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SolidWorks FAQ

The ITLP SolidWorks Guide provides licensing, installation, troubleshooting, and support information for students and faculty using SolidWorks through the University of Colorado Boulder.

Before Getting Started

SolidWorks is always available for CEAS affiliates via CEAS Cloud Computing, accessible through most web browsers regardless of operating system.

Access CEAS Cloud Computing: https://www.colorado.edu/engineering/cloudcomputing

Step 1: Access and License

General Access and Eligibility

Q: Who can get access to SolidWorks at CU Boulder?

A: Generally, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences students and teaching faculty are eligible for the ITLP-provided SolidWorks license. Some exceptions may be made for campus clubs and organizations and are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Version Information

Q: What version of SolidWorks is currently supported?

A: Current Supported Version: SolidWorks 2026 Student Edition

Requesting the License Key

Q: How do I request a SolidWorks license key?

  1. Complete the ITLP Software License Request form.
  2. A license key and installation instructions will be emailed to you.

Q: How soon will I receive my license key?

A: License approvals typically synchronize overnight. You may need to wait up to one business day to receive your license key if the request is submitted later in the day.

Q: I lost my license email or need another key. What should I do?

A: You may submit another license request using the same form.

If you have requested keys more than twice in a given year, you may need to submit an ITLP IT ticket:

https://itlp-helpdesk.colorado.edu/helpdesk/KB

Step 2: Installation

Installation and Technical Issues

Q: What if I'm having trouble installing SolidWorks?

A: Common installation issues include:

  • Not removing older versions before upgrading
  • Saving projects to locations such as OneDrive that can cause version conflicts
  • Certain modules or add-ins causing installation failures

If you get stuck:

  • Windows Users: Make sure you have local administrator privileges, the correct version (year) of the license key, and downloaded the complete installer.
  • Mac Users: SolidWorks does not natively support macOS. You must use Boot Camp or a Virtual Machine (VM)/Parallels. Support for VM-related issues through Buff Techs is limited.

Tip: If you cannot install SolidWorks locally, use CEAS Cloud Computing:

https://www.colorado.edu/engineering/cloudcomputing

Q: Do I need to remove old SolidWorks versions?

A: Yes.  ITLP recommends completely uninstalling older SolidWorks versions and removing leftover installation files before installing a newer version. Please consult this guide: https://www.goengineer.com/blog/complete-solidworks-clean-uninstall-guide

Q: What version should I install?

A: Install the version listed in the Version Information section.

Currently:

SolidWorks 2026 Student Edition

My serial number doesn't work. What should I do?

  1. Verify you are using the exact key provided by ITLP.
  2. Check that no conflicting SolidWorks installation exists.

If problems continue, submit an IT ticket:

http://itll.link/servicedesk

Important: You must be on the CU network or connected through the CU VPN to access the ticketing system.

CU VPN:

https://oit.colorado.edu/services/network-internet-services/vpn

Troubleshooting and Support

Q: Where can I get additional help?

A: ITLP IT Support - Submit a support ticket: https://itlp-helpdesk.colorado.edu/helpdesk/KB

Note: Access requires the CU network or VPN.

A: Buff Techs Support (for personal device troubleshooting): https://oit.colorado.edu/support/buff-techs-desktop-support

Support for Virtual Machines is limited.

Other FAQs

Using Custom CU Templates

Q: How do I import department or lab drawing templates?

A: Many programs (such as Idea Forge or Mechanical Engineering) distribute ZIP archives containing standardized templates.

Steps:

  1. Download the template files
  2. Extract them to a local folder
  3. Configure SolidWorks file locations:

Tools > Options > System Options > File Locations

  1. Point SolidWorks to the folder containing the templates

Q: How do I install additional add-ins such as Simulation or CAM?

A: During or after installation you can enable or disable add-ins through the SolidWorks Add-Ins dialog.

Post-Graduation Access

Q: Can I continue using my license after graduation?

A: No -- CU Boulder’s agreement with Dassault Systèmes does not permit post-graduation use of the university-issued SolidWorks license. Graduates requiring ongoing access must purchase a personal or commercial license directly from SOLIDWORKS or an authorized reseller.

SolidWorks Certification

Q: Does the university support SolidWorks certifications?

A: Yes -- Some departments and instructors encourage students to pursue SolidWorks certifications.

Resources:

Useful Links

Contact Information

Integrated Teaching & Learning Program

  • 1045 Regent Drive, 522 UCB
  • Boulder, CO 80309
  • Phone: 303-492-7222
  • Email: itlp@colorado.edu

College of Engineering & Applied Science

Licensing eligibility, software versions, and support procedures are subject to change. Contact ITLP IT for the most current information.