Hardware acceleration is grayed out in SolidWorks

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If you cannot activate Hardware Acceleration in SolidWorks application inside a Windows virtual machine due to this option being grayed out, this KB article might be of much help for you.

The reason for this behaviour is that Parallels Video Adapter isn't added to the allowed list of adapters in the Windows system registry by Solidworks.

Workaround

Note: if the workaround below doesn't work for you, kindly contact the Solidwords Support Team.

  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:

SolidWorks2022:

SolidWorks2021:

SolidWorks2020:

SolidWorks2019:

SolidWorks2018:

SolidWorks2017:

SolidWorks2016:

SolidWorks2015:

SolidWorks2014:

SolidWorks2013:

SolidWorks2012:

SolidWorks2011:

SolidWorks2010:

 

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