SOLIDWORKS 2021 Requirements and Recommendations

SOLIDWORKS clients often overlook the importance of having the correct hardware to support their new 3D CAD purchase. A common question we get asked is what should be considered before buying or upgrading equipment, so we thought it would be helpful to compile all the published system requirements along with our Engineering Team’s recommendations in one place. Here is the information for this year’s version of SOLIDWORKS as compared to last year.

>> Download our complete recommendations for the current version of SOLIDWORKS
>> Download our complete recommendations specifically for SOLIDWORKS PDM

SOLIDWORKS System Requirements

These requirements apply to all SOLIDWORKS products except where noted. Use this information to ensure you are always working with a SOLIDWORKS-supported and optimized system for hardware, operating system and Microsoft products.

SOLIDWORKS Products for Windows

Supported Virtual Environments (Hypervisors)

• SOLIDWORKS and eDrawings require a GPU for optimal performance in a virtualized environment. 
• SOLIDWORKS Composer is not supported in virtualized environments.

SOLIDWORKS Server Products

>> Download our complete recommendations for SOLIDWORKS PDM

Microsoft/Apple Products (SOLIDWORKS 2020 – 2021)

• End Of Life (EOL) corresponds to the last SOLIDWORKS release where a Microsoft product is supported (This is synchronized with the Microsoft Mainstream Support End Date). SOLIDWORKS releases after the EOL are not supported for the said Microsoft product and SOLIDWORKS installation is blocked in the case of an operating system.
• SOLIDWORKS Product Support Lifecycle defines the End Of Support for SOLIDWORKS versions.
• SOLIDWORKS recommends using the latest Microsoft update of Windows, Office and Internet Explorer.
• SOLIDWORKS supports each Windows 10 release for applicable SOLIDWORKS releases as long as it is still covered by both the SOLIDWORKS Product Support Lifecycle and Microsoft Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet.
• SOLIDWORKS recommends using a Windows Server operating system for all SOLIDWORKS server-based products.
• Windows Home Editions and Windows To Go are not supported.
• Apple Mac® based machines running Windows using Boot Camp are not supported.
• SOLIDWORKS 2018 on Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 requires the Microsoft April 2014 update.
• It is not recommended to install any instances of other applications on the SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive or Database Server. For PDM Professional, it is recommended the Archive and Database servers are two separate, dedicated machines.
• To ensure optimum performance, it is not recommended to install antivirus software on the SOLIDWORKS PDM vault computer.
• SOLIDWORKS does not test or certify VPN (Virtual Private Network) solutions but provides best-effort support. Users may be directed to work directly with their VPN provider to resolve issues on a case-by-case basis.
• Beginning with SOLIDWORKS 2020, DVD distribution media will only be provided on request. 

TriMech Recommended Hardware Configurations

Below, the TriMech technical team has compiled a general hardware recommendations list for three general levels of SOLIDWORKS user. These are guidelines and TriMech’s Customer Support Center will be happy to help you customize to fit your specific needs. (These recommendations are made based on the purchase of a NEW computer.)

Entry Level SOLIDWORKS

This profile is for SOLIDWORKS 2021 users with light-to-no analysis tools, assemblies up to 500 parts, some sheet metal and light surfacing.

Mid-Range SOLIDWORKS

This profile is for SOLIDWORKS 2021 users with large assemblies, complex parts, demanding sheet metal designs, moderate surfacing and/or FEA/CFD analysis.

High-End SOLIDWORKS

This profile is for SOLIDWORKS 2021 users with very large assemblies, complex sheet metal parts, complex surfaces, and/or FEA/CFD analysis.

• Multi-processing can greatly aid rendering and analysis computations.
• Requires hard disk space to install application and ample free space for files and swap space.

For even more detailed specifications and suggested hardware specifications for this SOLIDWORKS release, download our complete recommendations guide.