Deactivating a SOLIDWORKS license removes it from your computer so you can use it on another machine

When you deactivate a SOLIDWORKS license, you're telling Dassault Systèmes' licensing server that your computer no longer needs that seat. The license returns to your pool and becomes available for another user or installation. You do this before uninstalling the software, moving to a new computer, or returning equipment to your organization.

The process takes about five minutes and happens inside SOLIDWORKS itself. You don't need to contact support or wait for approval—the deactivation is when ready. If you skip this step and straightforward uninstall SOLIDWORKS, your license stays locked to that computer until it expires or an administrator removes it manually.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivate your license through SOLIDWORKS Help menu before uninstalling the software or moving to a new computer.
  • You need your serial number and license server information (if using a network license) to complete deactivation.
  • Single-user licenses deactivate when ready; network licenses may require your IT administrator's involvement depending on your setup.
  • If deactivation fails, contact your IT department or Dassault support with your serial number and the error message you received.

Steps to deactivate a single-user SOLIDWORKS license

Open SOLIDWORKS on the computer where you want to remove the license. Click the Help menu at the top of the window, then select Manage Licenses. A dialog box opens showing your current license information, including your serial number and license type.

Look for a button labeled Deactivate License or Return License—the exact wording depends on your SOLIDWORKS version. Click it. SOLIDWORKS will ask you to confirm that you want to deactivate. Select Yes or OK. The software connects to Dassault's licensing server and removes the license from your machine. You should see a confirmation message within 30 seconds. Close the dialog and you're done.

After deactivation, you can uninstall SOLIDWORKS without losing your license seat. The next time someone tries to use that license, they can install it on their computer and set up it normally.

Deactivating a network license through your IT department

If your organization uses a network license server, your computer borrows a license from a central server rather than owning one outright. Deactivation still happens through the Help menu, but your IT administrator may need to approve it or manage it from the server side.

Start the same way: open SOLIDWORKS, go to Help > Manage Licenses, and click Deactivate License. If the deactivation succeeds, you'll see a confirmation. If it fails with an error about the license server, contact your IT department. They can log into the license server (usually accessed through a web browser or Dassault's License Server Manager software) and remove your computer from the active licenses list manually. This typically takes less than an hour.

Network licenses are often managed this way because the server tracks which computers are using licenses at any given moment. Your IT team may also set rules about how long a license can sit unused before it's automatically returned to the pool.

What to do if deactivation fails

The most common reason deactivation fails is a network connection problem. SOLIDWORKS needs to reach Dassault's servers to report the deactivation. If you're behind a corporate firewall or VPN, the connection may be blocked. Try deactivating while connected to a different network—your phone's hotspot works if your office network is the problem.

If you get an error message, write down the exact text and the error code. Restart SOLIDWORKS and try again. If it still fails after a second attempt, contact your IT department (for network licenses) or Dassault support (for single-user licenses). Have your serial number ready—it appears in the Manage Licenses dialog. Dassault can manually deactivate the license on their end, though this usually takes one to two business days.

Do not uninstall SOLIDWORKS if deactivation failed. Uninstalling without deactivating leaves the license locked to that computer, and you won't be able to use it elsewhere until support intervenes.

Deactivating before you uninstall SOLIDWORKS

Always deactivate before you uninstall. The order matters because SOLIDWORKS needs to be running to communicate with the licensing server. Once you uninstall, the software is gone and you can't deactivate anymore.

If you've already uninstalled without deactivating, you have two options. If you still have the installation file, reinstall SOLIDWORKS, deactivate it, then uninstall again. If you don't have the installer, contact Dassault support with your serial number and explain what happened. They can unlock the license remotely, though it may take a few days.

Moving your SOLIDWORKS license to a new computer

Deactivation is the first step when you're switching machines. Deactivate on your old computer while it's still running SOLIDWORKS. Wait for the confirmation message. Then uninstall SOLIDWORKS from the old computer. On your new computer, install SOLIDWORKS fresh and set up the license—the system will recognize it as available because you deactivated it.

If your new computer doesn't have internet access during installation, you can set up offline. SOLIDWORKS will give you an set up code to enter on another device, or you can request a license file from Dassault that you transfer to the new machine on a USB drive. Your IT department can walk you through this if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deactivate my SOLIDWORKS license remotely?

No, you must deactivate from the computer where SOLIDWORKS is installed. The software needs to run and contact the licensing server. If you no longer have access to that computer, contact your IT department or Dassault support with your serial number and they can deactivate it for you, though it takes a few business days.

What happens if I deactivate my license by mistake?

You can reactivate it when ready on the same computer or any other machine. Deactivation is reversible. Just reinstall SOLIDWORKS or open it if it's still installed, go to Help > Manage Licenses, and click set up License. You'll need your serial number.

Do I lose my SOLIDWORKS files when I deactivate the license?

No. Deactivating the license only removes the software's permission to run. Your files stay on your computer. You can still open and view them with other software, but you won't be able to edit them in SOLIDWORKS until you set up a license again.

How long does deactivation take?

Deactivation is when ready if your computer has an internet connection. You'll see a confirmation message within 30 seconds. If you're offline or behind a firewall, it may fail and you'll need to troubleshoot the connection.

Can I deactivate a SOLIDWORKS license that's several years old?

Yes. As long as the license hasn't expired and you have the serial number, you can deactivate it. Old licenses work the same way as new ones in the deactivation process.