New Installation Capabilities for SOLIDWORKS Design on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform with R2026x FD01

MG 2026-01-30

Starting with 3DEXPERIENCE platform 2026x FD01, you will see a new prompt asking how to manage updates on any new installation of SOLIDWORKS Design and Visualize.

*Note: The option to manage your updates is only shown on new installations and not during updates. If you have already installed SOLIDWORKS Design R2026x GA, you must uninstall your apps and reinstall to access the new option.

The prompt offers you 2 choices for how to manage your updates.

1. Update with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform

Existing behavior and the default option
Recommended for customers who want the latest fixes and enhancements
SOLIDWORKS updates are downloaded and installed together with 3DEXPERIENCE platform components

2. Choose the version to install and update on-demand

Recommended for customers who cannot update SOLIDWORKS Apps due to compatibility constraints. Examples of constraints include working with a vendor who uses a specific version of SOLIDWORKS, working in an environment where a specific service pack is mandated, or if an add-in like SOLIDWORKS PDM prohibits you from upgrading.
SOLIDWORKS installations are managed separately from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform components using the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager
Supports the install of any supported version or service pack of SOLIDWORKS Apps. For R2026x, SOLIDWORKS 2025 SP5.0 is the oldest version that is supported.
Supports the install of multiple versions of SOLIDWORKS Apps side-by-side
SOLIDWORKS Apps can remain on any supported service pack until you decide to update them.
Functional Delivery (FD) updates are still required, but they execute faster because the SOLIDWORKS Apps are not updated. Only the required 3DEXPERIENCE platform components update.
You must have Windows administrative privileges on your device to run the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager.

The 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager

Selecting Choose the version to install and update on-demand will install only 3DEXPERIENCE platform components and prompt you to launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager at the end of the installation.

Using the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager, you can select which version to install from the list of Available Versions.

You can select which apps (1) and which service pack (2) to install.

Launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager at any time from Windows Start menu to modify (1) or update your existing SOLIDWORKS Apps installation (2) or install another version side-by-side (3).

If you install multiple versions of SOLIDWORKS Apps, launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager to declare which version will launch by default from the Platform (1). For more control, create a version-specific shortcut (2).

Updates

Update with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform - the SOLIDWORKS Apps are updated to the next service pack with each FD of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This is option 1 in the infographic below.

In 2025x_FD04, an option was added to update only the platform components. This lighter update keeps your SOLIDWORKS Apps at their current service pack level until you decide to update them at the next platform FD or by reinstalling. SOLIDWORKS Apps cannot remain at an older major release during a major version upgrade. This is option 2 in the infographic below. The user has stopped upgrading their SOLIDWORKS Apps at FD01 in this example.

Choose the version to install and update on-demand - the installation of the SOLIDWORKS Apps is separated from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform components. You can install any supported service pack of your SOLIDWORKS Apps. Update the SOLIDWORKS Apps on your schedule even while the platform components update at their required cadence.

FAQ:

Q1: How can I switch from Update with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to Choose the version to install after I have already installed SOLIDWORKS Apps?

A: You must uninstall Dassault Systems > SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE R20XXx. Then, reinstall SOLIDWORKS Design or SOLIDWORKS Visualize. You can change your option during the new installation.

Q2: How can I switch from Choose the version to install to Update with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform?

A: You must uninstall Dassault Systems > SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE R20XXx and SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE 20XX to remove the application fully. Then, reinstall SOLIDWORKS Design or SOLIDWORKS Visualize. You can change your option during the new installation.

Q3: With 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager, do I still have to install any updates when the next update is available for the platform?

A: Yes, a smaller subset of the full installation must still update at each FD. This subset contains the 3DEXPERIENCE components. However, the SOLIDWORKS Apps can remain on their current service pack until you are ready to update them.

Q4: How do I update the service pack of my SOLIDWORKS Apps when I am ready?

A: Launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager at any time from the Windows Start menu. Find the currently installed major version and click Update.

Q5: How do I upgrade to a new major version or install multiple major versions side-by-side?

A: Launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager at any time from the Windows Start menu. Find the version in your list of “Available versions” and click Install. By default, older versions will be uninstalled, but you can choose to keep the existing version to run versions side-by-side.

Q6: How many versions of SOLIDWORKS Apps are available?

A: During the 3DEXPERIENCE platform 2026x release, SOLIDWORKS 2025 SP5 and SOLIDWORKS 2026 Apps are available. Going forward, any service pack of the current release of SOLIDWORKS and the two previous releases will be supported.

Q7: I am a SOLIDWORKS PDM user, which installation option should I choose?

A: Choose the version to install and update on demand. This option allows your SOLIDWORKS to stay on the current version until you are ready to upgrade your SOLIDWORKS PDM environment.

Q8: Can I modify my SOLIDWORKS Apps to install Desktop Add-ins?

A: Yes, launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager. Then, click the SOLIDWORKS Design tile for any installed version and choose Modify.

Q9: How do I uninstall SOLIDWORKS Apps installed by the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager?

A: Uninstall SOLIDWORKS Apps like other Windows software from Windows > Settings > Apps. Find SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE 20XX and click Uninstall. Uninstall will launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager. Alternatively, launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager directly from the Windows Start menu. Then, click Uninstall next to any installed version.

To remove the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS installation fully, you must also uninstall Dassault Systemes > SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE R20XXx in your Windows Apps list.