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Upgrading to a New Release

There are several methods for upgrading an individual installation to a new SOLIDWORKS release.

You can upgrade to a new release when you:
  • Receive new installation media
  • Are notified of upgrades when starting SOLIDWORKS
  • Check for updates manually
  • Start a new instance of SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager

When installing a new major release, you can upgrade a previously installed major release or install the new release in parallel. If you are installing a Service Pack release for a previously installed major release, that release is updated automatically.

Checking for Updates Manually

You can check for updates for a currently installed SOLIDWORKS release using one of these methods.

  • In SOLIDWORKS, click Help > Check for Updates.
  • In Microsoft Windows, click Start > All Programs > SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager > Check for Updates.

Upgrading Workgroup PDM Clients

Workgroup PDM clients detect when the Vault has been updated. You do not need to download a service pack to update clients.

For instructions, see Update Clients in the Workgroup PDM online help.

Upgrade Caveats

Products that can have multiple installations with different major versions do not always support major upgrades, or the ability to upgrade between major versions as a single operation.

In this case, SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager simulates the upgrade by first installing the new version, then removing the old one. At this time, the core SOLIDWORKS product supports major upgrades, while the other products do not.

The consequences of this are:
  • When upgrading the core SOLIDWORKS product between major versions:
    • Your existing installed location does not change.
    • The upgrade can be rolled back if an error occurs or the you cancel during the upgrade.
  • When other products are upgraded between major versions:
    • Each product is first installed as a new product to a new location, then the original installation is removed.
    • Once started, the upgrade cannot be rolled back if an error occurs or if you cancel during the upgrade.


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Web Help Content Version: SOLIDWORKS Installation 2015 SP05

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