SOLIDWORKS Launches but is not Visible on Active Monitor

Problem

After Launching the SOLIDWORKS application successfully, the SOLIDWORKS window does not appear on the active monitor. This generally occurs when the last monitor that SOLIDWORKS was opened on is disconnected and commonly occurs with laptops using external monitors/docking stations.

You can verify SolidWorks launches correctly but is not visible on the active monitor by checking the task manager or looking for the SOLIDWORKS icon in the taskbar.

SOLIDWORKS will show as an active process in the task manager.

Hovering over SOLIDWORKS in the task bar shows a preview of the SOLIDWORKS window, but clicking on SOLIDWORKS has no visible effect.

Solution 1: Return the SOLIDWORKS window to an active monitor:

1. Click the running instance of SOLIDWORKS in the task bar (this will ensure the window is selected)
2. Press Alt+Space+R (This will restore the window if it is maximized.  If the window is maximized step 3 will not work)
3. Hold the Windows key and press the left or right arrow key repeatedly until the window appears on the active monitor.  
4. Alternatively, you can press Alt+Spacebar+M and then use the arrows keys or mouse drag to move the SOLIDWORKS window to the active monitor.

Solution 2: Check your Windows Settings and Reboot

If Solution 1 does not return SOLIDWORKS to the visible monitor, right click on your desktop and select "display settings". 

Check that only the active monitors are shown as identified. Then restart your computer and SOLIDWORKS should display properly on the active monitor.   

If the issue persists after following these instructions, a more invasive registry reset will restore the last known window position for SOLIDWORKS. We recommend consulting with IT prior to performing registry edits.

Clearing your User Registry Settings – Hawk Ridge Systems

For further technical support, please contact Hawk Ridge Systems at 877.266.4469 for the U.S. or 866.587.6803 for Canada and support@hawkridgesys.com.