Solidworks Host File Block Install ✧

Change the file type filter (bottom right) from "Text Documents ( .txt)" to **"All Files ( .*)"**. Select the file named hosts and click . 3. Add the Block Entries

: Applications like Comodo Firewall provide more granular control, including the ability to set up "interactive mode," which will prompt you every time an unapproved program tries to access the internet. One forum user noted that while the hosts file can be a first line of defense, "preventing networking by just blocking the hosts file doesn't feel like enough, it's better to install a third-party firewall".

Even after editing the hosts file, Windows may have cached old DNS entries. Run the following in an Administrator command prompt:

The SolidWorks Installation Manager and the SolidWorks Activation Wizard require constant communication with corporate servers. During a standard installation or modification, the software connects to several endpoints to perform critical tasks: solidworks host file block install

When you install SolidWorks, the installer calls home to check for subscription validity. If your internet is slow or the servers are down, the install hangs. Blocking the servers forces the installer to skip that check instantly.

Older versions of SolidWorks (2015–2019) have known bugs where they lose license validation after a Windows Update. Blocking the host files prevents Windows from forcing a re-validation that will fail.

Scroll through the text document to find lines containing references to solidworks , 3ds , or dassault . Change the file type filter (bottom right) from

You might have a valid license key, yet the installation fails. Here is why admins use the host file block during installation:

Blocking specific host addresses is a common method for troubleshooting network licensing issues or preventing unwanted communication during a SOLIDWORKS installation. This is typically done by editing the Windows hosts file to redirect hostnames to a non-existent or local IP address.

If you have added all the entries and are still seeing an activation warning, there are two potential issues: Add the Block Entries : Applications like Comodo

: Search for Notepad in your Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator .

Before you hit save on that hosts file, consider the risks.

Over the years, SolidWorks has used a dynamic set of domains for activation, validation, and telemetry. Based on firewall logs and community analysis, the following domains are critical to block for a completely offline installation environment. Note that this list evolves; Dassault may add new domains in service packs.

Change the file type filter in the bottom-right corner from "Text Documents ( .txt)" to **All Files ( .*)** to see the hosts file. Select the file named hosts (no extension) and click . 2. Add Block Entries