Running the Upgrade Utility To run the upgrade utility: Start the File Version Upgrade Utility by doing one of the following: On Windows 7 and Windows Server systems prior to Windows Server 2012, from the Windows Start menu, select All Programs > SOLIDWORKS PDM > File Version Upgrade. On Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 or later, on the Apps screen, under SOLIDWORKS PDM, click File Version Upgrade. On the Welcome screen, do one of the following: To set up the upgrade, click Initiate a new upgrade process (Master Workstation). To run a work instruction file created for the upgrade, click Participate in an upgrade process (Slave Workstation). To retry an upgrade that was terminated unexpectedly, click Restart an interrupted upgrade process (Master and Slave Workstation). Follow the instructions in the upgrade wizard. Parent topicUpgrading SOLIDWORKS Files Related concepts Required Upgrade Utility Software System Requirements Preparing to Upgrade Selecting Version Settings After Upgrading Managing Backup Files Related tasks Installing the File Version Upgrade Utility Performing a Trial File Upgrade Creating and Using Work Instruction Files Completing an Interrupted Upgrade