Solidworks 2018 Download And Install New May 2026

Yes, if you need backward compatibility with legacy projects or have older hardware. No, if you want cloud collaboration, modern surfacing tools, or advanced simulation (which are available in newer versions).

To download and install a new copy of SolidWorks 2018, you must have a legitimate serial number from Dassault Systèmes or a reseller (like GoEngineer, Hawk Ridge, or TriMech). Avoid torrents at all costs – they will waste your time with malware.

If you cannot obtain a legal license, consider SolidWorks Free for Makers (a newer version, $99/year) or Fusion 360 (free for hobbyists). But for those who have the license: follow this guide, run as administrator, and you will have a clean, stable SolidWorks 2018 environment ready for your next engineering challenge.

Have questions about a specific error during your new installation? Leave a comment below or consult the official SolidWorks 2018 Installation Guide (PDF) included in your download folder.

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.

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.

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.

To download and install SOLIDWORKS 2018 , you should use the official SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal or a verified partner site like GoEngineer

to ensure you get the correct installation media and service packs. GoEngineer 1. Check System Compatibility

Before starting, ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements for this specific 2018 version: Operating System:

Windows 10, 8.1, or 7 (64-bit only). Note that Windows 11 is not officially supported

for the 2018 release, though some users run it with potential stability issues. Processor: Intel or AMD with SSE2 support (i7 or Xeon recommended). Memory (RAM): Minimum 8GB (16GB–24GB recommended for large assemblies). Graphics Card:

Certified NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro with at least 2GB RAM. SolidWorks 2. Download the Installation Media Can I still download Solidworks 2018? - Facebook

Downloading and installing SOLIDWORKS 2018 requires a valid serial number and an active 3DEXPERIENCE ID (formerly SOLIDWORKS ID). As this version is now several years old, it may not be the default download on the main support pages.  1. System Requirements Check 

Before beginning, ensure your hardware meets the SOLIDWORKS 2018 minimums: 

Operating System: Windows 10, 64-bit (Windows 11 is not officially supported for 2018 but may work in compatibility mode) [13]. RAM: 8 GB minimum; 16 GB+ recommended [32, 34]. Disk Space: At least 250 GB; SSD highly recommended [13]. Graphics: Certified GPU from NVIDIA or AMD [34].  2. Downloading the Installer 

Access the Portal: Navigate to the Official SOLIDWORKS Downloads Page [17]. Log In: Use your 3DEXPERIENCE ID credentials [27].

Select Version: Use the dropdown menu to select 2018 [15, 27].

Download Manager: Select the latest Service Pack (e.g., SP5.0) and click Download to get the SolidWorksSetup.exe [29]. solidworks 2018 download and install new

Note: If you are a student, you may need a specific SDK-ID or SEK-ID provided by your institution to access the Student Edition.  3. Installation Steps 

Prepare for Install: Restart your computer and disable any antivirus software temporarily to prevent file blockages.

Run Setup: Right-click SolidWorksSetup.exe and select Run as Administrator.

Installation Type: Select Individual (on this computer) and click Next.

Enter Serial Numbers: Input your 24-digit serial numbers for SOLIDWORKS and any additional modules like Simulation or Visualize [10]. Product Selection:

Review the "Products" list. Click Change to select or deselect specific tools like SOLIDWORKS CAM or Electrical [10].

Choose your installation location (default is C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp).

Download and Install: Accept the license agreement and click Install Now.

If you only downloaded the installer manager, it will now download the full 8–12 GB software package [11].  4. Activation 

Launch SOLIDWORKS: After installation, open the application.

Activate License: A prompt will appear asking to activate your product. Select I want to activate my SOLIDWORKS product now.

Method: Use "Automatically over the Internet" for the fastest result. Once completed, your license is tied to that machine [30]. 

Once upon a time in the bustling world of engineering, a determined designer named Alex embarked on a quest to bring a vision to life. The first step? Securing a copy of the legendary SolidWorks 2018.

Alex navigated to the SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal, a digital gatekeeper of industry-standard tools. With a valid Serial Number in hand—the golden key to this kingdom—Alex unlocked the downloads section. There it was: the 2018 Service Pack 5.0, the most polished and stable version of that era.

With a click, the SolidWorks Installation Manager began its descent onto the hard drive. Once launched, the wizard guided Alex through the ritual of "Individual Installation." The air hummed with anticipation as the progress bar crept forward, installing the core features: Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings.

Suddenly, a prompt appeared! The Activation Wizard demanded confirmation. Alex clicked "Finish," and the software synchronized with the server, solidifying the license.

The screen flickered to life, revealing the iconic 2018 interface. With a fresh workspace ready, Alex drew the first line of a blueprint that would soon change the world. The installation was a success, and the real work was just beginning.

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.

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.

SolidWorks 2018 remains a popular choice for engineers and designers due to its stability and robust feature set. Whether you are revisiting an old project or installing it for the first time, following the correct procedure ensures a smooth setup. This guide covers the essential steps for a successful download and installation. System Requirements for SolidWorks 2018

Before beginning the download, verify that your hardware can handle the software. SolidWorks is resource-intensive, and running it on unsupported hardware can lead to frequent crashes.

Operating System: Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 10 (64-bit only). Processor: 3.3 GHz or higher clock speed. RAM: At least 16 GB is recommended for complex assemblies.

Graphics Card: Certified NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro cards with updated drivers. Storage: At least 20 GB of free space for the installation. How to Download SolidWorks 2018

To get a clean, official version of the software, you must access the SolidWorks Customer Portal. Avoid third-party "crack" sites, as these often contain malware and lack critical service packs.

Access the Portal: Go to the official SolidWorks Customer Portal website.

Login: Sign in with your 3DEXPERIENCE ID. if you do not have one, you will need to register using your serial number.

Find Downloads: Under the "Download" section, click on "Downloads and Service Packs."

Select Version: Choose "2018" from the version dropdown menu.

Download Manager: Click on the latest Service Pack (e.g., SP05) to download the SolidWorks Installation Manager. This small executable file will manage the larger data download for you. Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Once you have downloaded the Installation Manager, follow these steps to install the software on your machine. Phase 1: Preparation

Disable Antivirus: Security software often blocks registry writes during installation. Disable it temporarily. Yes, if you need backward compatibility with legacy

Check Permissions: Ensure you are logged in as a Windows Administrator.

Serial Numbers: Have your 16 or 24-digit serial numbers ready for SolidWorks, Simulation, or Flow Simulation modules. Phase 2: Running the Installer

Launch the Setup: Right-click Setup.exe and select "Run as Administrator."

Choose Installation Type: Select "Individual (on this computer)" and click Next.

Enter Serial Numbers: Input your codes into the corresponding fields. If your computer is connected to the internet, it may automatically populate these.

Summary Page: This is the most important step. Click "Change" next to "Products" to select only the tools you need (like eDrawings or PhotoView 360) to save disk space.

Accept Terms: Check the box to accept the SolidWorks License Agreement.

Install Now: Click the "Install Now" button. The process usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes depending on your hard drive speed. Activating Your License

After the installation finishes, you must activate the product to use it. Launch SolidWorks: A prompt will appear asking to activate. Method: Select "Automatically over the internet." Email: Provide your contact email.

Finish: Once the "Activation Successful" message appears, you are ready to start modeling. Troubleshooting Common Errors

If you encounter issues during the "new" install of this older version, check these common fixes:

Framework Errors: SolidWorks 2018 requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2. If the install fails, update your Windows components manually.

VBA Issues: If you get a "VBA failed to initialize" error, repair your Microsoft Office installation, as SolidWorks relies on these shared components.

Service Pack Importance: Always aim for Service Pack 5.0 (the final release of 2018), as it contains all the bug fixes discovered throughout that year's lifecycle.

Do you have a Standard, Professional, or Premium serial number? Are you installing this on a workstation or a laptop? Are you moving a license from an old computer to a new one?

SolidWorks 2018 Download and Install: A Step-by-Step Guide

SolidWorks is a popular 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software used by engineers, designers, and manufacturers to create, simulate, and analyze 3D models. The 2018 version of SolidWorks offers a range of new features and improvements, making it a sought-after version among users. If you're looking to download and install SolidWorks 2018, this article will guide you through the process.

System Requirements

Before you start the download and installation process, ensure that your computer meets the system requirements for SolidWorks 2018. The minimum system requirements are:

Downloading SolidWorks 2018

To download SolidWorks 2018, you'll need to purchase a license or obtain a trial version from the official SolidWorks website. Here's how:

Installing SolidWorks 2018

Once you've downloaded the installation files, follow these steps to install SolidWorks 2018:

Activating SolidWorks 2018

After installation, you'll need to activate your SolidWorks 2018 license. Here's how:

New Features in SolidWorks 2018

SolidWorks 2018 offers a range of new features and improvements, including:

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started with SolidWorks 2018:

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues during the download, installation, or activation process, here are some common troubleshooting steps:

Conclusion

SolidWorks 2018 is a powerful 3D CAD software that offers a range of new features and improvements. By following this step-by-step guide, you can download and install SolidWorks 2018 on your computer. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section or contact SolidWorks support for assistance. With SolidWorks 2018, you can take your design and engineering projects to the next level.

