Q: How do I use MIT's SolidWorks License while traveling or off the network?
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![]() | The student version of SolidWorks is activated at the time of installation and does NOT need to be connected to the network after that. This article only applies to the Faculty/Staff SolidWorks Network License. |
Faculty and staff have two options for using SolidWorks when not connected to the MIT network.
Option 1 - Connect through MIT's VPN
If you are connecting from home or somewhere else that has a network connection (even a slow one) you can access the SolidWorks license by first connecting through MIT's VPN.
Option 2 - Borrow a license for up to 30 days
If you will not have reliable network access, such as when flying on a plane, and need to run SolidWorks, you can borrow a license from the license server. If you are already away from campus, you can still borrow a license after connecting through MIT's VPN. When you know you will need this, it is a best practice to do this prior to being off the MIT network, preferably with a wired connection.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to borrow the "Premium" version, and any add-on licenses you will need so you can run the Simulations and other tools while away from campus.
- Select the SolidWorks licenses you need, e.g. SOLIDWORKS Premium (at the end of the list)
- Confirm selection of Premium - there is no reason to borrow only a Standard license and it may cause problems.
- If you need to add additional licenses for the add-ons, you can select each of those (or select multiple with Ctrl-clicking) and then click Borrow >.
- Once they appear in the Borrowed product licenses section, you have the license local on that machine and you will not need to be on the network or be connected to MIT via the VPN.
- These licenses will automatically expire, but if you are not finding it did, then follow the optional "Check-in" process for your version listed in the links below.
SolidWorks 2021
SolidWorks 2022
SolidWorks 2023
For additional help, please see the SolidWork Support site and the resources offered there.