Once the download is complete, proceed with the installation.
Step 1: Launching the Installer
Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the installation files (the "Full Installation Set"). Locate setup.exe and run it as Administrator (Right-click > Run as Administrator).
Step 2: Installation Type The Welcome screen will appear. Select:
Step 3: Serial Number Entry Enter your SOLIDWORKS 2018 Serial Number(s).
Step 4: License Agreement Review the Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS Corporation License Agreement. Check the box labeled "I accept the terms of the SOLIDWORKS License Agreement" and click Install Now or Next.
Step 5: Installation Manager Actions The system will now check for updates and prerequisites.
Step 6: Progress A progress bar will appear. The installation typically takes between 15 to 45 minutes depending on system speed.
Yes, if you need backward compatibility with legacy projects or have older hardware. No, if you want cloud collaboration, modern surfacing tools, or advanced simulation (which are available in newer versions).
To download and install a new copy of SolidWorks 2018, you must have a legitimate serial number from Dassault Systèmes or a reseller (like GoEngineer, Hawk Ridge, or TriMech). Avoid torrents at all costs – they will waste your time with malware.
If you cannot obtain a legal license, consider SolidWorks Free for Makers (a newer version, $99/year) or Fusion 360 (free for hobbyists). But for those who have the license: follow this guide, run as administrator, and you will have a clean, stable SolidWorks 2018 environment ready for your next engineering challenge.
Have questions about a specific error during your new installation? Leave a comment below or consult the official SolidWorks 2018 Installation Guide (PDF) included in your download folder.
SolidWorks 2018 remains a popular choice for engineers and designers due to its stability and robust feature set. Whether you are revisiting an old project or installing it for the first time, following the correct procedure ensures a smooth setup. This guide covers the essential steps for a successful download and installation. System Requirements for SolidWorks 2018
Before beginning the download, verify that your hardware can handle the software. SolidWorks is resource-intensive, and running it on unsupported hardware can lead to frequent crashes.
Operating System: Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 10 (64-bit only). Processor: 3.3 GHz or higher clock speed. RAM: At least 16 GB is recommended for complex assemblies.
Graphics Card: Certified NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro cards with updated drivers. Storage: At least 20 GB of free space for the installation. How to Download SolidWorks 2018
To get a clean, official version of the software, you must access the SolidWorks Customer Portal. Avoid third-party "crack" sites, as these often contain malware and lack critical service packs.
Access the Portal: Go to the official SolidWorks Customer Portal website.
Login: Sign in with your 3DEXPERIENCE ID. if you do not have one, you will need to register using your serial number.
Find Downloads: Under the "Download" section, click on "Downloads and Service Packs."
Select Version: Choose "2018" from the version dropdown menu.
Download Manager: Click on the latest Service Pack (e.g., SP05) to download the SolidWorks Installation Manager. This small executable file will manage the larger data download for you. Step-by-Step Installation Guide solidworks 2018 download and install new
Once you have downloaded the Installation Manager, follow these steps to install the software on your machine. Phase 1: Preparation
Disable Antivirus: Security software often blocks registry writes during installation. Disable it temporarily.
Check Permissions: Ensure you are logged in as a Windows Administrator.
Serial Numbers: Have your 16 or 24-digit serial numbers ready for SolidWorks, Simulation, or Flow Simulation modules. Phase 2: Running the Installer
Launch the Setup: Right-click Setup.exe and select "Run as Administrator."
Choose Installation Type: Select "Individual (on this computer)" and click Next.
Enter Serial Numbers: Input your codes into the corresponding fields. If your computer is connected to the internet, it may automatically populate these.
Summary Page: This is the most important step. Click "Change" next to "Products" to select only the tools you need (like eDrawings or PhotoView 360) to save disk space.
Accept Terms: Check the box to accept the SolidWorks License Agreement.
Install Now: Click the "Install Now" button. The process usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes depending on your hard drive speed. Activating Your License
After the installation finishes, you must activate the product to use it. Launch SolidWorks: A prompt will appear asking to activate. Method: Select "Automatically over the internet." Email: Provide your contact email.
Finish: Once the "Activation Successful" message appears, you are ready to start modeling. Troubleshooting Common Errors
If you encounter issues during the "new" install of this older version, check these common fixes:
Framework Errors: SolidWorks 2018 requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2. If the install fails, update your Windows components manually.
VBA Issues: If you get a "VBA failed to initialize" error, repair your Microsoft Office installation, as SolidWorks relies on these shared components.
Service Pack Importance: Always aim for Service Pack 5.0 (the final release of 2018), as it contains all the bug fixes discovered throughout that year's lifecycle.
Do you have a Standard, Professional, or Premium serial number? Are you installing this on a workstation or a laptop? Are you moving a license from an old computer to a new one?
