Reset the SOLIDWORKS CAD Registry

Just like all technology and devices, SOLIDWORKS can have complications with the settings and registry which requires a reset. Sometimes a simple update or other unknown issues can cause a simple fault, requiring a “factory reset” within the SOLIDWORKS Registry. This reset can be completed through a repair of the installation, or through simply repairing the SOLIDWORKS Registry.

SAVING USER SETTINGS

While repairing the SOLIDWORKS Registry, all settings will be returned to default values. In order to keep your custom settings, we will want to save those to your local drive in order to restore them after the repair. To do this:

1. Open SOLIDWORKS application
2. Under “Tools” select “Save / Restore Settings”

1. Select “Save Settings” then Next
2. Chose a location to save your settings, FINISH

REBUILDING THE SOLIDWORKS REGISTRY:

1. Close out of any SOLIDWORKS applications
2. Right click the Windows Start button and select “run”
3. Type “Regedit”, then click OK

4. Within the Registry Editor, browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SolidWorks

5. Right click the SOLIDWORKS <version> folder and select “rename”

6. Rename the folder to SOLIDWORKS <version>_OLD

Example: SOLIDWORKS 2024 will now become SOLIDWORKS 2024_OLD

7. Minimize the Registry Editor and launch the SOLIDWORKS Application

8. Accept the user license agreement and your SOLIDWORKS Registry has been repaired!

CONFIRMING THE REGISTRY REPAIR

1. Return back to the Registry Editor
2. Refresh the SolidWorks folder (F5)
3. Ensure a new version folder has appeared
   1. Example: You should see both folders:
      1. SOLIDWORKS 2024_OLD
      2. SOLIDWORKS 2024

RESTORING CUSTOM USER SETTINGS

After the repair, SOLIDWORKS reset all settings to the default settings. To restore your previous custom settings:

1. Open SOLIDWORKS application
2. Under “Tools” select “Save / Restore Settings”
3. Select “Restore Settings” then locate your previously saved settings, OK

HOW TO UNDO CHANGE IN THE REGISTRY

1. Close the SOLIDWORKS application
2. Locate the same folders during the Registry repair (SOLIDWORKS <version>_OLD)
3. Add “_default” to the end of the newer SOLIDWORKS <version> folder by renaming
   1. You may also delete the newer folder
4. Right click the “SOLIDWORKS <version>_OLD” folder and RENAME
5. Rename the folder to the original SOLIDWORKS <version>
6. Launch SOLIDWORKS application and the previous registry will be restored