In the past (SolidWorks 2018 and earlier), a simple HOSTS file block was enough to run cracked versions indefinitely.
Today? No.
Dassault Systèmes has evolved. Modern versions of SolidWorks (2020 onwards) use: Solidworks Host File Block
A simple HOSTS file edit will not fully crack modern SolidWorks. This is why many users searching for this term end up frustrated—the old methods no longer work.
SolidWorks (and its background services like SW Licensing Service, SolidWorks FlexNet Server, and Publisher) makes outbound HTTP/HTTPS calls to specific Dassault Systèmes domains. In the past (SolidWorks 2018 and earlier), a
When an application attempts to resolve my.solidworks.com:
If you are trying to control SolidWorks’ network behavior for legitimate reasons, use proper tools instead of the hosts file. A simple HOSTS file edit will not fully
| Goal | Tool | Hosts File Alternative? | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Block telemetry | Windows Firewall (Outbound Rules) | No (Firewall is safer) | | Prevent auto-updates | Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) | Yes, but risky | | Use offline license | Request an Offline Activation file from Dassault | Never use hosts file | | Isolate software | Run in a Windows Sandbox or VM | Better isolation |
When users talk about a "SolidWorks Host File Block," they mean adding lines that redirect SolidWorks’ license validation servers to 127.0.0.1 (your local machine) or 0.0.0.0 (a null address).
Essentially, you are telling your computer: "When SolidWorks tries to phone home to verify its license, don't let it leave this machine."