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How to Install SOLIDWORKS with a Network License

If your organization uses a SOLIDWORKS Network License (SNL), each workstation that runs SOLIDWORKS must connect to the SolidNetWork License Manager (SNL Manager) hosted on a server. This guide walks through installing the SOLIDWORKS Client with a Network License, so your machine can access SOLIDWORKS licenses from the network.

NOTE: This guide assumes that the SolidNetWork License Manager has already been installed and configured on your license server.

Before You Begin

Please verify the following information before you begin the installation:

  • You have administrative privileges on the computer.
  • You know the hostname or IP address of the license server.

Access the SOLIDWORKS Installation Media

  1. Access the SOLIDWORKS Download Portal.

  2. Log in using your 3DEXPERIENCE ID.

  3. Select the version that you would like to install from the Select Version dropdown.

  4. Click on the SOLIDWORKS Products link for the service pack you would like to install, scroll to the bottom of the terms and conditions and accept to download the installation media.

CAUTION: Always ensure you are installing the same major version (e.g., 2024, 2025) or older as your SNL server. Installing a newer major version than the SolidNetWork License Manager Server may cause license errors.

Launch the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager

  1. Run the SolidWorksSetup.exe file downloaded in the previous step and select Unzip.

  2. If prompted, allow the installer to make changes to your system.

The SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager should now open automatically.

Select Installation Type

  1. On the Installation Manager welcome screen, choose Install on this computer.

  2. Click Next.

Enter the Network Serial Number

  1. On the Serial Number page, enter the serial number provided for your SOLIDWORKS Network License for each of the products you would like installed that are available on that Network License.

    1. A Network serial number can provide access to multiple different products, so unless specified otherwise, the same serial number will be used for each product you plan to install.

  2. Click Next.

Review Summary and Complete the Installation

  1. The installer will scan your serial number and display available SOLIDWORKS products. Select Change next to any respective section of the summary if you would like to make any modifications.

  2. Toggle the checkbox stating I accept the terms of SOLIDWORKS and select Download and Install.

 

Define License Server Port and Server Information

  1. When prompted, enter the license server details in the following format: 25734@ServerName

    • 25734 is the default port used by SOLIDWORKS.

    • ServerName is the hostname of your license server.

      • If unknown, access System Information on the server/computer with the license manager installed, and it will be listed as the System Name in the System Summary section

      • If using an IP address, enter it as: 25734@<SERVER IP ADDRESS>.

  2. Click OK.

NOTE: If your organization uses multiple license servers, separate them with semicolons (e.g., 25734@Server1;25734@Server2).

The installation manager should then proceed to download any necessary files and install SOLIDWORKS. Once the installation is complete, you should be able to launch SOLIDWORKS, as long as you are connected to the same network that the server/computer with the license manager installed is connected to. If you are not connected to the same network, you will need to establish a VPN connection to be able to successfully utilize one of the licenses from the Network pool.

For further assistance, please contact your Value Added Reseller (VAR). If you are partnered with SWYFT Solutions, you can reach our support team at support@swyftsol.com or 616-631-3044.