WINDOW 11

How to Install SolidWorks 2021 on Windows 11 – Easy Guide

2 SOLUTIONS
JUNE 03, 2025

Installing SOLIDWORKS 2021 on Windows 11 poses a unique compatibility challenge for many CAD professionals. Although Dassault Systèmes officially supports only SOLIDWORKS 2022 SP2 and later on Windows 11, SOLIDWORKS 2021 is not officially supported. However, with Windows 10's mainstream support ending in October 2025, many users are compelled to upgrade to Windows 11 while continuing to rely on their existing SOLIDWORKS 2021 licenses.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Hardware Compatibility

  • Processor: Minimum 3.3 GHz.
    Recommended: Intel Core i7, Xeon, or AMD Ryzen/Ryzen Pro.
  • Memory
    32 GB RAM for CAD work
    64–128 GB RAM for complex assemblies
    ECC RAM is recommended for stability

Graphics Card Requirements

Use Certified cards & drivers :

  • NVIDIA Quadro: RTX A2000, A4000, A5000
  • AMD Radeon Pro: WX 3100, W5500, W7500, W7900

Avoid consumer GPUs (GeForce, standard Radeon) to prevent crashes and graphical issues.

Operating System & Software

  • OS: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit) or Workstations with TPM 2.0 and Intel 8th Gen/AMD Zen 2 CPU. Home/Basic unsupported.
  • Microsoft Office: Compatible with Office 2016 or 2019 only.
  • PDM (if used): Requires SQL Server 2016, 2017, or 2019 (CU4).

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Download via SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/2

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

. Best for: Single-user installations

Method 1 of 2
Next Method

Visit the Portal

Go to customerportal.solidworks.com

Method 1 of 2
Step 1 of 5

Log in

Use your registered email and password, or your SOLIDWORKS serial number (Subscription customers only).

Method 1 of 2
Step 2 of 5

Access Downloads

Go to “Downloads and Updates” under the "Download" section.

Method 1 of 2
Step 3 of 5

Select Version

Choose "2021" and your required Service Pack from the dropdown.

Method 1 of 2
Step 4 of 5

Accept License

Read and accept the End-User License Agreement → Click Download to begin.

Method 1 of 2
Step 5 of 5
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Install from a Local or Network Download Directory

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/2

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

. Best for: Multiple installations or unreliable internet

Method 2 of 2

Locate Setup Files

Go to the folder containing the pre-downloaded SOLIDWORKS installation files (from a local or network share).

Method 2 of 2
Step 1 of 3

Run Installer

Double-click setup.exe to start the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager.

Method 2 of 2
Step 2 of 3

Ensure Connection

If any files are missing, the manager can download them (requires internet and write access to the folder).

Method 2 of 2
Step 3 of 3

Why This Installation is Necessary

Image

Legacy License – You own a perpetual 2021 license without upgrade rights to newer versions.

Project Requirements – Some clients or tools need the 2021 release for compatibility.

New PC Hardware – Windows 11 is pre-installed on most modern devices by default.

Security Compliance – Upgrading ensures you're on a supported OS before Windows 10 support ends.

Methods (2)

Download via SOLIDW...
5 Steps
Install from a Loca...
3 Steps

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