3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Crashing Upon Launch – R2026x Hotfix 1.7

SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE R2026 Crash on Launch (Hotfix 1.7) – Cause, Temporary Workaround, Patch Fix, and HF1.8 Official Update

SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE R2026 may crash on launch after Hotfix 1.7 due to a Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime update. This guide explains the cause, previous temporary workaround, official patch installation steps, and the permanent fix delivered in Hotfix 1.8.

Applies To

• Applies to: 3DEXPERIENCE R2026x / SOLIDWORKS Design (User-license version)
• Versions affected: Hot Fix 1.7
• Fix available in: Hot Fix 1.8
• Workflows covered: Launching SOLIDWORKS, 3DEXPERIENCE Add-In loading
• Audience: Designers / CAD Admin / IT / Lab Administrators

Issue Overview

• After update HOTFIX 1.7, some users experience SOLIDWORKS crash immediately on startup.
• The root cause is a recent Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime update, delivered via Windows Update.
• The update interferes with the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in, preventing it from loading.
• Impact: Users may be unable to launch SOLIDWORKS for daily modeling and design work.

Previous Temporary Workaround

Before the official patch was released, the crash could be avoided by disabling the 3DEXPERIENCE add-in.

1.  Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   C:\Program Files\Dassault Systemes\SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE R2026x\win_b64\code\bin\SWXDesktopAddins
2. Locate the file:
   SWK3DCompassAddin.dll
   
3. Rename the file (need Administrator Right): SWK3DCompassAddin.dll_old (simply add “_old” at the end)
   
4. Restart SOLIDWORKS

(In some cases, restarting your computer is recommended). After applying this workaround, SOLIDWORKS should launch normally.

Permanent Fix — Hotfix HF1.8 Released

Before installing the hotfix, undo any previous temporary workaround you applied.

Step 1 – Revert Changes (Only if temporary workaround was applied before)

If the previous temporary solution was used (renaming the DLL file, as shown above), the file name must be restored before installing the patch.

1. Ensure all SOLIDWORKS / 3DEXPERIENCE applications and processes are closed.
2. Go to the following folder:
   C:\Program Files\Dassault Systemes\SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE R2026x\win_b64\code\bin\SWDesktopAddins
3. Ensure the file name is restored to the original name:
   dll.bak → SWK3DCompassAddin.dll

Notes:

• Renaming the file requires administrator credentials.
• This step is required to re-enable the 3DEXPERIENCE Add-In before installing the official patch.

Step 2 – Update and install HOTFIX 1.8:

4. Log in to 3DEXPERIENCE platform

5. Open Compass

6. Locate SOLIDWORKS Design

7. Click Update available (orange icon)

8. Install update

*No need to uninstall previous patch.

Official DS Knowledge Base
The hotfix and instructions are available via the following DS Knowledge Base QA Article:

Article ID: QA00000445516

Abstract: Hotfix for user-license versions of SOLIDWORKS® Design installed from the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform (BR10000422063)

Link: https://support.3ds.com/knowledge-base/?q=docid:QA00000445516

BR10000422063 impacts the user-license version of SOLIDWORKS Design and 3DEXPERIENCE R2026x HF1.7 when the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime prerequisite is version 146.X.XXXX.XX.  Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime 146 was released by Microsoft starting on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Author: Billy Seah, Engineer
Reference: 3DEXPERIENCE SWYM Community