Solidworks Host File Block Install !!better!! — Must Read
Scroll
If you still face the "SolidWorks host file block install" error after these steps, you likely have a corrupted Windows hosts syntax. Open a command prompt and run sfc /scannow . If that fails, contact your VAR (Value Added Reseller) – but do not mention you edited the hosts file, or they will void support.
If you can’t even edit the file, your antivirus (like SentinelOne or Webroot) might be locking it. Temporarily disable your security software or check for "Host File Protection" settings to allow the modification.
Click > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall .
The primary reason for "blocking" via the hosts file during a SOLIDWORKS setup is to prevent the software from attempting to phone home to a server that is causing the installation to hang.
Locate the SolidWorks Installation Manager in the list. Ensure both and Public checkboxes are marked.
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.
Click and ensure all instances of SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager are checked for both Private and Public networks. 2. Disable Conflicting Antivirus software
If you still face the "SolidWorks host file block install" error after these steps, you likely have a corrupted Windows hosts syntax. Open a command prompt and run sfc /scannow . If that fails, contact your VAR (Value Added Reseller) – but do not mention you edited the hosts file, or they will void support.
If you can’t even edit the file, your antivirus (like SentinelOne or Webroot) might be locking it. Temporarily disable your security software or check for "Host File Protection" settings to allow the modification. solidworks host file block install
Click > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall . If you still face the "SolidWorks host file
The primary reason for "blocking" via the hosts file during a SOLIDWORKS setup is to prevent the software from attempting to phone home to a server that is causing the installation to hang. If you can’t even edit the file, your
Locate the SolidWorks Installation Manager in the list. Ensure both and Public checkboxes are marked.
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.
Click and ensure all instances of SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager are checked for both Private and Public networks. 2. Disable Conflicting Antivirus software