If you are not able to activate Hardware Acceleration in SolidWorks application inside a Windows virtual machine. This option is grayed out.

Cause

Parallels Video Adapter is blacklisted by SolidWorks in Windows system registry.

Resolution

1. Make sure SolidWorks is not running.
2. Download the registry patch file applicable for your version of SolidWorks (see attachment below) to your Windows virtual machine.

3. Double-click the file to apply the patch. Click "Yes" on the warning message.

   

4. Launch SolidWorks.

5. Before you open a document:

   5.1. Click Options (Standard toolbar) or Tools > Options.

   5.2. Select Performance.

   5.3. Make sure "Use Software OpenGL" option is unchecked.

To undo all registry changes:

1. Make sure SolidWorks is not running.
2. Download the registry file applicable for your version of SolidWorks (see attachment below) to your Windows virtual machine.

3. Double-click the file. Click "Yes" on the warning message.

   

Attachments:

SolidWorks2023:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2023_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2023_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2022:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2022_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2022_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2021:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2021_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2021_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2020:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2020_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2020_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2019:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2019_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2019_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2018:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2018_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2018_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2017:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2017_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2017_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2016:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2016_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2016_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2015:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2015_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2015_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2014:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2014_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2014_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2013:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2013_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2013_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2012:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2012_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2012_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2011:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2011_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2011_disable_acceleration.reg

SolidWorks2010:

• To apply the patch: solidworks2010_enable_acceleration.reg
• To undo the patch: solidworks2010_disable_acceleration.reg

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