SolidWorks Isn’t Working? Try 10 Quick Fixes

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Hello friends welcome to SolidWorks tutorial.  In this tutorial we will learn How to most common SolidWorks issue and its fixes . In our previous tutorial we learned How to use Sweep Features in SolidWorks. If you want to learn SolidWorks from scratch you can buy my SolidWorks Complete Course on Udemy.

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SolidWorks not working can be a frustrating issue that hampers productivity and workflow efficiency for professionals who rely on the software for their design projects. There are several potential reasons for SolidWorks not functioning properly, ranging from hardware compatibility issues to software glitches or corrupted files. In a professional setting, it is crucial to address these problems promptly to minimize downtime and ensure project deadlines are met. Troubleshooting steps may include checking system requirements, updating drivers, reinstalling the software, or seeking technical support from SolidWorks experts.

 It is essential for professionals to have a contingency plan in place in case of software malfunctions, such as utilizing alternative design tools or collaborating with colleagues to avoid delays in project execution. By taking proactive measures and staying informed on troubleshooting techniques, professionals can overcome SolidWorks-related challenges effectively and maintain high levels of productivity in their design work. If SolidWorks isn’t working there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve common issues.

10 Quick Fixes to get SolidWorks back on track:-

1. Restart SolidWorks and Your Computer-:

If SolidWorks on your System is not working then Close SolidWorks and restart the application. If the issue persists, restart your computer to clear temporary files and reset system resources.

2. Check System Requirements-:

Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for SolidWorks you can find it in SolidWorks release note. Verify that your graphics card, RAM, and processor are compatible and up to date.

3. Update SolidWorks-:

Install the latest Service Pack or Hotfix for SolidWorks. Go to the SolidWorks Customer Portal or use the SolidWorks Installation Manager to check for updates for your current version of SolidWorks.

4. Update Graphics Drivers-:

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers are a common cause of crashes and performance issues. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download and install the latest drivers.

5.Run SolidWorks as Administrator-:

Right-click the SolidWorks shortcut and select Run as Administrator. This can resolve permission-related issues, especially when accessing files or saving changes.

6. Reset SolidWorks Settings-:

  • Corrupted settings files can cause SolidWorks to malfunction.
  • Reset SolidWorks to its default settings:
  1. Close SolidWorks.
  2. Press Windows Key + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
  3. Locate and rename the SolidWorks folder to something like SolidWorks_Old.
  4. Restart SolidWorks to generate a new settings folder.
  5. Check for Corrupted Files-:

If a specific file is causing issues, try opening a different file to see if the problem persists. Use the SolidWorks File Utilities to diagnose and repair corrupted files.

7. Disable Add-Ins-:

Third-party add-ins can sometimes conflict with SolidWorks. Go to Tools > Add-Ins and disable all add-ins. Restart SolidWorks and re-enable add-ins one by one to identify the problematic one.

8. Adjust Performance Settings

  • SolidWorks may struggle if performance settings are not optimized.
  • Go to Tools > Options > System Options > Performance and:
    • Enable Software OpenGL (if graphics issues persist).
    • Adjust the Level of Detail for large assemblies.
    • Increase the RAM allocation for SolidWorks.

9. Reinstall SolidWorks

If none of the above fixes work, consider reinstalling SolidWorks:

  1. Uninstall SolidWorks using the Control Panel or SolidWorks Installation Manager.
  2. Delete any remaining SolidWorks folders in C:\Program Files and %appdata%.
  3. Reinstall SolidWorks using the latest installer from the SolidWorks Customer Portal.

10. Bonus Tips

  • Check Antivirus/Firewall Settings: Ensure your antivirus or firewall is not blocking SolidWorks.
  • Clear Temporary Files: Use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files that may be affecting performance.
  • Contact SolidWorks Support: If the issue persists, reach out to SolidWorks Technical Support for assistance.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues with SolidWorks  and get back to designing efficiently.�

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Amar Patel
About Amar Patel 278 Articles
Hi, I am Amar Patel from India. Founder, Author and Administrator of mechnexus.com. I am a Simple Average Man who Loves life and Love living life. Professionally I am a Mechanical Engineer with Solid command over CAD software like FreeCAD, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD Mechanical. I’m here to share my knowledge to help you accomplish your design and engineering tasks quicker and easier. I am Passionate about learning new things especially about Open-Source Software. I love teaching therefore I started my YouTube Channel on FreeCAD and I believe FreeCAD have lots of potential than traditional 3D software. contact me - [email protected]