How do I perform a clean uninstallation of SOLIDWORKS Connected?

Before we start, I need to clarify that this guide applies specifically to SOLIDWORKS Connected. If that is what you have, this is the guide you're looking for. If you have SOLIDWORKS Standard or Network license, please see this guide instead. If you are not sure, see this guide on how to determine what license you have.

If at any point you are not comfortable performing the Clean Uninstall process yourself, you are always welcome to reach out to our Tech Support Team. We would be happy to walk you through the process.

Generally, we recommend saving your settings and data before performing a clean uninstall. If you have custom settings that are important to your workflow,  please follow the instructions below. Also, please note that the clean uninstall process will delete and/or remove any APIs you may have in place, and you will need to set those back up after the installation is complete.

To create a backup of your SOLIDWORKS settings:

1. Go to the Start Menu, type SOLIDWORKS Settings Wizard, and launch the program of that name with the correct year of SOLIDWORKS you are about to uninstall.
   
   
   
2. Select the Save Settings radio button, and click Next.
   

1. Make sure that the location you will save your settings is somewhere accessible, whose location you will remember. The Desktop is typically a good choice. Ensure that any settings important to you are checked, and then click Finish. A window will pop up informing you that the settings were successfully saved.
   

If you have any data that's been saved to SOLIDWORKS's default directories, such as custom Toolbox components, document templates, custom materials, weldment profiles, etc. those will also get removed during the clean uninstall process. Make a backup of those beforehand if you wish to keep them.

To create a backup of your other SOLIDWORKS customizations,

1. Open SOLIDWORKS and navigate through: Tools > Options > System Options > File Locations then select whichever customizations you wish to keep. For example, if I had created any custom part/assembly/drawing templates, I would need to back up the folder listed in the “Document Templates” folder.
   <Image of file path described>
2. Repeat this process for every item you don't want to lose. If data is shared on a network drive, this process may not be necessary, assuming all customer/user defined data is already on the network.

You can now safely proceed to the clean uninstall.

Clean Uninstall Process

This process requires modifying the registry, so if you are not comfortable with doing so, or you do not have permissions, contact your IT.

1. In your Windows search bar, search for Add or Remove Programs and launch the application of that name. You can also use Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall or Change a Program Either way, from here, select Uninstall from the menu on the right, or the right click menu, respectively. This will open the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager
2. Uninstall Dassault Systems SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE R20XXx version. 
   
   
3.  On the warning asking if you are sure you want to uninstall everything, Click yes and give it the time it needs to complete the uninstall process.
4. Restart your machine. It will need a full reboot in order to proceed with the rest of the process unimpeded.
5. Open Add or Remove Programs again and uninstall any of the following programs that might or might not remain on your machine:
   
   • 3DEXPERIENCE Launcher 
   • CEF for SOLIDWORKS Applications (new with R2023x) 
   • Dassault Systemes Software VC10 Prerequisites x86-x64 
   • Dassault Systemes Software VC11 Prerequisites x86-x64 
   • Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Applications 2019 
   • Generally anything that contains the words "SOLIDWORKS", "Dassault Systemes" or "3DEXPERIENCE"
   Do not uninstall, but simply right-click and Repair, all of the following items that exist. It's no problem if one or more are absent, simply skip those
   
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x64)
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x86)
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x64)
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable (x86)
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x64)
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2019 Redistributable (x86)
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-202X Redistributable (x64)
   • Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-202X Redistributable (x86)

CAUTION: If you see other versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable or Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Applications, then the recommendation is to NOT uninstall them.