What is Solidworks?

SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering computer program published by Dassault Systèmes

Quick Information

VENDOR: Dassault Systèmes
PRODUCT: Solidworks
VERSION: 2021 SP3
LICENSE TYPE: See 'Who is licensed to use Solidworks?' section below for details
REQUIRES VPN: It depends on how it was installed. See 'How do I access Solidworks?' section below for details.
PLATFORM: Windows only

Who is licensed to use Solidworks?

  • All Faculty and Staff are licensed for Solidworks on their MSU Denver issued computers.
     
  • Students are able to install a limited-time version for one year directly from Solidworks. These licenses are restricted to a fixed amount for the University and require approval or direction to install from the department or faculty member teaching the course.

How do I request access to Solidworks?

  • Faculty and Staff: Solidworks is distributed to MSU Denver issued PCs through Software Center. Because of the extremely large size of the download (20GB+) and length of install (up to two hours in some cases), we recommend installing it while connected to the campus wired network, and require a request be placed through the Software Request for University Devices so we can make sure the process is a smooth one. If you require Solidworks to be installed in a department lab, please submit a Software Request for University Devices so that we can schedule that deployment.
     
  • Students: Your instructor may have supplied you with instructions and key for how to obtain the software directly from the Solidworks website. The site to download the software from is www.solidworks.com/SEK, where you will be asked to provide our key. If you have not received the key, please fill out a Software Request for Personal Devices (Student), so one can be generated for you.

How do I access Solidworks?

  • Faculty and Staff: You will need the GlobalProtect client to be installed and access granted to run Solidworks outside of the university network. For more information or to request access please view the What is GlobalProtect? knowledge base article. Once you have enabled GlobalProtect and installed Solidworks from Software Center, you can launch the application from your Start menu (Windows), the application will connect to your license server and you will be able to use it.
     
  • Students: The key you were given should allow Solidworks to run without the need for GlobalProtect.

If you require assistance using the application, please contact your instructor, department tutor, or supervisor for help.

If you experience trouble installing the application, you receive license errors, or you feel it is not running correctly, please submit a Software Issues & Errors request.

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