# 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](https://www.colorado.edu/engineering/cloudcomputing)

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</div>### 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?**

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1. Complete the **[ITLP Software License Request](https://itll.colorado.edu/requests/view/Software%20License%20Request/SoftwareRequestForm)** form.
2. A license key and installation instructions will be emailed to you.

</div>**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](https://itlp-helpdesk.colorado.edu/helpdesk/KB)

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</div>### Step 2: Installation

#### Installation and Technical Issues

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

A: Common installation issues include:

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- 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

</div>If you get stuck:

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- 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.

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> **Tip:** If you cannot install SolidWorks locally, use CEAS Cloud Computing:
> 
> [https://www.colorado.edu/engineering/cloudcomputing](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](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?**

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

</div>If problems continue, submit an IT ticket:

[http://itll.link/servicedesk](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](https://oit.colorado.edu/services/network-internet-services/vpn)

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</div>### 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](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](https://oit.colorado.edu/support/buff-techs-desktop-support)

> Support for Virtual Machines is limited.

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</div>### 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:

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

</div>Tools &gt; Options &gt; System Options &gt; File Locations

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4. Point SolidWorks to the folder containing the templates

</div>**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.

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</div>#### 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.

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</div>#### SolidWorks Certification

**Q: Does the university support SolidWorks certifications?**

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

Resources:

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- SOLIDWORKS Student Access: [https://www.solidworks.com/support/student](https://www.solidworks.com/support/student)
- Contact your department for guidance on certification preparation resources.

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</div># Useful Links

<div id="bkmrk-resource-link-ceas-c"><table style="width: 95.7143%; height: 283.141px;"><thead><tr style="height: 29.7969px;"><th style="width: 24.7827%; height: 29.7969px;">Resource</th><th style="width: 75.2173%; height: 29.7969px;">Link</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr style="height: 35.3906px;"><td style="width: 24.7827%; height: 35.3906px;">CEAS Cloud Computing</td><td style="width: 75.2173%; height: 35.3906px;">[https://www.colorado.edu/engineering/cloudcomputing](https://www.colorado.edu/engineering/cloudcomputing)</td></tr><tr style="height: 46.5938px;"><td style="width: 24.7827%; height: 46.5938px;">ITLP Software License Request</td><td style="width: 75.2173%; height: 46.5938px;">[https://itll.colorado.edu/requests/view/Software%20License%20Request/SoftwareRequestForm](https://itll.colorado.edu/requests/view/Software%20License%20Request/SoftwareRequestForm)</td></tr><tr style="height: 35.3906px;"><td style="width: 24.7827%; height: 35.3906px;">ITLP IT Service Desk</td><td style="width: 75.2173%; height: 35.3906px;">[https://itlp-helpdesk.colorado.edu/helpdesk/KB](https://itlp-helpdesk.colorado.edu/helpdesk/KB) </td></tr><tr style="height: 35.3906px;"><td style="width: 24.7827%; height: 35.3906px;">CU VPN</td><td style="width: 75.2173%; height: 35.3906px;">[https://oit.colorado.edu/services/network-internet-services/vpn](https://oit.colorado.edu/services/network-internet-services/vpn)</td></tr><tr style="height: 35.3906px;"><td style="width: 24.7827%; height: 35.3906px;">Buff Techs Support</td><td style="width: 75.2173%; height: 35.3906px;">[https://oit.colorado.edu/support/buff-techs-desktop-support](https://oit.colorado.edu/support/buff-techs-desktop-support)</td></tr><tr style="height: 35.3906px;"><td style="width: 24.7827%; height: 35.3906px;">SolidWorks Student Access</td><td style="width: 75.2173%; height: 35.3906px;">[https://www.solidworks.com/support/student](https://www.solidworks.com/support/student)</td></tr></tbody></table>

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</div>## Contact Information

### Integrated Teaching &amp; Learning Program

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

</div>### College of Engineering &amp; Applied Science

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- Phone: 303-492-5071
- Email: <cueng@colorado.edu>

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