Solidworks Host File — Block

To implement this workaround, follow these steps to ensure the file is correctly updated and not being blocked by system permissions:

The hosts file is powerful. If you accidentally block a legitimate activation server, you might find yourself locked out of your seat entirely. Always make a backup of your original hosts file before you start tinkering.

A common, yet sometimes risky, technique is using the Windows hosts file ( C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts ) to map the PDM server name to a specific IP address. GoEngineer The Review/Scenario: Solidworks Host File Block

Blocking SolidWorks via the Hosts file is a technically simple but increasingly ineffective and legally risky practice. While it may temporarily suppress license checks or telemetry, modern versions of SolidWorks employ multiple countermeasures that render host-based blocking incomplete. For system administrators needing to control SolidWorks network access, proper firewall rules or group policies are superior. For end users, tampering with the Hosts file risks license revocation and software malfunction without providing reliable long-term benefits.

If you are reading an old tutorial from 2018 or 2020, the classic host file block will not work for SolidWorks 2023 SP2.0 or newer. Here is why: To implement this workaround, follow these steps to

| Issue | Hosts File "Workaround" | Legitimate Licensing | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Illegal, violates EULA | Fully legal and compliant | | Stability | Unstable, easily broken by software updates | Stable and officially supported | | Support | None; you cannot contact official support | Full access to technical support and updates | | Security | None; you are using unverified software from untrusted sources | Secure, official software from the vendor | | Long-term Viability | Temporary, requires constant maintenance | Permanent, future-proof solution |

Some users in air-gapped environments or behind strict firewalls use the hosts file to block outbound connection attempts to SolidWorks licensing servers, forcing a manual activation process. SolidWorks The Review/Scenario: A common, yet sometimes risky, technique is using

A simple HOSTS file edit will fully crack modern SolidWorks. This is why many users searching for this term end up frustrated—the old methods no longer work.

If you see a "desired vendor daemon is down" error, it may be necessary to restart the SolidWorks license service.

Sometimes, your AV software will "protect" the hosts file and revert your changes. Disable it temporarily while editing.