You’ve just tried opening SOLIDWORKS on your Mac, and nothing happens.

No installer. No native app. Just that sinking feeling that your sleek, powerful machine can’t run the one program you actually need for design work.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Thousands of engineers, architects, and students face the same frustration every semester and project season. Macs are beautiful, fast, and reliable, but when it comes to professional CAD software like SOLIDWORKS, they hit a hard stop.

The truth is, SOLIDWORKS was built for Windows. Yet, many of us prefer macOS for everything else, from multitasking and stability to creative workflows. So, how do you bridge that gap without giving up your favorite machine?

That’s what this guide is for.

We’ll go through every real method that actually works, from Boot Camp and virtualization to the most effortless, modern route: running SOLIDWORKS through Vagon Cloud Computer.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which option fits your setup, your workload, and your sanity.

If you’re still deciding on your CAD platform, this AutoCAD vs SOLIDWORKS comparison can help clarify which tool fits your workflow better.

Why Running SOLIDWORKS on Mac Is Tricky

Let’s be honest, the problem isn’t your Mac. It’s SOLIDWORKS.

The software was built for Windows decades ago, and its entire performance stack, from OpenGL graphics calls to GPU certifications, still depends on Windows-specific drivers. macOS simply doesn’t speak that same technical language.

That’s why, when you try to install SOLIDWORKS on a Mac, you’ll quickly hit a wall. The installer refuses to run because there’s no Windows environment underneath, and even if you somehow force it through, your GPU drivers, registry paths, and libraries won’t match what SOLIDWORKS expects.

There’s more:

• GPU certification — SOLIDWORKS is optimized for workstation-grade NVIDIA RTX A-series or AMD Radeon Pro cards. MacBooks and iMacs rely on Apple’s own GPUs or integrated graphics, none of which are on SOLIDWORKS’ approved list.

• Apple Silicon changes everything — since Apple moved to M1, M2, M3 chips, Boot Camp disappeared entirely. You can’t just install Windows natively anymore.

• Driver mismatch — even if you virtualize Windows, the VM has to “fake” hardware access, and that can limit 3D rendering or simulation speed.

So yes, you can run SOLIDWORKS on macOS, but it won’t happen natively or effortlessly. You’ll need a workaround: either dual-boot into Windows, virtualize it inside macOS, or stream it from the cloud.

We’ll look at each option next, including the simplest one, Vagon Cloud Computer, which lets you skip all the driver drama entirely.

If you're curious about which hardware performs best, we've also broken down the best GPUs for CAD software including what matters most for SOLIDWORKS.

Your Options to Run SOLIDWORKS on macOS

So, you’ve got a Mac and you need SOLIDWORKS. The good news? It’s possible.

The bad news? There’s no single “click-and-install” solution, at least not natively.

But you do have three realistic paths, depending on your hardware, workflow, and patience level.

#1. Boot Camp (Intel Macs Only)

If you’re using an Intel-based Mac, you might remember Boot Camp, Apple’s built-in tool that lets you install Windows alongside macOS and choose which one to boot into at startup.

In theory, this is the cleanest way to run SOLIDWORKS, because Windows runs directly on your hardware without virtualization layers. That means you get full access to your CPU, GPU, and RAM, great for large assemblies or complex simulations.

Pros

• Full native Windows performance

• Supports GPU acceleration and certified drivers

• Ideal for heavy modeling or rendering tasks

Cons

• Only works on older Intel Macs (no Apple Silicon support)

• You have to reboot every time you switch between macOS and Windows

• Takes up significant storage space for dual installation

Verdict: If you still have an Intel MacBook Pro or iMac from before 2020, Boot Camp gives you the best performance. But for anyone on Apple Silicon, this option is officially dead.

#2. Virtual Machines (Parallels / VMware)

If you’re on an M1, M2, or M3 Mac, you can’t dual-boot into Windows anymore, but you can run it virtually inside macOS using software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.

This method creates a “virtual” Windows computer inside your Mac. You can open SOLIDWORKS there, resize the window, and even drag files between macOS and Windows like magic.

Pros

• Simple to set up, no reboot needed

• Works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs

• Lets you switch between macOS apps and SOLIDWORKS easily

Cons

• Graphics performance is limited, virtual GPUs can’t match real ones

• Some features (like RealView and GPU-based rendering) may be unavailable

• Heavy assemblies can lag or stutter on large projects

Pro Tip: In Parallels, allocate at least 8 CPU cores and 32 GB RAM if you can. And disable RealView, ambient occlusion, and shadows in SOLIDWORKS’ display settings for smoother performance.

