How to upgrade your SolidWorks to a newer Major Version

When installing a new major release, you can upgrade a previously installed major release or install the new release in parallel (for example, you can install both SW 2020 and 2021 and run them in parallel on the same computer). If you are installing a Service Pack release for a previously installed major release, that release is updated automatically.

A). For service pack update please follow the following steps:

1. In SolidWorks, click Help>Check for Updates.

2.  The installation manager checks for the latest service pack and simply click Next:

3.  Install on this computer:

4.  Finally, hit “I accept…” and click “Download and Install”:

B). For Major release update:

You can update to next major release from your current installation using the same steps as above.

But Please note: It is highly recommended to deactivate all the licenses before performing these steps.

After you deactivate your licenses, please Check for updates on start menu section:

You will see similar window like step 2 with the latest release. Please hit next till you see the following screen:

It is recommended to change the installation location for latest release and toolbox directory as well especially if you want to have multiple versions of SOLIDWORKS installed in parallel.

To change it simply click on change and type the directory as:

Installation Location: C:Program FilesSOLIDWORKS Corp 2021 (if you are installing 2021)

Toolbox/Hole Wizard Options: C:SOLIDWORKS Data 2021

After that hit “I accept…” and “Download and Install”.