Uninstalling SOLIDWORKS (TechSoft Support Zone)

Uninstalling SOLIDWORKS

Sometimes you may need to completely uninstall SOLIDWORKS, including all Program Files and Registry Keys. Perhaps the computer will be used by someone else who doesn’t use SOLIDWORKS and you need to free up some hard drive space. This can also be required if there was an issue during the original installation. If you don’t plan on reinstalling SOLIDWORKS on the same computer again, ensure that you have transferred the SolidWorks license to free up the activation.

Backup Customizations (If Required)

Backup existing SOLIDWORKS settings using the Copy Settings Wizard (System option, keyboard shortcuts, menu customizations and toolbar layouts). This is found at:

Windows Start menu > SOLIDWORKS Tools 20XX > Copy Settings Wizard 20XX

Chose the Save Settings option and follow the on-screen instructions.
Backup all customized SOLIDWORKS files (templates, weldment profiles, design library, etc.). Any items that have been customized should be copied out of the default SOLIDWORKS directories which you can find at Tools > Options > System Options tab > File Locations
Backup your SOLIDWORKS Toolbox if you’ve made any customizations. The default location is C:\SolidWorks Data. If you are not sure where your Toolbox is located, open SOLIDWORKS and go to Tools > Options > System Options tab > Hole Wizard/Toolbox

Transfer License (If Required)

If you are currently using a standalone SOLIDWORKS license you should first deactivate your licence. To do this, open SOLIDWORKS and from the Help menu select Licenses and then Deactivate.... Follow the prompts to deactivate the licence and then close SOLIDWORKS. (This step is not necessary if you are changing from a network license serial number to a standalone serial number.)

Uninstalling SOLIDWORKS

Log onto your computer using a Local Administrator account.
Open Control Panel on the computer. If you are using Windows 10 or 11, you can get to Control Panel by searching for it like in the screenshot below.
Click on Uninstall a program.
From the list of installed programs find SOLIDWORKS, select it and click Uninstall.
The SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager will now launch. We recommend clicking on Change in the Advanced Options section to see your uninstall options.

Options for uninstall:

Option A: Standard Uninstall

Just the Program Files and Folders option is ticked. This is the default.

Option B: Recommended Uninstall if you are having issues with the program or are changing between an administrative and a standalone install

Tick the options:
Program Files and Folders
Registry Entries
Download Files and Folders
Warning: Please be aware that you will lose any default settings and layouts you have saved in the software.

If you are having major issues with the software, or simply want to remove everything, then select:
Data Files and Folders.
Warning: Please be aware that this will delete your saved files if you have saved them in the default locations. You can check which folders will be deleted in the area at the bottom of this page.
Once chosen, select Back to Summary and then Remove Items on the next screen.
Once uninstalled, you should restart your computer.

Article Date: 09/04/2024

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Uninstalling SOLIDWORKS

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