Installing add-ins with serial numbers on 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS

Introduction

• Follow this guide if you are using 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS and want to use an add-in with a serial number, such as Solidworks Simulation, or Solidworks Inspection.
   
• The add-in can be added during the installation of 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS 
  OR with the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager of an existing installation.
   
  • If the Installation Manager is already installed, jump to section B in this guide.
  • If the Installation Manager is NOT installed, follow section A just below.
     
• To check if you have 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager installed on your machine, you can search the Windows start menu. See the image below.
   

Section A: Perform a reinstallation of 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS

If the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager is not installed, you have to do a reinstallation of 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS.

1. Follow the first part of the guide in the link below to first uninstall Solidworks Connected/ Design with Solidworks. Only the first part is necessary. ”Uninstall the SolidWorks Connected”. It is normally not necessary to “Clean your system” for the purpose of this guide.

How to perform a clean uninstall of SolidWorks Connected – PLM Group Support Center

2. After the uninstallation has completed: Start a new fresh installation according to the guide in the link below. Start from step 3.

SOLIDWORKS Connected - Installation for new users – PLM Group Support Center

During the installation you will be prompted with two options. See image below.

Option 1: Update with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform

Select this option if you want the SOLIDWORKS software to always update automatically to the latest version when there is an update in the 3DEXPERIENCE environment.
 

Option 2: Choose the version to install and update on-demand

Select this option if you want to decide yourself when to update the SOLIDWORKS software.
This option will install the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager. This makes it easier to remove a short-term or evaluation license, or add additional add-in licenses later on.

Then you will get the option to install add-ins, and to add the required serial numbers. See image below. If you want to add a network (SNL license) you will be also prompted to input information about your SolidNetWork (SNL) License server (port@server). (See Licensing Support for Add-Ins - 2026 - SOLIDWORKS Design Help) 

 

Please see the following three links for more details:

https://dshelp-embed.3ds.com/2026x/English/dashboards/3DX_SWIM_dashboard/3DX_SWIM_instructions.html 
https://help.solidworks.com/2026/english/SolidWorks/sldworks/t_managing_installed_versions.htm 
https://help.solidworks.com/2026/english/SolidWorks/sldworks/t_update_demand.htm

3. Finish the installation according to the guide referred to. 
   (SOLIDWORKS Connected - Installation for new users – PLM Group Support Center)
    
4. Start Solidworks.
    
5. Inside Solidworks, activate the new license by clicking the question mark “?” in the top right corner. Choose "Licenses" and then "Activate". See below.
   
   
6. Click "Select All" to choose all licenses. Choose the option "Automatically over the internet...". Input your email address and click "Next". See below.

7. Check that the installed and activated add-in can be launched from inside Solidworks. See below for how it looks for example with Solidworks Simulation. 

Please contact PLM Group Support if you have any questions.

Section B: 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager

This program lets you modify a 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS installation.

1. Run the program, for example from the Windows start menu on your machine:

   

2. Click modify in the menu as below:

3. Mark the product, enter your serial number in the field that will appear. Click ”Install” and perform the installation.

4. When the installation has finished, start Solidworks.
    

5. Inside Solidworks, activate the new license by clicking the question mark “?” in the top right corner. Choose "Licenses" and then "Activate". See below.
   
   

    

6. Click "Select All" to choose all licenses. Choose the option "Automatically over the internet...". Input your email address and click "Next". See below.

7. Check that the installed and activated add-in can be launched from inside Solidworks. See below for how it looks for example with Solidworks Simulation. 

    

Please contact PLM Group Support if you have any questions.