Verdict: Perfect for students, light modeling, or reviewing projects, but not for advanced simulations or production-level rendering.

#3. Vagon Cloud Computer

Here’s the easiest and most future-proof option, skip Windows installation entirely.

With Vagon Cloud Computer, you can launch a powerful Windows workstation in the cloud and access SOLIDWORKS right from your Mac browser. No drivers. No dual-booting. No setup headaches.

It works like this: you log into your Vagon account, pick a performance tier, and within seconds, you’re inside a full Windows environment, complete with GPU acceleration, ready to open SOLIDWORKS.

Pros

• No need to install Windows or allocate local resources

• Access full GPU-powered Windows performance from any Mac

• Instantly scalable, upgrade CPU/GPU for heavier projects anytime

• Works on all Macs, including Apple Silicon and even iPads

• No reboots, no driver issues, no complex setup

Cons

• Needs a stable internet connection for smooth streaming (ideally < 30 ms latency)

Real-world example: Many designers use MacBooks for portability and creative apps like Photoshop, then switch to Vagon Cloud Computer to handle heavy CAD work in SOLIDWORKS without buying a Windows PC.

Verdict: If you want the fastest, cleanest, and most reliable way to run SOLIDWORKS on a Mac, especially Apple Silicon, this is it.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Each Option

By now, you know the three main ways to run SOLIDWORKS on your Mac.

Let’s go through each one, from the classic Boot Camp method to the fastest, most flexible option, Vagon Cloud Computer.

#1. Boot Camp (Intel Macs Only)

If you have an older Intel-based Mac, Boot Camp lets you install Windows on a separate partition and boot into it directly, no virtualization, no middle layer.

How to Set It Up

1. Check compatibility. Boot Camp only works on Intel Macs (not M1/M2/M3).

2. Download a Windows ISO file from Microsoft’s official website.

3. Open Boot Camp Assistant (Applications → Utilities) and select the ISO file.

4. Partition your drive, allocate at least 100 GB for Windows.

5. Install Windows and Apple’s Boot Camp drivers.

6. Install SOLIDWORKS as you would on any Windows PC.

💡 Pro tip: Keep your SOLIDWORKS files inside the Windows partition to avoid path or permission issues when switching systems.

Performance: Expect near-native speed since Windows runs directly on your hardware.

Downside: You’ll have to reboot each time to switch between macOS and Windows, and Apple Silicon Macs can’t use Boot Camp at all.

#2. Parallels / VMware (Virtual Machines)

If you want to keep macOS open while using Windows, a virtual machine is the way to go. Tools like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion let you run Windows inside macOS like an app, perfect for light-to-medium SOLIDWORKS work.

How to Set It Up

1. Install Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.

2. Create a new virtual machine and load the Windows 11 ARM installer (for Apple Silicon Macs).

3. Allocate enough resources:

   • CPU → 8 cores or more

   • RAM → 32 GB recommended (16 GB minimum)

   • Disk → at least 150 GB SSD space

4. Install Parallels Tools or VMware Tools to enable hardware optimization.

5. Install SOLIDWORKS inside the Windows VM.

6. Optimize performance: in SOLIDWORKS → Options → Performance, disable RealView, shadows, and reflections.

💡 Pro tip: Use Parallels’ “Faster Virtual Machine” performance mode for smoother modeling.

Performance: Good for sketches, assemblies, and academic projects, but demanding simulations or GPU rendering may lag since virtual GPUs can’t match dedicated hardware.

#3. Vagon Cloud Computer

If you want to skip installations, driver drama, and hardware limitations entirely, this is where things get simple.

With Vagon Cloud Computer, you can launch a high-performance Windows workstation in the cloud and run SOLIDWORKS directly from your Mac browser. Everything heavy, CPU, GPU, and RAM, runs remotely. Your Mac only streams the visuals.

Step 1: Create Your Vagon Account

Head to vagon.io and sign up for free. You can start in minutes, no downloads or complex setup required.

Step 2: Choose Your Performance Tier

Pick a setup that fits your workflow. Each tier includes dedicated CPU, GPU, and RAM resources:

• Spark – 4 CPU cores · 24 GB GPU · 16 GB RAM → best for light modeling or student projects.

• Flame / Blaze – 8–16 cores · 24 GB GPU · 32–64 GB RAM → great for rendering, mechanical design, and complex assemblies.

• Lava / Galaxy – 48 cores · multi-GPU (4×24 GB) · 192 GB RAM → for simulation, photorealistic visualization, or large multi-part models.

💡 Pro tip: You can scale your hardware up or down anytime, no reinstalling, no downtime.

Step 3: Launch Your Cloud Workspace

Once you’ve selected your tier, launch your Windows desktop directly from your browser or the Vagon desktop app.

The workspace loads in seconds and feels just like using a local PC, except it’s running on GPU-accelerated cloud hardware.

Step 4: Install SOLIDWORKS

Inside your Vagon workspace, install SOLIDWORKS exactly as you would on a Windows PC.

GPU drivers and Windows optimization are already configured by Vagon, so you can skip all manual setup.

Step 5: Start Designing

You’re ready to work. Open SOLIDWORKS, load your project, and design as usual.

Because all processing happens in the cloud, even large assemblies, simulations, and real-time renders stay smooth, no matter which Mac you’re on.

And if you’re just getting started, there are plenty of SOLIDWORKS tutorials and beginner guides to help you build skills while using Vagon’s cloud-powered setup.

💡 Pro tip: Save your projects in Vagon Files, the platform’s built-in cloud storage, to access them instantly across sessions or devices.

Why It’s Perfect for Mac Users

• No GPU or driver issues. Vagon runs certified Windows GPUs in the cloud.

• No installations required. You’re streaming a fully configured Windows workstation.

• Scalable performance. Upgrade or downgrade anytime.

• Any-device access. Use your MacBook, iMac, or even iPad to design remotely.

Bottom line: If you want professional-grade SOLIDWORKS performance on macOS, without dual-booting, setup stress, or hardware limits, Vagon Cloud Computer is the fastest and most future-proof option available.

We’ve even covered how to run AutoCAD on an iPad using Vagon’s cloud setup, the same flexibility applies to SOLIDWORKS too.

Quick Comparison Table

Performance Tips for macOS Users

Once you’ve got SOLIDWORKS running on your Mac, whether through Boot Camp, Parallels, or Vagon Cloud Computer, there’s still room to fine-tune performance.

A few smart tweaks can make the difference between choppy, laggy modeling and a smooth, workstation-level experience.

For Boot Camp Users (Intel Macs)

If you’re dual-booting into Windows with Boot Camp, you already have full hardware access, so the focus is on keeping the system optimized.

• Keep your drivers up-to-date. Install Apple’s Boot Camp Support Software and regularly update GPU drivers directly from NVIDIA or AMD.

• Switch to “High Performance” power mode in Windows → Control Panel → Power Options.

• Use an external SSD for large project files to reduce load times.

• Monitor thermals. Macs can get warm under CAD loads, consider using a cooling pad to prevent thermal throttling.

💡 Pro tip: Disable unnecessary startup programs in Windows → Task Manager → Startup tab to free up system memory for SOLIDWORKS.

For Virtual Machine Users (Parallels / VMware)

Running SOLIDWORKS inside a VM is convenient but resource-heavy, so allocation matters.

• Dedicate resources. In Parallels → Configuration → Hardware, assign at least 8 CPU cores and 32 GB RAM if available.

• Store your VM on the internal SSD, not an external drive, this alone can cut load times in half.

• Turn off visual effects in both Windows and SOLIDWORKS (animations, transparency, shadows).

• Use “Faster Virtual Machine” mode in Parallels settings for better real-time modeling.

• Pause background apps on macOS, browsers, cloud backups, and updates eat into your RAM share.

💡 Pro tip: Disable “Coherence Mode” when doing 3D work; running SOLIDWORKS in full-screen Windows mode is faster and more stable.

If you’re learning through a VM setup, check out these best courses to learn SOLIDWORKS online — many focus on lighter projects ideal for virtual environments.

For Vagon Cloud Computer Users

Your compute power is already handled in the cloud, so the key is ensuring a stable, low-latency connection and using the platform efficiently.

• Aim for < 30 ms latency and > 20 Mbps upload / download speed for fluid real-time editing.

• Use Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi whenever possible.

• Choose the right tier for your workload:

  • Spark → basic modeling / student projects

  • Flame or Blaze → rendering, mechanical assemblies

  • Lava or Galaxy → complex simulation and visualization

• Store and open files in Vagon Files rather than transferring them each session, this reduces sync time dramatically.

