Tips for Using SOLIDWORKS with Microsoft Windows 8

The user interface of Windows 8 (and later) departs significantly from earlier versions of Windows. Not only are navigation techniques different, but several methods have been added to access key commands.

The following topics provide instructions on how to access three of the most basic functions with Windows 8. Refer to these topics when using Windows 8 to install SOLIDWORKS.
These steps may vary depending on how your Windows system is configured. Consult Microsoft Windows documentation for additional instructions and options, especially for systems later than Windows 8.

Starting SOLIDWORKS

You can start SOLIDWORKS from the Windows 8 Charm Bar and also pin SOLIDWORKS to your desktop.

To access SOLIDWORKS from the Charm Bar:

  1. From the Start screen, click in the lower right corner of the screen.

    The Charm Bar displays on the right side of the screen.

    You can also access the Charm Bar by pressing Windows logo+C.

  2. Tap or click the Search icon.
  3. Type SOLIDWORKS in the Search box and swipe down on or tap the SOLIDWORKS tile.
You can pin SOLIDWORKS to your desktop by right-clicking the SOLIDWORKS tile and clicking Pin to Start in the toolbar that appears at the bottom of the screen.

Accessing the Control Panel

To access the Control Panel:

  1. From the Start screen, swipe in from the right side of the screen or drag your mouse to the top right corner of the screen.

    The Charm Bar displays on the right side of the screen.

  2. Tap or click the Search icon.
  3. Type Control Panel in the Search box.
  4. Click the Control Panel tile that appears at the left side of the Apps screen.

Accessing the Command Prompt

To access the command prompt:

  1. On the Start screen, right-click to display a toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
  2. On the right side of the toolbar, click All apps.
  3. On the right side of the Apps screen, under Windows System, press or click Command Prompt.

Useful Shortcuts

The following list provides helpful keyboard shortcuts:

Alt+Tab Switch between different applications running on your desktop.
Windows logo key+Q Open the App list and Search window.
Windows logo key+R Open a Run dialog box.
Windows logo key+I Open the Settings pane.
Consult Microsoft Windows documentation for additional instructions about keyboard shortcuts.