Installing SOLIDWORKS Student Edition from Shared Folders in Windows 11 virtual machine

This article addresses a known installation issue affecting SOLIDWORKS Student Edition when launched directly from a network or shared folder. When the setup executable is launched from a network path, the installation may fails, hangs, or not complete successfully.

To ensure a successful installation, always run the SOLIDWORKS Student Edition installer from a local drive (for example, C:\) rather than directly from a network or shared folder by following the steps below:

1. Run (double-click) SolidWorksSetup.exe, which is stored in the shared Downloads folder.

   • Ensure that the unzip location points to c:\swdist\<SW_VERSION>, this should be the default value when run from the shared Downloads folder. (where the folder <SW_VERSION> should be populated with the version of solidworks which is being installed. Example: c:\swdist\SOLIDWORKS_2025_sp05).
     
     

   • Click Unzip.

2. Once unzipped, the SOLIDWORKS installer should open automatically, if the When done unzipping open: sldim/sldim.exe option is selected (default).

3. Choose Install on this computer.
   
   

4. Choose your products, and supply serial number(s) if necessary and click on Next.

5. Choose additional products if necessary and select Next.

6. Once you reach the Summary page:

   • Under Download Options, click on Change.
     
     

   • Select Download and Install.

   • Select Browse to change the download location.
     
     

   • Open This PC and navigate to Local Disk (C:).

     • Create a new folder in this directory. You might need to approve the action or enter administrator credentials.

     • Any folder name is acceptable; SOLIDWORKS Downloads is recommended for consistency.

     • Select the newly created folder.

     • Click Select Folder button.

   • Confirm the path in SOLIDWORKS installer.
     
     

   • Then select Back to Summary.

7. Check the box next to I accept the terms of the SOLIDWORKS License Agreement.

8. Select Download and Install

9. A message box will appear once the download is complete. You can either wait for the timer to expire or click Install Now to begin the installation immediately.

10. Installation should begin, and complete normally.

11. Restart your Windows 11 virtual machine when prompted.