If a major supplier sent you a 2022 native file ( .SLDPRT ), newer versions can open it, but you cannot save a 2024 file back to a 2022 format without converting to STEP (losing the feature tree). To collaborate seamlessly, all parties must match major versions.
Alex first turned to the official SOLIDWORKS Downloads Page . They discovered that for customers with an , the site typically hosts the newest release and the previous three major versions (for example, 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022).
Once you have downloaded the old version (e.g., SolidWorks 2018 SP5), you will likely try to install it on Windows 11 or Windows 10. This causes conflicts. solidworks download old version
You will see a dropdown menu:
When searching for a , you aren't just looking for the "Year." You are looking for a specific Service Pack (SP) . If a major supplier sent you a 2022 native file (
Downloading an older version of SOLIDWORKS is often necessary for project compatibility with clients or for using legacy hardware. If you have an active subscription , you can typically download the current version and the previous three major releases directly from the official SOLIDWORKS Downloads portal [27]. How to Access Older Versions Official Customer Portal: Log in to the SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal
Since the standard download site may be locked, you must submit a technical support request to your VAR or an authorized partner like MLC CAD Systems to receive a specific download link tied to your email. They discovered that for customers with an ,
Before rushing to find a download link, you must identify your "why." The approach differs depending on your answer.
If you cannot legally obtain an older release, consider these options:
While newer versions can open older files, the reverse was traditionally not possible [30]. However, starting with SOLIDWORKS 2024 , you can now "Save As" a version that is up to two years older (e.g., saving a 2025 file as a 2023 or 2024 file) [9, 28]. Backwards Compatibility Add-ins:
