Solidworks Host File Block Install

If the machine has no internet access, choose the "Activate Manually" option via email. This bypasses the need to block servers and complies with the EULA. Conclusion

You receive messages stating that the SolidWorks servers cannot be reached, despite having a stable internet connection.

by entirely severing the CAD workstation's connection to external validation or telemetry servers. Step-by-Step Guide to Modifying Your Hosts File

Follow these steps to edit your hosts file. You must have Administrator privileges. Step 1: Open Notepad as Administrator Click Start and type Notepad .

127.0.0.1 updates.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 download.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 files.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 solidworks-updates.com 127.0.0.1 swdownload.solidworks.com solidworks host file block install

If you run into any specific error codes during this process, please let me know: What is the installer showing?

Editing the Windows hosts file to block SolidWorks domains is a time-tested, lightweight approach to prevent the software from contacting external servers during or after installation. While it is not foolproof against modern anti-tamper measures, it serves as an excellent first line of defense for users who require complete offline control over their SolidWorks environment. Always ensure you are in compliance with licensing terms, and remember that the hosts file is a tool for legitimate network management—not a method for software piracy.

127.0.0.1 ://solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 ://solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 ://solidworks.com ::1 ://solidworks.com Use code with caution.

1. Hosts File Intervention

Editing the host file to block SolidWorks server connections is a highly effective method for resolving specific installation hang-ups and "cannot connect to server" errors, particularly for standalone installations or network license issues. However, it is technically a workaround rather than an official fix, and it requires precise syntax to avoid breaking the installation entirely.

If you find that SOLIDWORKS or other software keeps modifying your hosts file, you can change the file permissions to read-only: Right-click the hosts file and select . Go to the Security tab.

Locate the SolidWorks Installation Manager in the list. Ensure both and Public checkboxes are marked.

The Windows Hosts file is a local text file that translates human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses. Operating systems check this file before querying external Domain Name System (DNS) servers. If the machine has no internet access, choose

: For license manager issues, blocking the host file may not be enough; you might need to create inbound/outbound rules in Windows Defender Firewall for ports 25734 and 25735 .

: Search for Notepad in your Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator .

When you modify the hosts file to block SolidWorks installation, the following occurs: