What are SOLIDWORKS Service Packs?

SOLIDWORKS Service Packs (SPs) are SOLIDWORKS product updates. They can contain updates for reliability, compatibility, performance, and security. In some cases, SPs also introduce new enhancements and features. They also address known, reported issues with the software, known as Bug Reports (BRs), which were previously known as Software Performance Reports(SPRs).

When are SPs released?

SOLIDWORKS releases a new year version at service pack 0 around October of every year and then 5 additional service packs for that year version, released in 2-3 month intervals. For example, here is the current SOLIDWORKS 2026 SP.

The latest release schedule can also be found on SOLIDWORKS Downloads website.

All SOLIDWORKS Product SPs are released at the same time, with the exception of newly released products. In general, service packs can update any and all of SOLIDWORKS products, including PDM, Simulation, Electrical, and all other add-ins.

When Should I Install Service Packs?

Hawk Ridge Systems general recommendation is that most SOLIDWORKS users install new service packs as they become available. They also often address critical issues that can prevent users from completing specific tasks or workflows. They also address program compatibility, ensuring that SOLIDWORKS will continue to function well with other software, operating system environments, and so on.

Another advantage of installing new releases and service packs sooner is that if there is a new bug that needs to be addressed, the sooner that SOLIDWORKS knows about it, the sooner they can work towards a fix. If users wait until SP5 before installing and testing, it becomes difficult for SOLIDWORKS to introduce a fix since there are no more service packs for that major release.

However, if a user is looking to upgrade to a new Version Year of SOLIDWORKS that is not fully released, we recommend waiting till at least SP3, as the earlier SP's tend to have more bugs. SP5 is the last SP of that year and is generally the most stable version.

In the end, how and when to install service packs is a company decision, and Hawk Ridge Systems can assist with issues that may arise.

A list of bug fixes can be found here: Fixed SPRs | SOLIDWORKS

Critical hotfix information can be found here: General Hotfixes | SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS PDM Considerations

For users running SOLIDWORKS PDM, you will want to ensure that it is the same year or higher than the highest version of SOLIDWORKS, as putting SOLIDWORKS files into the Vault that are newer than the Vault can cause file corruption.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional 2026 supports SOLIDWORKS Design 2026, SOLIDWORKS 2025, and SOLIDWORKS 2024. SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard 2026 supports SOLIDWORKS Design 2026 only. The combination of a newer version of SOLIDWORKS Design and an older version of SOLIDWORKS PDM is not supported

For the latest information on what is supported, check out the SOLIDWORKS PDM Release Notes from the SOLIDWORKS Administrative Guide Website: Administration Guides | MySolidWorks

SOLIDWORKS Electrical Considerations

SOLIDWORKS Electrical Schematic can only have one version year installed. If you are going to be using SOLIDWORKS Electrical 3D Professional with Routing, you will need to ensure that regular SOLIDWORKS is the same version year as Electrical 3D design and install Electrical Schematic at that year version.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.