Problem

This article outlines the procedure to prevent SOLIDWORKS from forcing the OpenGL mode to be active when it determines that the user is using an unsupported Graphics Card. This issue most commonly affects machines with only Integrated Graphics and even occurs when the latest graphics driver updates are installed.

The following diagnostic steps will help determine whether the solution below is appropriate for the issue:

1. Update the Graphics Card Drivers from the Certified List here: 
   https://www.solidworks.com/support/hardware-certification 
2. When using an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, make sure that the graphics card is set to be used by SOLIDWORKS by default, following the steps here: Set up SOLIDWORKS to use your High Performance Graphics Card – Hawk Ridge Systems

3. If you are running a Graphics Card or Integrated Graphics that was not certified for an older version of SOLIDWORKS, the software may not recognize it as certified and force OpenGL. Check the Hardware Certification website Graphics Patch and install it depending on the version installed. There are Release Notes that can be reviewed to check which Graphics Cards the patch adds support for.

   

4. Without SOLIDWORKS files open, go to Options > System Options > Performance, uncheck the "Enhanced Graphics" option, restart SOLIDWORKS, and attempt to change the OpenGL setting. If SOLIDWORKS is forcing the use of OpenGL mode, the OpenGL setting is checked but greyed out in Options > System Options > Performance

5. If the issue remains, move on to the Solution below

Solution

Resolving this issue requires changing the registry key value SOLIDWORKS uses to set OpenGL mode to enabled or disabled. When going into the Registry Editor, do not modify or delete anything except what is listed below. If you do not feel comfortable performing the steps listed below, please contact Technical Support.

Follow the steps below to modify the registry:

1. Close all applications, including SOLIDWORKS
2. Open Windows Search, search for REGEDIT, and then hit Enter to open the Registry Editor

3. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SolidWorks\SOLIDWORKS 20XX\General

4. Right-click on the DWORD key "Use Software OGL" to select "Modify..."

   

5. Set the Hexadecimal value to 0 to disable OpenGL, and click "OK". Note: Setting this value to 1 will enable OpenGL.

   

6. Close the Registry Editor, then open SOLIDWORKS to retest the issue

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