SOLIDWORKS is a widely used CAD software in the engineering and design industries. While the software is known for its efficiency and ease of use, users may still encounter issues that require troubleshooting. In this blog post, I will highlight some of the most common SOLIDWORKS issues that our customers face and provide solutions to resolve them. Maybe you have thought about them too.
PLM Group Support empowers customers to maximize the value they derive from the company’s products, by ensuring they are able to use them effectively and efficiently. Our dedicated team can assist customers in the following ways:
- Troubleshooting and resolving issues related to PLM Group software products.
- Providing technical support for product installation, configuration, and use.
- Answering questions and providing guidance on product features and functionality.
- Providing access to product documentation, including user guides and manuals.
- Providing updates and information on product releases and enhancements.
Installation and Activation Related Questions
One of the most frequent questions SOLIDWORKS users ask is related to installation and activation. Here are some commonly asked questions and their solutions.
How to install SOLIDWORKS on my computer?
Answer: To install SOLIDWORKS on a new workstation, check out this guide on how to install SOLIDWORKS .
****************
How to deactivate my SOLIDWORKS license?
Answer: If you need to deactivate a SOLIDWORKS license to use it on another workstation, follow this guide on how to deactivate your SOLIDWORKS standalone license. If you encounter errors during deactivation or activation, contact PLM Group Support for assistance.
****************
How to use and install 3DDrive in 3DEXPERIENCE?
Answer: Check out this 3DEXPERIENCE platform guide on how to install 3DDrive.
****************
My SOLIDWORKS workstation changes – What do I do?
Answer: If you need to move SOLIDWORKS software to a new workstation, follow this guide on how to transfer SOLIDWORKS software.
****************
How to get SOLIDWORKS PDM local vault?
Answer: To create a local vault in SOLIDWORKS PDM, check out this guide SOLIDWORKS PDM – create local vault
Performance, Errors, and Crashes
Performance issues, errors, and crashes are also common SOLIDWORKS issues, but the fix is never easy to find. Very helpful tool for starting to investigate these issues is SOLIDWORKS RX tool.
How to troubleshoot common errors and crashes in SOLIDWORKS?
Answer: The first step to troubleshoot errors and crashes is to create an RX package of the issue. Follow this guide on how to collect SOLIDWORKS RX data package. Including a video can also help support to investigate your specific issue.
Working with Other CAD Software – very common SOLIDWORKS issue
Working with other CAD software can lead to import and export issues. Here are some questions and solutions related to working with other CAD software.
What file formats does SOLIDWORKS support?
Answer: SOLIDWORKS supports various file formats, including STEP, DWG, DXF, STL, IGES, and more.
****************
How to work with imported files in SOLIDWORKS?
Answer: Check out these guides on working with imported files in SOLIDWORKS:
- Working with imported files in SOLIDWORKS – Part 1
- Working with imported files in SOLIDWORKS – Part 2
****************
How to simplify SOLIDWORKS models for exporting?
Answer: Follow this guide on how to simplify SOLIDWORKS models for exporting.
Working Offline with SOLIDWORKS
Working offline with SOLIDWORKS is another common issue users face. Here are some solutions to working offline with SOLIDWORKS:
How to work offline with SOLIDWORKS software?
Answer: If you are working with SOLIDWORKS or PDM, check out this guide on how to work from home in SOLIDWORKS and PDM. If you are working with 3DEXPERIENCE, follow this guide on working offline with 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS.
Simulation and Analysis related questions
Finally, users often have questions related to simulation and analysis in SOLIDWORKS.
Can SOLIDWORKS be used for simulation and analysis?
Answer: Yes, SOLIDWORKS has built-in simulation and analysis tools for stress, motion, and flow analysis, which are included in SOLIDWORKS Premium license. You can also bought a separate Simulation Standard, Professional or Premium license.
How to get it in work, follow this guide on How to get SOLIDWORKS Simulation up and running?
Do you have more questions? Submit a request
Above questions were just the examples of support questions that we often have encountered. If you couldn’t find the question and answer you’ve been wondering about feel free to send us request via support portal: Submit a request – PLM Group Support Center or give a call: +358 20 780 9555
We’ll walk you through the fix!

Technical Specialist – Finland
PLM Group has it’s own Knowledge Base that contains articles to help SOLIDWORKS users
Most of the answers in this article are linking to guides or articles found from our support portal. Read more about the portal from this article: Introducing PLM Group’s Knowledge Base.