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.
- Make sure SolidWorks is not running.
- Download the registry patch file applicable for your version of SolidWorks (see attachment below) to your Windows virtual machine.
-
Double-click the file to apply the patch. Click "Yes" on the warning message.
- Launch SolidWorks.
-
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:
- Make sure SolidWorks is not running.
- Download the registry file applicable for your version of SolidWorks (see attachment below) to your Windows virtual machine.
-
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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