How to Deactivate a SOLIDWORKS License

Over time computer hardware gets old, and as a result it needs to be replaced. Although new gear can be exciting, it comes with the hassle of transferring your software. When we change the hardware running SOLIDWORKS, be it a client with a stand-alone license or a server running the SolidNetWork License Manager, it will require us to deactivate the serial number used for the installation.

In this blog post, I’ll give you step-by-step directions on how to deactivate your SOLIDWORKS license.

  • PART 1: Deactivating a Stand-Alone License (SOLIDWORKS Installed)
  • PART 2: Deactivating a Network License on a SolidNetWork License Manager Server (SOLIDWORKS License Manager Installed)
  • PART 3: Deactivating a Stand-Alone License or Network License (SOLIDWORKS Product Uninstalled)

 

PART 1: Deactivating a Stand-Alone License (SOLIDWORKS Installed)

 

STEP 1: Open the latest version of SOLIDWORKS installed on your computer. This can be done using the Desktop Shortcut or the Start Menu.

STEP 2: Select the Help Menu then Deactivate Licenses.

 

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide

 

STEP 3: Choose Select All from the SOLIDWORKS Product Activation Window, verify the e-mail address is correct, and hit Next.

 

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide

STEP 4: Upon successful completion, a window should appear stating the Deactivation Succeeded. Select Finish.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide

PART 2: Deactivating a Network License on a SolidNetWork License Manager Server (SOLIDWORKS License Manager Installed)

 

STEP 1: Open the SolidNetWork License Manager. Browse the Start Menu into the SOLIDWORKS folder then SOLIDWORKS Tools folder and select SolidNetwork License Manager.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide

STEP 2: Select the Server Administration tab.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 3:
 Choose Modify to access the Deactivation.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 4:
 Select Move your product license(s) to a new/upgraded computer and hit Next.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 5:
 Verify that the listed Serial Number(s) and e-mail address are correct, then continue by clicking Select All and Next.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 6:
 Upon successful completion, a window should appear stating the Deactivation Succeeded. Select Finish.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide

PART 3: Deactivating a Stand-Alone License or Network License (SOLIDWORKS Product Uninstalled)


STEP 1:
 Log in to the SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal. If a Customer Portal Account has not been created see our Alignex Quick Guide to Creating a Customer Portal which shows you how to access your account and remove any padlocks.


STEP 2:
 Select Downloads and Updates from the main page after login.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 3:
 Choose the SW Activation Wizard and save the file to the computer.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 4:
 Select Show in folder to show the file in the save location.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 5:
 Right-mouse click the file and choose Run as Administrator.


Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 6:
 Choose Unzip.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 7:
 Select OK twice.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 8:
 Choose Next twice.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 9:
 Select Install.


Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 10: 
Choose Finish.


Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 11:
 From the Start Menu > Recently added Choose SOLIDWORKS Activation Wizard.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 12:
 Select Move your product license(s) to a new/upgraded computer and hit Next.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 13:
 Choose Select All from the SOLIDWORKS Product Activation Window, verify the e-mail address is correct, and hit Next.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide


STEP 14:
 Upon successful completion, a window should appear stating the Deactivation Succeeded. Select Finish.

Deactivating Your SOLIDWORKS License Guide

Thanks for reading and we hope you found this post helpful in your SOLIDWORKS deactivation! You can also download the Alignex Guide to Deactivate License PDF, as well as our other helpful guides in the Technical Support Documents section on our website.

Alignex, Inc.
Alignex, Inc. is the premier provider of SOLIDWORKS software and partner products to the mechanical engineering industry in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and Illinois. With more than 25 years of technical experience, Alignex offers consulting services, training and support for SOLIDWORKS as well as support for partner products. For more information, visit alignex.com.
Alignex, Inc.