As of this writing, here is an honest assessment:
| Pros | Cons | | :--- | :--- | | Very stable SP5 release | No support for Windows 11 | | No forced 3DEXPERIENCE cloud integration | Cannot open files saved in 2021+ versions | | Lighter than 2020+ versions | Missing modern tools (Silhouette features, Advanced Hole, etc.) | | Compatible with old GPU hardware | No new security patches |
Verdict: Use SolidWorks 2018 only if:
For new projects, install SolidWorks 2023 SP5 or newer.
Go to Tools → Options → File Locations: solidworks 2018 download and install
Temporary disable:
Re-enable all security software after the installation finishes. As of this writing, here is an honest
A quick note on "free" downloads found on forums or torrent sites: Avoid them.
SolidWorks 2018 is frequently targeted by malware authors who wrap the .iso in keygens or loaders. Using unauthorized versions often leads to unstable software, corrupted files, and potential security risks. If you need the software for a short time, use the SolidWorks Online Trial (usually the latest version) or the SolidWorks for Students portal.
| Component | Minimum Requirement | Recommended | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | OS | Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit) | Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) | | CPU | 3.3 GHz or faster | Intel Xeon or Core i7 (6+ cores) | | RAM | 8 GB (16 GB for Simulation) | 32 GB or more | | GPU | Certified card (NVIDIA Quadro) | NVIDIA Quadro P2000+ | | Storage | 20 GB free (SSD required) | 50 GB free (NVMe SSD) | | Display | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1200 or 4K | For new projects, install SolidWorks 2023 SP5 or newer
Critical: SolidWorks 2018 is not supported on Windows 11 (officially), though some users run it in compatibility mode. For a smooth install, use Windows 10 LTSC or Pro.
Cause: Missing Visual C++ Redistributables. Fix: Download and install all Visual C++ Redistributable versions from 2010 to 2017 (both x86 and x64) from Microsoft’s official site. Then re-run the SolidWorks installer in "Repair" mode.