If your organization or university recently renewed or modified its contract, the server must be forced to recache the new expiration metadata.

Registry entries from a previous installation are interfering. The system time has changed, invalidating the license file. Step-by-Step Fixes for SolidWorks 2020 License Error 1. Terminate Active SolidWorks Processes

The SOLIDWORKS License Manager holds an outdated subscription renewal date.

This article provides a complete, technical deep dive into what this error means, why it triggers, and—most importantly—how to resolve it permanently. We will cover everything from basic environment checks to advanced registry and licensing server fixes.

Sometimes, the license manager is locked by a hanging process. Right-click the Taskbar and select . Go to the Details tab.

For legitimate perpetual licenses, add-on features like SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard are tied to active subscription contracts. When a subscription lapses, the license manager must be synchronized to clear obsolete validation fields.

Log in to the host server running the .

Rename the file by adding .back to the end (e.g., storedrox.back ) to prevent conflicts. 4. Clean Install/Registry Cleanup

Stubborn background validation processes block new registry keys from merging.

SOLIDWORKS 2020 stores license tokens in the C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet folder. If this folder gets corrupted (e.g., after a forced shutdown or disk error), the license becomes inconsistent.

: A local license retains cached parameters that do not match updated server credentials following a corporate maintenance renewal or expiration.

If you are on a company network and using a SolidNetWork License (SNL), the server might need a refresh.

1. Reactivate the SolidNetWork License Manager (For Commercial & Network Users)

Remember: SOLIDWORKS 2020 is no longer the latest version (as of 2026, mainstream support has shifted to newer releases). However, many production environments still rely on it. If all else fails, consider contacting your VAR (Value-Added Reseller) with the error log located at %temp%\swx_licensing_log.txt – they can provide a replacement license file tailored to your machine ID.

Add lmgrd.exe and sw_d.exe as exceptions in your security software. 5. Verify the Serial Number in Registry

Navigate to your SOLIDWORKS installation path (typically C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp ). Open the folder.

If your company or university uses a network pool of licenses, this issue almost always stems from an outdated subscription expiration date cached on the license host machine. To refresh the data: