Mojave (10.14) eDrawings 2019 Active
macOS High Sierra (10.13) eDrawings 2019 Active
macOS Sierra (10.12) eDrawings 2017 eDrawings 2019

 

Notes:

  1. End Of Support (EOS) corresponds to the last SOLIDWORKS release where a Microsoft product is supported (This is synchronized with the Microsoft Mainstream Support End Date). SOLIDWORKS releases after the EOS are not supported for the said Microsoft product and SOLIDWORKS installation is blocked in the case of an operating system.

  2. SOLIDWORKS Product Support Lifecycle defines the End Of Support for SOLIDWORKS versions.

  3. SOLIDWORKS recommends using the latest Microsoft update of Windows, Office and Internet Explorer.

  4. SOLIDWORKS supports each Windows 10 release for applicable SOLIDWORKS releases as long as it is still covered by both the SOLIDWORKS Product Support Lifecycle and Microsoft Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet.

  5. SOLIDWORKS recommends using a Windows Server operating system for all SOLIDWORKS server-based products. Refer to the Microsoft Windows Server documentation to select the Windows Server edition that meets your needs.

  6. Windows Home Editions and Windows To Go are not supported.

  7. Apple Mac ® based machines running Windows using Boot Camp are not supported.

  8. SOLIDWORKS 2018 on Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 requires the Microsoft April 2014 update

  9. It is not recommended to install any instances of other applications on the SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive or Database Server. For PDM Professional, it is recommended the Archive and Database servers are two separate, dedicated machines.

  10. SOLIDWORKS does not test or certify VPN (Virtual Private Network) solutions but provides best-effort support. Users may be directed to work directly with their VPN provider to resolve issues on a case-by-case basis.

  11. Beginning with SOLIDWORKS 2020, DVD distribution media will only be provided on request. Please contact your Reseller.

Stay Connected via Social Media

Stay Connected

Go to top