Starting with 2026x FD01 version, a new prompt asks you how to manage updates on any new installation of SOLIDWORKS Design and SOLIDWORKS Visualize.
The option to manage your updates appears only for new installations, not updates. If you have already installed SOLIDWORKS Design for Makers, you must uninstall your apps and reinstall to access the new option.
The prompt offers two choices for managing your updates.
1. Update with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform
Existing behavior and the default option
Recommended for those who want the latest fixes and enhancements
Downloads and installs updates for both SOLIDWORKS Design and 3DEXPERIENCE platform components
2. Choose the version to install and update on-demand
Recommended for those who cannot update SOLIDWORKS apps due to compatibility constraints, such as working with Windows 10.
Uses the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager to manage SOLIDWORKS installations separately from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform components
Supports the installation of previous versions and service packs of SOLIDWORKS apps. For R2026x, SOLIDWORKS 2025 SP5.0 is the oldest version that is available. Going forward, any service pack of the current release of SOLIDWORKS and up to two previous releases will be available.
Supports side-by-side installation of multiple versions of SOLIDWORKS apps
Allows SOLIDWORKS Apps to remain on any supported service pack until you decide to update them.
Still requires Functional Delivery (FD) updates, but they complete more quickly because the SOLIDWORKS apps are not updated. Only the required 3DEXPERIENCE platform components update.
Requires Windows administrative privileges on your device to run the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager
Selecting Choose the version to install and update on-demand installs only 3DEXPERIENCE platform components. At the end of the installation, there is a prompt to launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager.
In the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager, you can choose from the list of Available Versions, the version to install.
Select the apps (1) and service pack (2) to install.
At any time, launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager from the Windows Start menu to do any of the following:
(1) Modify your installed version
(2) Update your installation version.
(3) Install an additional version.
If you install multiple SOLIDWORKS versions, launch the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager to choose which version launches by default from the Platform (1). For more control, create a version-specific shortcut (2).
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: First, 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: First, 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 installed major version and click Update.
Q5: How do I upgrade to a new major version or install multiple major versions?
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 are 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 available.
Q7: 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 launches 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.
