This article will summarize the process of installing add-ins, such as Visualize, Simulation, Inspection and Composer. It does NOT apply to SOLIDWORKS PDM, or Electrical as those have significant other steps involved.
To install almost any add in (see guides for PDM or Electrical (Local)), the process is simple. This guide applies to users who currently have SOLIDWORKS installed, and want to install an add-in Visualize, Simulation, Inspection and/or Composer
First, navigate to your Control Panel.
Then, depending on your menu customizations, it will say "Programs" or "Programs and Features". If it says
Programs; select the green Programs then select Programs and Features (also green).
Programs and Features; just select Programs and Features and you'll be on the right screen.
Scroll down and find SOLIDWORKS for the version you have installed. Right click it and select Change.
It may ask you if you want to make changes to your machine. You will want to press yes. This will bring up the installation manager screen. You most likely will get a warning that “a reboot is pending.” Just press OK. It should default to the first radio button, but if it isn’t select the option Modify your installation and press Next.
Depending on the product and the way the license was issued, you may or may not need to add a serial number on the serial numbers page. I'll summarize the times when you do need to add it as opposed when when you would not.
When to add Serial Number: Essentially, if the serial number is different than what is in the SOLIDWORKS box you will add it. Generally, if it's a separate product you pay for and you are not on a network, it will have a different serial number to be added here.
When not to add a Serial Number: If the license is the same as SOLIDWORKS. For example, CAM Standard almost never needs to be entered, as it is included with SOLIDWORKS licenses on subscription. Therefore the license of CAM is the same. If you have the product, and it's not separated with a different license, you don't need to add a serial number. This applies to network licenses too. Networks host all of the licenses, so the network handles the serial number for you, you just need to select the products later.
So, add your serial number if need be!
Press Next, and you're on the "Products to Install" page. This one is where you select the products (add-ins) that you want to add! Check on the boxes for the products you want to add (i.e., Composer, you can select multiple products at once!). A little tip, you can uncheck boxes of ones you want to uninstall.
Press Next, on this final screen you will need to accept the terms, and press Install Now/Download and Modify.
Now the next step is a little nuanced as it is different depending on the product. Generally, you need to start up the product and activate it for it to function. In applications that have their own windows (not inside of SOLIDWORKS) you will need to start up that application (this applies to Visualize, Composer, and the Inspection Standalone tool), if it's an Add-In (CAM, Simulation/Plastics/Flow Simulation) then check on the box for the add-in in the add-ins menu to start them for the first time to activate if it doesn't immediately prompt you to do it on your next SOLIDWORKS startup.
Not working like it should? Submit a case here!