When you replace a computer, the safest way to reuse your SolidWorks License Key is to release the activation from the old device before activating the software on the new one. The exact process depends on your license type, SolidWorks version, and the terms attached to your license. A key by itself does not automatically guarantee that a license can be moved between computers.
Before making changes, confirm that your license is intended for individual use and check whether it is managed through a SolidWorks account, a network license server, or an organization administrator. If you use a company or school license, ask the administrator to handle the transfer. For a personal installation, the steps below provide a practical starting point.
Before you move your SolidWorks installation
Gather the information you may need before removing SolidWorks from the old computer. Keep your serial number or license key available, note the installed SolidWorks release, and make sure you can access the email address or account connected with the license. If you use add-ins, custom templates, libraries, or settings, back those up separately. Removing the application does not always preserve every local customization.
You should also check whether the new computer meets the requirements for your SolidWorks release. Operating system support, graphics hardware, drivers, available storage, and administrator permissions can affect installation. A valid SolidWorks License Key cannot solve a compatibility problem on its own.
Step 1: Deactivate the license on the old computer
Open SolidWorks on the old computer and look for the license activation or deactivation option. Its location can vary by release, so use the Help menu, licensing screen, or SolidWorks installation tools if the wording differs. Choose the option to deactivate or transfer the activation, then follow the prompts.
Keep the computer connected to the internet while completing the process if online deactivation is required. Wait for the confirmation message before uninstalling the software or wiping the device. If the old computer has already failed, been lost, or been reformatted, the normal deactivation route may not be available. In that situation, the license owner or administrator may need to use the account or licensing service to reset the activation.
Do not assume that uninstalling SolidWorks releases a license. Uninstalling removes program files from the computer, while deactivation tells the licensing system that the activation is no longer in use. Complete both tasks when you are finished with the old installation.
Step 2: Install the correct SolidWorks version on the new computer
Download the installer for the version covered by your license. If you have installation media or an existing installer, verify that it matches the release you plan to use. Installing a different major version may require a different entitlement or updated licensing terms.
Run the installer with the permissions it requests and select the products you actually need. If you work with shared files, check the locations used for templates, design libraries, and other custom resources before completing setup. You can then restore your backed-up settings after the main installation works correctly.
For a product intended for a one-year period, review the purchase or account information to confirm the relevant term before activation. The available activation period is controlled by the license record, not by the computer where you install the software.
Step 3: Activate the license on the new computer
Start SolidWorks after installation and enter your license details when prompted. Depending on the licensing setup, you may need to provide a serial number, sign in to an associated account, or connect to a network license server. Follow the activation instructions shown for your specific installation.
If activation succeeds, open a sample or existing project and confirm that the expected SolidWorks tools load correctly. This quick check can reveal problems with add-ins, graphics drivers, file permissions, or missing components before you begin important work.
If the system says that the activation limit has been reached, return to the old computer and check whether deactivation completed. When the old device is unavailable, avoid repeatedly entering the same key. Repeated attempts will not necessarily clear an activation record and may make troubleshooting harder. Record the exact error message and use the appropriate licensing or account support route.
Can you reuse a SolidWorks License Key on another computer?
In many individual-license situations, a license can be moved by deactivating it on one computer and activating it on another. That does not mean the same key should be active on multiple computers at the same time. Network, education, company-managed, subscription, and other license arrangements may follow different rules.
Read the license terms that apply to your purchase before transferring it. If the software belongs to an employer, institution, or shared team, the organization controlling the license decides how computers are added, removed, or reassigned. You should not bypass activation controls or attempt to use a key outside its permitted terms.
If you are reviewing a new purchase, you can see the available SolidWorks License Key for 1 year and check the product information before ordering. Keep your order details and license information in a safe place so they are available when you change devices later.
Common transfer problems and practical fixes
The old computer will not start
If the device has failed, try to recover access to the licensing account or contact the administrator responsible for the license. If the activation is tied to an organization, only an authorized administrator may be able to release it.
The new computer has a different operating system
Check the requirements for your SolidWorks release before installing. A license transfer and software compatibility are separate issues. You may need a supported release, updated drivers, or a different installation plan.
Your serial number is rejected
Check for typing errors, confusing characters, spaces, and the difference between a serial number and an account password. Also confirm that you are installing the product associated with that license. If the details are correct but the error continues, save a screenshot and the full message for troubleshooting.
You need SolidWorks on more than one computer
Review the terms of your license before installing it on another device. Some arrangements permit a controlled secondary installation, while others require one active computer or use a network server. Do not infer permission from the fact that the installer accepts the key.
Keep the transfer simple next time
Maintain a record of your license details, purchase information, SolidWorks version, and custom file locations. Before replacing a computer, deactivate the old installation while it is still working, back up your design resources, and test the new installation before deleting the old files. These steps reduce the chance of losing access or having to rebuild your setup under pressure.
SolidWorks is listed within the Educational Tools category on Keys-Shop. If your license is supplied through a school, employer, or other institution, confirm the applicable usage rules with that organization before transferring it.
Quick FAQ
Does uninstalling SolidWorks transfer the license?
No. Uninstallation removes the program from the computer. Use the applicable deactivation or license-release process as well.
Can I transfer the key if the old computer is broken?
Possibly, but the normal deactivation process may not work. Access to the licensing account, an administrator reset, or another authorized recovery process may be required.
Will my custom settings move automatically?
Do not rely on that. Back up templates, libraries, macros, and settings separately, then restore them after confirming that the new installation runs correctly.
