Solidworks Host File Block Install Page
Some advanced network deployments also block swym.3ds.com (SolidWorks Community) and platform.3ds.com (3DEXPERIENCE platform integration).
Even after editing the hosts file, Windows may have cached old DNS entries. Run the following in an Administrator command prompt:
Change the file type filter in the bottom-right corner from "Text Documents ( .txt)" to **All Files ( .*)** to see the hosts file. Select the file named hosts (no extension) and click . 2. Add Block Entries
To block the installation of SolidWorks, you need to add entries to the hosts file that redirect the SolidWorks installation servers to a non-existent or local IP address. solidworks host file block install
# SolidWorks Licensing Block 0.0.0.0 ://solidworks.com 0.0.0.0 ://solidworks.com/sites/ 0.0.0.0 solidworks.com 0.0.0.0 ://solidworks.com Use code with caution. 5. Save and Close Select (or Ctrl + S ). Close Notepad.
ipconfig /flushdns
Open your antivirus settings and look for options like "Hosts File Protection" or "DNS Shield." Some advanced network deployments also block swym
: Ensure you aren't trying to install a version (like SOLIDWORKS 2026) on an unsupported OS like Windows 10, as support for that combination ended in late 2025.
The Windows hosts file ( C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts ) is often a point of failure or a necessary workaround during installation and licensing.
The process is nearly identical across all modern Windows versions. You will need an administrator account. Select the file named hosts (no extension) and click
If you have added all the entries and are still seeing an activation warning, there are two potential issues:
SOLIDWORKS relies on specific host communication for license validation and installation data. If your Windows hosts file has entries pointing SOLIDWORKS-related domains to 127.0.0.1 or 0.0.0.0 , the Installation Manager will fail to connect. 🛠 How to fix it (Host File Cleanup)
The hosts file method remains a and for environments where you already have a valid offline license. For modern SolidWorks releases with cloud-integrated licensing, more advanced network controls are necessary.
: If the Installation Manager spends too much time attempting to verify a license against a non-responsive server, the process can take hours. Redirecting that hostname to a local loopback address ( 127.0.0.1 ) can force the installer to skip that check or move to the next step immediately.