Microsoft recently announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of life in October 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support. As a result, Dassault Systèmes will stop supporting its products on Windows 10 from 14th October, 2025. It’s the recommendation from Microsoft that all users move from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

What does this mean for SOLIDWORKS CAD users?

With the suggestion that all users move to Windows 11, there are some considerations that SOLIDWORKS users need to make. SOLIDWORKS’ current operating system requirements show that versions past 2025 will no longer be supported on Windows 10. Don’t worry, versions 2023 or newer are now supported on Windows 11.

We advise that all users use a service pack within SOLIDWORKS version 2023 or newer in combination with Windows 11 to maintain a supported system. If you have a SOLIDWORKS Subscription or active term licence, good news! You have access to all current supported releases so you can upgrade straight away. If you have any problems with your upgrade, be sure to take advantage of your subscription and contact our support team.

SOLIDWORKS Trade-in options

If you don’t have an up-to-date or active subscription, now’s a great time to consider upgrading – and Visiativ can help make that transition easier. With our Value Upgrade trade-in offer, you can exchange any expired SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional or Premium perpetual licence, regardless of its age, and receive a 50% discount on rental licences for three years, plus a 25% lifetime discount after that. It’s a cost-effective way to stay current with the latest SOLIDWORKS features while moving to supported hardware and software. Learn more here.

I use data management. What does this mean for me?

If you find that you need to upgrade your SOLIDWORKS version remember that your SOLIDWORKS PDM server components should be upgraded at the same time as any clients. Check that your server also meets the supported system requirements before starting this process. Currently, Windows Server 2022 is supported for SOLIDWORKS 2023, 2024 and 2025 versions. From SOLIDWORKS 2025 SP3 Windows Server 2025 is also supported. A SOLIDWORKS PDM upgrade can be a complex process and should only be undertaken with thought and consideration. Or, you have the option to let us help you with that by purchasing one of our upgrade packages.

If you’re using 3DEXPERIENCE and Cloud Services for SOLIDWORKS data management, there should be no action to take. 3DEXPERIENCE server components update automatically and are always running at the latest version. Client installs should also run at the latest versions, but will prompt for mandatory updates where needed.

Does my PC support Windows 11?

The reality is that Windows 10 has reached its end of life. If you’re planning on making the move to Windows 11, you should consider whether your PC is capable of running Windows 11 efficiently or, whether it can be installed at all. This information can be found here.

If your PC doesn’t meet the recommendations for Windows 11, it may be time to upgrade your PC. For help with this, you can visit our hardware recommendations for more information.

		About the author: This guide was written by 3DEXPERIENCE Product Manager, Lucy Bryan. Lucy is an Elite SOLIDWORKS Applications Engineer and has been with the Visiativ Technical Support Team since 2019.
			View Lucy Bryan’s LinkedIn Profile here.