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Downloading and Installing SolidWorks 2018: A Step-by-Step Guide
SolidWorks 2018 is a powerful 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software widely used in various industries, including engineering, architecture, and product design. If you're looking to download and install SolidWorks 2018, follow this step-by-step guide to get started.
System Requirements
Before downloading and installing SolidWorks 2018, ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 7 (64-bit)
- Processor: 64-bit Intel or AMD processor (quad-core or higher)
- RAM: 8 GB or more (16 GB recommended)
- Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro graphics card (dedicated 2 GB or more)
- Hard Disk: 5 GB of free disk space
Downloading SolidWorks 2018
- Visit the SolidWorks website: Go to the official SolidWorks website (www.solidworks.com) and click on the "Try SOLIDWORKS" or "Buy SOLIDWORKS" button.
- Select the product: Choose "SOLIDWORKS" from the product dropdown menu.
- Choose the version: Select "SOLIDWORKS 2018" from the version dropdown menu.
- Download the installation files: Click on the "Download" button to start downloading the installation files. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name, company, and email address.
Installing SolidWorks 2018
- Extract the installation files: Once the download is complete, extract the installation files to a folder on your computer.
- Run the installation: Navigate to the extracted folder and run the "setup.exe" file.
- Follow the installation wizard: Follow the installation wizard to select the installation options, such as the language, installation location, and product features.
- Activate the software: After installation, you will be prompted to activate the software. You can activate SolidWorks 2018 using a serial number or by creating a Dassault Systèmes account.
Additional Steps
- Install the SolidWorks license manager: If you have a network license, you will need to install the SolidWorks license manager.
- Configure the software: After installation, you may need to configure the software settings, such as setting up the graphics card and defining the units and tolerance.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Ensure you have the necessary permissions: Make sure you have administrative privileges to install software on your computer.
- Disable antivirus software: Temporarily disable your antivirus software during the installation process to avoid any conflicts.
- Check for updates: After installation, check for any updates or service packs available for SolidWorks 2018.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully download and install SolidWorks 2018 on your computer. If you encounter any issues during the installation process, refer to the SolidWorks documentation or contact their support team for assistance. solidworks 2018 download and install
Here’s a professional, step-by-step write-up for downloading and installing SolidWorks 2018.
5.1 Verify Service Packs (SP)
- Launch SolidWorks → Help → About → check SP version.
- Update to SP5 for stability: Download from Customer Portal and run
SolidWorksSetup.exe (intelligent update).
Phase 1: Prepare the Installer
- Mount or extract the ISO: Right-click the main DVD ISO → Mount (Windows 8/10) or extract with 7-Zip.
- Run the setup as Administrator: Right-click
setup.exe → Run as Administrator.
Part 7: Should You Still Use SolidWorks 2018 in 2024–2025?
As of this writing, here is an honest assessment:
| Pros | Cons |
| :--- | :--- |
| Very stable SP5 release | No support for Windows 11 |
| No forced 3DEXPERIENCE cloud integration | Cannot open files saved in 2021+ versions |
| Lighter than 2020+ versions | Missing modern tools (Silhouette features, Advanced Hole, etc.) |
| Compatible with old GPU hardware | No new security patches |
Verdict: Use SolidWorks 2018 only if:
- Your company has standardized multi-year projects in 2018.
- You use niche macros or add-ins that broke after 2018.
- You have perpetual licenses and don’t want subscription costs.
For new projects, install SolidWorks 2023 SP5 or newer.
The Ultimate Guide to SolidWorks 2018: How to Download and Install Correctly
SolidWorks 2018 remains a gold standard for many engineers, product designers, and manufacturers. While newer versions have since been released, the 2018 iteration is widely regarded as a stable, resource-efficient workhorse. Many companies stick with this version for legacy project compatibility, plugin support, and lower hardware demands.
However, obtaining and installing SolidWorks 2018 is not as simple as clicking "Download" on a public website. This guide provides a step-by-step, legal, and technical roadmap to successfully download and install SolidWorks 2018.
Critical Legal Note: SolidWorks is proprietary commercial software developed by Dassault Systèmes. This guide does not promote or support piracy. You must own a valid license or be a registered student through an authorized educational institution to legally install the software. Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 7
