Solidworks — Host File Block Install

Solidworks — Host File Block Install

SolidWorks host file block install

Blocking SolidWorks installations or license activation via the hosts file is a method some administrators use to prevent unauthorized activation or to stop SolidWorks from contacting specific network license servers or online activation servers. Below is a concise, practical overview covering what it is, why and when it’s used, how it’s done, the risks and limitations, and safer alternatives.

Step 3: Append the Blocking Entries

At the bottom of the file, add a clear comment and then the list of domains. For example:

# SolidWorks Block List - Added on YYYY-MM-DD
# Licensing
127.0.0.1 activation.solidworks.com
127.0.0.1 license.solidworks.com

Phase 2: Open Hosts File for Editing


You cannot edit this file with Notepad normally due to Windows security. solidworks host file block install


    

  1. Click the Windows Start button.
    2. 

  2. Type Notepad.
    3. 

  3. Right-click Notepad and select Run as administrator.
    4. 

  4. In Notepad, go to File > Open.
    5. 

  5. Paste this into the address bar: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
    6. 

  6. Change the file type dropdown from "Text Documents (.txt)" to **"All Files (.*)"**.
    7. 

  7. Click on the hosts file and click Open.
    8. 



📝 Example entries (for education purposes)


127.0.0.1 localhost
::1 localhost

END OF BLOCK LIST




Important Variation: Some users prefer 0.0.0.0 instead of 127.0.0.1. 0.0.0.0 is slightly faster because it doesn't wait for a localhost timeout. Use whichever you prefer.


3. Preventing Accidental License Deactivation


If you frequently move between networks (Office ↔ Home), SolidWorks may see a different IP address and attempt to re-activate, sometimes failing and locking your license. A host block stabilizes the activation. Click the Windows  Start  button


2. Speeding Up Installation


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.


Domains to Block: The SolidWorks Server List


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. 📝 Example entries (for education purposes) 
  127


How it’s commonly done (high level)


    

  1. Identify the hostname(s) SolidWorks uses for activation or license checks (e.g., activation servers or specific license server hostnames used in your environment).
    2. 

  2. Edit the hosts file as administrator:

      

    • Windows: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
      • 

    • macOS/Linux: /etc/hosts
      • 

    

    3. 

  3. Add lines mapping the unwanted hostnames to a loopback or non-routable IP:

      

    • Example: 127.0.0.1 activation.solidworks.com
      • 

    

    4. 

  4. Save the file and flush DNS cache (e.g., ipconfig /flushdns on Windows).
    5. 

  5. Test the install or license connection.
    6.