Installing SOLIDWORKS 2018 requires careful preparation, as it is a demanding professional CAD application. Before you begin, ensure you have your serial number
ready, which is typically found on your distribution box or your SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal SolidWorks System Requirements for SOLIDWORKS 2018
Ensure your hardware meets these standards to prevent performance issues or crashes: Operating System : Windows 10, 8.1, or 7 SP1 (64-bit only). Once the download is complete, proceed with the installation
: Intel or AMD with SSE2 support; 3.3 GHz or higher clock speed is recommended. 8GB minimum
; 16GB or higher is strongly recommended for large assemblies. : Minimum 10GB free disk space; an is highly recommended for faster boot times. Graphics Card
: A certified OpenGL workstation card (e.g., NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro) with at least Step 1: Downloading the Installation Media
You can obtain the full installation file set through these primary official channels: How to Install SOLIDWORKS - GoEngineer
Installing SOLIDWORKS 2018 requires careful preparation, as it is a legacy version with specific system requirements and a multi-step download process via the SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal. 1. Pre-Installation: System Requirements
Before starting, ensure your machine meets the hardware specs for the 2018 release. SolidWorks 2018 does not support 32-bit operating systems.
Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 8.1 (64-bit), or Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit).
Processor: Intel or AMD with SSE2 support; high-speed i7 or Xeon is recommended.
RAM: 8GB minimum; 16GB–24GB recommended for large assemblies.
Graphics Card: Certified NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro with at least 2GB VRAM. Storage: SSD with at least 20GB of free space. 2. Downloading the Software
Official downloads are restricted to users with an active subscription or a valid serial number.
Visit the SOLIDWORKS Downloads page and log in with your 3DEXPERIENCE ID or SOLIDWORKS ID. In the "Select Version" dropdown, choose 2018.
Select the desired Service Pack (e.g., SP05 is the most stable final release).
Accept the License Agreement and click Download to save the SolidWorksSetup.exe file. 3. Step-by-Step Installation
Prepare Files: Right-click the downloaded SolidWorksSetup.exe, select Properties, and check Unblock if available.
Extract: Run the file as an administrator. Click Unzip to extract the Installation Manager files.
Start Manager: The SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager should launch automatically. Select "Individual (on this computer)" and click Next.
Enter Serial Numbers: Input your 24-digit serial numbers for 3D Design and any additional products like Simulation or Visualize.
Product Selection: On the Summary page, click Change next to "Products" to ensure only necessary components are selected to save disk space.
Set Paths: It is best practice to add "2018" to the end of your installation and Toolbox folders (e.g., C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp 2018) to avoid conflicts with other versions. Step 3: Serial Number Entry Enter your SOLIDWORKS
Finalize: Accept the terms and click Install Now. This typically takes 30–45 minutes. 4. Activation
Once finished, restart your computer. Launch SOLIDWORKS; you will be prompted to activate. Use the "Automatic over the Internet" option for the fastest verification.
For specialized versions, such as the Community/Student Download, you may need a specific SDK ID or SEK-ID provided by your institution.
SOLIDWORKS 2018: A Complete Guide to Download and Install SOLIDWORKS 2018 remains a highly sought-after version for many engineering and design professionals due to its stability and specialized feature set. Whether you are revisiting this version for legacy project compatibility or setting it up for the first time, this guide provides the necessary steps to safely download and install the software. 1. Pre-Installation: System Requirements
Before beginning your download, ensure your hardware is capable of running SOLIDWORKS 2018 to avoid performance issues or installation failures.
Operating System: Windows 10, 8.1, or 7 SP1 (64-bit only). Note: 32-bit systems are not supported starting with SOLIDWORKS 2015.
Processor: Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD equivalent with SSE2 support. A clock speed of 3.3 GHz or higher is recommended for optimal performance.
RAM: Minimum 8 GB; however, 16 GB to 32 GB is highly recommended for large assemblies and simulations.
Storage: At least 10 GB of free space on a Solid State Drive (SSD) for the installation itself.
Graphics Card: A certified OpenGL workstation card (e.g., NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro) with at least 2 GB of GPU RAM. SOLIDWORKS 2018 Hardware FAQs and Recommendations
Once upon a time in the bustling world of engineering, a determined designer named Alex embarked on a quest to bring a vision to life. The first step? Securing a copy of the legendary SolidWorks 2018.
Alex navigated to the SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal, a digital gatekeeper of industry-standard tools. With a valid Serial Number in hand—the golden key to this kingdom—Alex unlocked the downloads section. There it was: the 2018 Service Pack 5.0, the most polished and stable version of that era.
With a click, the SolidWorks Installation Manager began its descent onto the hard drive. Once launched, the wizard guided Alex through the ritual of "Individual Installation." The air hummed with anticipation as the progress bar crept forward, installing the core features: Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings.
Suddenly, a prompt appeared! The Activation Wizard demanded confirmation. Alex clicked "Finish," and the software synchronized with the server, solidifying the license.
The screen flickered to life, revealing the iconic 2018 interface. With a fresh workspace ready, Alex drew the first line of a blueprint that would soon change the world. The installation was a success, and the real work was just beginning.
Before hitting "download," consider why you specifically want the 2018 version.
Now, let’s move to the core of your query: download and install new.
Note: If you cannot access the portal, contact your reseller or IT to obtain the official installer and serial.
There are two primary methods to acquire the installation files. Do not attempt to download SOLIDWORKS from third-party "warez" or torrent sites, as these often contain modified DLL files that compromise security and stability.