Here’s a comprehensive content piece focused on downloading and installing SOLIDWORKS 2018. You can use this for a blog post, knowledge base article, YouTube script, or internal IT guide.
Solution: Download and install the VBA 7.1 Redistributable from Microsoft or use the prereqs folder inside the SolidWorks installer (...\prereqs\VBA\).
If you want, I can provide:
Related search suggestions: (Calling RelatedSearchTerms now)
Installing SOLIDWORKS 2018 requires careful preparation, as it is a legacy version with specific system requirements and a multi-step download process via the SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal. 1. Pre-Installation: System Requirements
Before starting, ensure your machine meets the hardware specs for the 2018 release. SolidWorks 2018 does not support 32-bit operating systems.
Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 8.1 (64-bit), or Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit).
Processor: Intel or AMD with SSE2 support; high-speed i7 or Xeon is recommended.
RAM: 8GB minimum; 16GB–24GB recommended for large assemblies. solidworks 2018 download and install new
Graphics Card: Certified NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro with at least 2GB VRAM. Storage: SSD with at least 20GB of free space. 2. Downloading the Software
Official downloads are restricted to users with an active subscription or a valid serial number.
Visit the SOLIDWORKS Downloads page and log in with your 3DEXPERIENCE ID or SOLIDWORKS ID. In the "Select Version" dropdown, choose 2018.
Select the desired Service Pack (e.g., SP05 is the most stable final release).
Accept the License Agreement and click Download to save the SolidWorksSetup.exe file. 3. Step-by-Step Installation
Prepare Files: Right-click the downloaded SolidWorksSetup.exe, select Properties, and check Unblock if available.
Extract: Run the file as an administrator. Click Unzip to extract the Installation Manager files.
Start Manager: The SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager should launch automatically. Select "Individual (on this computer)" and click Next. Prerequisites (Do Not Skip)
Enter Serial Numbers: Input your 24-digit serial numbers for 3D Design and any additional products like Simulation or Visualize.
Product Selection: On the Summary page, click Change next to "Products" to ensure only necessary components are selected to save disk space.
Set Paths: It is best practice to add "2018" to the end of your installation and Toolbox folders (e.g., C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp 2018) to avoid conflicts with other versions.
Finalize: Accept the terms and click Install Now. This typically takes 30–45 minutes. 4. Activation
Once finished, restart your computer. Launch SOLIDWORKS; you will be prompted to activate. Use the "Automatic over the Internet" option for the fastest verification.
For specialized versions, such as the Community/Student Download, you may need a specific SDK ID or SEK-ID provided by your institution.
C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\ (hidden folder)Following these steps will result in a functional installation of SOLIDWORKS 2018. Users are cautioned that running legacy software on modern operating systems (specifically Windows 10 builds after 1909 or Windows 11) may result in graphical instability or crashes. It is generally recommended to update to a supported version if hardware permits.
SOLIDWORKS 2018 is a legacy version, and while a direct, official "new" download link from SOLIDWORKS is not publicly available for free, users with valid, existing subscriptions or licenses can still install this version to maintain project continuity. Disable Antivirus & Windows Defender: Temporarily turn them
Here is a guide on how to download and install SOLIDWORKS 2018: 1. Preparation and Prerequisites License Check:
Ensure you have your 24-digit SOLIDWORKS 2018 serial number available. System Requirements:
Verify your computer meets the requirements for 2018 (Windows 10 64-bit is recommended). Back up any existing SOLIDWORKS settings or files. 2. Downloading SOLIDWORKS 2018 Via SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal: Log in to the SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal Navigate to Download and Updates Select the year from the dropdown menu. Download the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager (a small file that manages the full download). Via Physical Media/Existing Installation Files: If you have the original 2018 DVD or a saved SOLIDWORKS_Setup.exe file, use that. 3. Installation Steps Run the Installer: Run the downloaded installer file (e.g., Choose Installation Type: Install on this computer and click Next. Enter Serial Number: Enter your 24-digit serial number. Configure Installation Manager: Select the products you want to install. Download Options: The manager will download required files if necessary. Installation Location: Choose the installation directory (default is C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp Install Now 4. Activation Once installed, launch SOLIDWORKS 2018. Follow the prompts to Activate your product online immediately. Key Features of SOLIDWORKS 2018
If you are installing this version specifically for its features, key highlights from 2018 include: User Interface: Enhanced touchscreen support for sketching. Simulation: Topology Study for optimizing part geometry. SOLIDWORKS CAM powered by CAMWorks was introduced. Performance: Improved large assembly handling and graphics performance. For official support, users should utilize the SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base or contact a certified SOLIDWORKS Value-Added Reseller (VAR) for assistance with older versions.
Dassault Systèmes offers a free student version if you are enrolled in an accredited institution. However, the student version of SW2018 might be deprecated. As of 2025, Dassault primarily offers newer versions. You can request access to the SolidWorks Student Portal and look for the "Legacy Downloads" section.
For network license servers:
Note: SOLIDWORKS 2018 is an older release. This guide covers the standard process for obtaining and installing a legitimate copy for new users with a valid license or subscription.