Additional Resources

By following this guide, you'll be able to successfully download and install SolidWorks 2018 on your computer. Happy designing!

Downloading and installing SOLIDWORKS 2018 today is a process mainly for users with existing licenses or students needing compatibility with specific projects. While the software remains a powerhouse for 3D design, modern users should weigh its aging system requirements against newer versions. SOLIDWORKS 2018 Review: Download & Installation 1. Official Download Process

To get the legitimate version, you must use the SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal.

Access: Sign in with your SOLIDWORKS ID. If you don't have one, you can create a SOLIDWORKS ID using your serial number.

Version Selection: Once logged in, navigate to "Downloads and Updates" and ensure 2018 is selected from the dropdown menu.

Student Edition: If you are a student, you may need a specific SDK-ID provided by your institution to request the download through the community portal. 2. Installation Steps

The installation uses the "SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager" to guide you through the setup.

Run as Administrator: It is highly recommended to right-click setup.exe and select Run as administrator to prevent permission-related failures.

Serial Numbers: You will be prompted to enter serial numbers for the products you wish to install (e.g., CAD, Simulation, Visualize).

Coexistence: You can perform a "New Installation" to keep existing versions of SOLIDWORKS on your machine, provided you specify unique installation and Toolbox directories. 3. Critical System Requirements Ensure your hardware can handle the 2018 release: RAM: 8GB minimum; 16GB recommended for stable performance. Graphics: 2GB or more GPU RAM (4GB recommended).

OS: Designed primarily for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 10 (64-bit). 4. Post-Installation Activation

After the installation finishes, you must activate the license. How to install SOLIDWORKS in 3 Easy Minutes

Downloading and Installing SolidWorks 2018: A Step-by-Step Guide

SolidWorks 2018 is a powerful 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software used by engineers, designers, and manufacturers to create, simulate, and analyze 3D models. If you're looking to download and install SolidWorks 2018, follow the steps outlined below.

System Requirements

Before you begin, ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for SolidWorks 2018:

Downloading SolidWorks 2018

Installing SolidWorks 2018

Activating SolidWorks 2018

Conclusion

You've successfully downloaded and installed SolidWorks 2018. If you encounter any issues during the installation process, refer to the SolidWorks support resources or contact their customer support team for assistance.

Installing SOLIDWORKS 2018 requires careful preparation, as it is a demanding professional CAD application. Before you begin, ensure you have your serial number

ready, which is typically found on your distribution box or your SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal SolidWorks System Requirements for SOLIDWORKS 2018

Ensure your hardware meets these standards to prevent performance issues or crashes: Operating System : Windows 10, 8.1, or 7 SP1 (64-bit only).

: Intel or AMD with SSE2 support; 3.3 GHz or higher clock speed is recommended. 8GB minimum

; 16GB or higher is strongly recommended for large assemblies. : Minimum 10GB free disk space; an is highly recommended for faster boot times. Graphics Card

: A certified OpenGL workstation card (e.g., NVIDIA Quadro or AMD Radeon Pro) with at least Step 1: Downloading the Installation Media

You can obtain the full installation file set through these primary official channels: How to Install SOLIDWORKS - GoEngineer

Important Note: SolidWorks 2018 is no longer supported by Dassault Systèmes. Activation requires a valid serial number from an active subscription or a standalone license purchased before the end of its lifecycle.

This report outlines the necessary steps to download and install SOLIDWORKS 2018. It is important to note that SOLIDWORKS 2018 is legacy software. As of 2023, it is considered "End of Life" or "Retired" in certain service pack iterations, meaning it no longer receives official technical support or security updates from Dassault Systèmes. This guide covers system requirements, the download process via the official customer portal, and the installation procedure.

This document serves as a technical reference for users attempting to perform a new installation of SOLIDWORKS 2018. It outlines the prerequisites, the acquisition of the installation media, the execution of the installation wizard, and critical post-installation protocols.

Note regarding Version Age: SOLIDWORKS 2018 is an legacy version. As of June 2020, it is no longer supported by Dassault Systèmes for compatibility with Windows 10 updates or hardware certification. This guide assumes the user has a valid legacy license and installation rights.

This method applies to students whose schools participate in the SOLIDWORKS Student Access program.