32-Bit Operating Systems

SOLIDWORKS 2014 was the last release that supported the Windows 7 32-bit operating system. SOLIDWORKS 2016 products will not install on the Windows 7 32-bit operating system.

Microsoft Access Database

SOLIDWORKS 2015 was the last release that supported Microsoft Access Databases.

COSMOSM

SOLIDWORKS 2015 was the last release that supported COSMOSM. After the release of SOLIDWORKS 2015 SP5, COSMOSM will no longer be enhanced or supported.

Retired Functionality

As of SOLIDWORKS 2015, you cannot save a model as Universal 3D file format. The File > Save as type Universal 3D (*.u3d) is removed.

ScanTo3D

Direct integration between ScanTo3D and NextEngine scanning software (ScanStudio) is no longer included in SOLIDWORKS 2015 SP3 and future releases. The NextEngine file types nzip, nxm, and scn can no longer be opened and the NextEngine Scan menu option has been removed from Tools > ScanTo3D. Alternatively, NextEngine scanner users can generate scan files in other scan file formats and import them into SOLIDWORKS.

Windows 10 64-bit

SOLIDWORKS 2016 includes support for the Windows 10 64-bit operating system for all SOLIDWORKS products.

Windows 10 SOLIDWORKS Supported Editions:
Windows 10 Pro (64-bit only)
Windows 10 Enterprise (64-bit only)

Modifying SOLIDWORKS PDM Server Installations

To modify an installation of SOLIDWORKS PDM Server and its components, use Programs and Features from the Windows Control Panel. You cannot modify the installation with SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager (SLDIM), even if that is what you used to install SOLIDWORKS PDM Server