127.0.0.1 sw_d.licensing.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 sw_d.solidworks.com
If you're running into issues where a SOLIDWORKS installation is being blocked by host file entries—often due to leftovers from previous installations or network licensing conflicts—here is how to identify and clear those blocks. 🚩 Why this happens
Regardless of your reason for editing the file, the process is the same and requires administrator rights. solidworks host file block install
When an entry in the hosts file maps a SolidWorks server to a local loopback address like 127.0.0.1 or 0.0.0.0 , Windows stops communicating with the actual internet server. The operating system assumes the service resides on the local machine. This mechanism is commonly used to block telemetry, advertisements, or software updates, but it can inadvertently halt legitimate software installations and licensing verification. Why SolidWorks Needs Host Access
You should see a confirmation message stating: "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache." Alternative Solutions If the Block Persists The operating system assumes the service resides on
127.0.0.1 install.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 www.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 api.solidworks.com
To resolve these blocks, you must often manually configure the hosts file to bypass failing DNS lookups: or software updates
If SOLIDWORKS isn't behaving as expected after your edits, check for these common issues: