Instead of searching for "Solidworks Host File Block," consider these legal, affordable alternatives:
Legitimate users get security patches. If you block the host file, you block those patches. Vulnerabilities in older versions of SolidWorks have been used as entry points for corporate espionage.
Save the file (Ctrl+S). Then, open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:
ipconfig /flushdns
Press Enter. Restart SolidWorks. Solidworks Host File Block
If you are a startup, you can get 3 seats for $3,000/year total—a fraction of the normal cost.
| Context | Legitimacy | Technical Outcome | |--------|------------|-------------------| | Pirated software | Illegal | Prevents online validation checks that would flag a cracked license. | | Corporate lab / air-gapped PC | Potentially allowed (check EULA) | Stops unnecessary outbound connection attempts, reducing firewall logs. | | Privacy-focused user (legit license) | Grey area | Blocks telemetry but may violate license terms. | | Troubleshooting connectivity issues | Legitimate | Temporarily overriding DNS to test local license server resolution. | Instead of searching for "Solidworks Host File Block,"
For legitimate license holders: Disabling validation can cause SolidWorks to enter "license not found" mode after a grace period (e.g., 30 days). Periodic online checks are required for most network and standalone licenses.
If you are a network administrator, you may want to allowlist these for legitimate users. If you are a network administrator, you may
| Domain | Purpose |
|--------|---------|
| localhost | Standard loopback – do not block |
| sw.activation.dart | Activation server |
| license.dat | License validation |
| solidworks.com | Main update & telemetry |
| solidworks.global.ssl.fastly.net | CDN for updates |
| dsls.dassault-systemes.com | License server |
| events.spatial.com | Telemetry |
⚠️ Note: Dassault Systèmes changes domains and uses IP rotation. Host file blocking is never fully reliable long-term.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational and legacy troubleshooting purposes only. Modifying your hosts file to bypass licensing is a violation of the Dassault Systèmes Software License Agreement.