Quick Answer
solidworks.exe is safe. It is the main SOLIDWORKS CAD application; it uses additional helper processes for plugins, graphics, and background tasks.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\solidworks.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
SOLIDWORKS uses modular processes for UI, rendering, and add-ins
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close SOLIDWORKS when not needed; disable non-essential add-ins to reduce background activity
What is solidworks.exe?
solidworks.exe is the primary executable for the SOLIDWORKS CAD application. When you start SOLIDWORKS, solidworks.exe launches the main window and coordinates the user interface, geometry modeling tools, and project data management across documents and assemblies.
SOLIDWORKS uses a modular architecture with a main application process plus helper processes and services for rendering, add-ins, and data management. This design improves stability when handling complex models and large assemblies.
Quick Fact: SOLIDWORKS employs a hybrid in-process and out-of-process architecture to keep the modeling engine responsive during heavy tasks.
Types of SolidWorks Processes
- Main Application Process: The primary UI window and core modeling engine (solidworks.exe)
- Graphics/Renderer Process: Handles OpenGL/DirectX rendering for the viewport
- Add-in/Plugin Process: Runs SOLIDWORKS add-ins and macros (COM/VSTA) in isolation
- Background Data Service: Background tasks like file indexing, PDM integration
- Simulation/Analysis Service: Dedicated service for SIMULATION/FEA workloads
- Drafting/Export Service: Background export, drawing generation, and format translators
Is solidworks.exe Safe?
Yes, solidworks.exe is safe when obtained from official Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. sources or pre-installed by manufacturer.
Is solidworks.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real solidworks.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names; verify file location and signature.
How to Tell if solidworks.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Should be in
C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\solidworks.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\solidworks.exe.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.".
- Command Line Details: Check Task Manager Details tab for solidworks.exe; ensure path matches the Program Files location.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage varies; avoid extremely high CPU when idle; suspicious if not signed.
Red Flags: If solidworks.exe is located outside Program Files, lacks a valid signature, or runs when SOLIDWORKS is not launched, scan for malware and reinstall from official sources.
Why Is solidworks.exe Running on My PC?
solidworks.exe runs when you start SOLIDWORKS or when SOLIDWORKS components or Add-ins load in the background.
Reasons it's running:
- Active SOLIDWORKS Session: You're modeling, assembling, or using simulation; each opened document may spawn subsystems.
- Add-ins or Macros: Third-party or built-in add-ins can run in separate threads/processes.
- Background Data Management: PDM/Proxy data management and file indexing may keep solidworks.exe alive.
- Background Services: SOLIDWORKS services for licensing checks or networked features may run in background.
- Startup Behavior: SOLIDWORKS may be configured to restore the last session and preload components on login.
Can I Disable or Remove solidworks.exe?
Yes, you can disable or limit SolidWorks processes. You can close and exit the main UI, disable non-essential add-ins, and uninstall SOLIDWORKS if you intend to switch software.
How to Stop solidworks.exe
- Close Documents and UI: Use File > Exit to close all documents and the main window.
- Disable Add-ins: In SOLIDWORKS, go to Tools > Add-Ins and uncheck unnecessary ones.
- End Tasks in Task Manager: Open Task Manager, locate solidworks.exe, End Task.
- Prevent Startup: Disable SOLIDWORKS from starting with Windows via Task Manager -> Startup.
- Suppress Background Services: Disable non-essential background services in SOLIDWORKS options.
How to Uninstall SOLIDWORKS
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> SOLIDWORKS -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> SOLIDWORKS -> Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative CAD software: Fusion 360, AutoCAD, Onshape
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If solidworks.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Very large assemblies: Break assemblies into subassemblies; use lightweight mode for viewing; enable Large Assembly Mode.
- Resource-Heavy Add-ins: Disable add-ins in Tools > Add-Ins; remove unknown ones.
- Graphics Driver Issues: Update graphics drivers; adjust SW performance settings.
- Insufficient RAM: Increase RAM or use 64-bit Windows; ensure enough memory for large files.
- Outdated SOLIDWORKS Version: Update to the latest service pack.
- Corrupt Templates or Loads: Repair installation or reset user settings; run SolidWorks Repair.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unused documents; switch to Lightweight mode.
2. Update SOLIDWORKS and graphics drivers
3. Disable unnecessary add-ins
4. Clear temporary files and caches
5. Run Repair installation from Programs and Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solidworks.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate solidworks.exe from Dassault Systèmes is not a virus. Ensure the path is within Program Files and the signature is valid.
Why is solidworks.exe using so much CPU?
Large assemblies, complex simulations, or problematic add-ins can drive CPU usage. Use Task Manager to identify the culprit and reduce model complexity or disable the add-in.
Can I delete solidworks.exe?
You can uninstall SOLIDWORKS via Settings > Apps, but you will lose access to the software. Back up data before uninstalling.
Can I disable solidworks.exe?
Yes, you can disable startup and close the main UI; disable unnecessary add-ins to reduce background activity.
Why does SolidWorks start on Windows startup?
If configured to restore last session or through startup scripts, SOLIDWORKS may launch at login. Disable from Task Manager Startup or SOLIDWORKS options.
How do I reduce memory usage in SolidWorks?
Limit open documents, use Large Assembly Mode, enable Drafts/Performance options, and increase RAM or upgrade hardware if needed.