How to Use SOLIDWORKS Rx with 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design

Problem

SOLIDWORKS Rx is an important tool for troubleshooting many problems. With 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design, it is not able to launch in the same method we normally use with desktop SOLIDWORKS. This article will explain how to launch SOLIDWORKS Rx with 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design and how to apply its safe modes.

SOLIDWORKS Rx can be used for a few different purposes:

• Checking system diagnostics to ensure SOLIDWORKS is set up to run well. 
• Capturing problems with video and logs to provide technical support for in-depth troubleshooting.
• Launching SOLIDWORKS in safe modes to isolate the source of an issue.

This article will apply if you are using 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design, also known as SOLIDWORKS Design (or formerly SOLIDWORKS Connected). If you are using desktop SOLIDWORKS, including the Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS add-in, please refer to the articles for using the desktop Rx tool for problem captures (Rx Problem Capture Tool) and the safe modes (Starting SOLIDWORKS in RX Safe Modes).

Although the 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design installation does not create a Start Menu shortcut for SOLIDWORKS Rx, the application is installed. There are three ways to run the application. 

Solution 1: Launching SOLIDWORKS Rx with 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design

Although the 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design installation does not create a Start Menu shortcut for SOLIDWORKS Rx, the application is installed. There are three ways to run the application:

• Select the SOLIDWORKS Rx command in the Help menu within SOLIDWORKS

• Right-click on the SOLIDWORKS Resource Monitor icon in the System Tray and select "Run System Diagnostics"

• Run the sldrx.exe application in 
  %programfiles%\Common Files\SOLIDWORKS Shared\20XX\sldrx

SOLIDWORKS Rx can be used to capture a problem that is difficult to explain or reproduce. Please see our Rx Problem Capture Tool guide to learn how to create an Rx capture, and note that you may need to enable the "Include 3DEXPERIENCE debug logs" when using 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design.

Solution 2: Using Safe Modes in 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design (2026 and newer) 

The 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design Rx tool includes the ability to launch SOLIDWORKS in two safe modes to narrow down the source of an issue. The Software OpenGL safe mode can pinpoint an issue with the graphics card or its driver, and the Bypass the Tools/Options Settings safe mode can pinpoint an issue with the SOLIDWORKS settings or registry. 

You can enable one or both of the safe modes to help troubleshoot a settings or graphics-related issue by selecting the checkboxes and then clicking Launch SOLIDWORKS.

Solution 3: Using Safe Modes in 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design (2025 and older) 

The 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design Rx tool for versions 2025 and older did not have the safe mode launch options. As a result, manually enabling the following workflows is required: 

Using Software OpenGL in 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design:

1. Make sure no SOLIDWORKS files are open. 
2. Go to the Performance section of the System Options and disable the "Enhanced graphics performance" option.
3. Hit OK to confirm the change and restart SOLIDWORKS for the change to take effect.
4. Go to the Performance section of the System Options and enable the "Use software OpenGL" option.
5. Attempt to recreate your issue. 

If the issue cannot be replicated after following those steps, the issue is likely caused by your graphics card or driver. To stop using this safe mode and restore your settings, follow the steps below:

1. Make sure no SOLIDWORKS files are open. 
2. Go to the Performance section of the System Options and enable the "Use software OpenGL" option.
3. (Optional) In the Performance section of the System Options, enable the "Enhanced graphics performance" option.

Using Bypass the Tools/Options Settings in 3DExperience SOLIDWORKS Design:

1. Make sure no SOLIDWORKS files are open.
2. Go to the Tools menu and select Save/Restore Settings.
3. Select Save Settings, hit Next, ensure all settings are selected and a location is specified and hit Finish to create a backup of your existing settings.
4. Go to the Tools menu and select Save/Restore Settings. 
5. With that window open, close SOLIDWORKS.
6. Select Reset Settings, select Reset Only, hit Next to reset your SOLIDWORKS settings, and hit Finish to close the Settings Wizard.
7. Attempt to recreate your issue. 

If the issue cannot be replicated after following those steps, the issue is likely caused by your settings or registry. To stop using this safe mode and restore your settings, follow the steps below:

1. Make sure no SOLIDWORKS files are open.
2. Go to the Tools menu and select Save/Restore Settings. 
3. Select Restore Settings, select Browse to choose the file created in the step 3 of the previous section, ensure all settings are selected, and hit Next and Finish to restore your settings.

Contact Us

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.