• Close other streaming or cloud apps (Spotify, Google Drive Sync, YouTube) while working to keep network latency consistent.

• Upgrade instantly before a heavy render; you can scale back later to save costs.

General CAD Optimization Tips

• Work in Lightweight Mode or Large Assembly Mode when handling complex designs.

• Keep fewer files open at once, SOLIDWORKS caches model data aggressively.

• Regularly clear temporary files and rebuild your SOLIDWORKS settings if performance dips.

• Enable hardware acceleration (Options → Performance) only if your GPU / cloud GPU supports it fully.

Bottom line: Boot Camp gives you raw native speed, VMs give you convenience, and Vagon Cloud Computer gives you effortless scalability.

Optimize each setup, and you’ll turn your Mac into a serious CAD workstation, without the typical “Mac vs. Windows” headache.

Real-World Use Case

Let’s put all this into perspective with a real example.

A few months ago, I spoke with a mechanical engineering student who was working on a robotics capstone project. His entire team used SOLIDWORKS, but he owned a 14-inch MacBook Pro M2, great for presentations and design work, not so great for native CAD.

At first, he tried Parallels. It worked for small sketches, but once he opened a 250-part assembly, performance dropped fast. Zooming, panning, and rotating models became sluggish; rendering was out of the question.

He even tried using a lab PC remotely via university VPN, it worked, but the lag and inconsistent access made collaboration painful.

Then he discovered the Vagon Cloud Computer.

He created an account, chose the Blaze tier (16 cores, 24 GB GPU, 64 GB RAM), and launched SOLIDWORKS in the cloud from Safari. Within a minute, he was working inside a Windows desktop, running full-speed simulations, exporting renders, and collaborating with teammates from his dorm room.

His feedback was simple:

“It felt like using a workstation that just happened to live on the internet. I didn’t have to tweak anything, I just logged in and designed.”

By saving his projects in Vagon Files, he could pause his session, reopen it later from an iPad, and pick up exactly where he left off. No exporting, no lost progress, no file-transfer chaos.

This isn’t an isolated story, it’s increasingly common.

Architects, designers, and engineers who prefer macOS for everything else are using Vagon as their remote Windows workspace, freeing them from compatibility headaches entirely.

And unlike virtual machines that eat local resources, Vagon scales with your workload. Need to run a thermal simulation? Upgrade to a Studio-level GPU in seconds. Done with it? Scale back and save credits.

It’s the kind of flexibility that finally makes using SOLIDWORKS on a Mac feel natural, not like a workaround.

My Verdict

Here’s the truth: running SOLIDWORKS on macOS used to feel like forcing two worlds to get along that clearly didn’t want to.

You’d either reboot a dozen times a day with Boot Camp, wrestle with GPU limits inside Parallels, or borrow someone’s Windows laptop just to finish a render.

But that’s not the case anymore.

If you’re using a Mac in 2025, you have three solid routes, each fitting a different kind of user:

• Boot Camp is still the purist’s choice, near-native performance on older Intel machines. It’s fast, reliable, and completely offline. But it’s also outdated. No Apple Silicon support means this road ends eventually.

• Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion are convenient middle-grounds. Perfect for learning, reviewing models, or quick edits. Just don’t expect workstation-grade graphics or seamless rendering on massive assemblies.

• And then there’s Vagon Cloud Computer, the option that finally removes the trade-off altogether. You don’t have to choose between macOS comfort and Windows compatibility anymore. You simply log in, spin up a GPU-powered Windows environment, and design like you’re sitting at a high-end workstation.

What I like most about Vagon isn’t just the performance, it’s the mindset shift.

Instead of trying to make your Mac act like a PC, you’re letting the cloud handle everything that slows you down.

No installations, no reboots, no overheating fans, just raw performance streamed straight to your screen.

So here’s my honest take:

• If you’re a student or hobbyist, Parallels will get the job done.

• If you’re running heavy projects or commercial simulations, Vagon Cloud Computer is hands-down the best experience available for Mac users today.

It’s fast, scalable, and actually enjoyable to use, which isn’t something many people have ever said about running SOLIDWORKS on a Mac.

FAQs

1. Can I run SOLIDWORKS on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3)?
Yes, but not natively. Apple Silicon Macs don’t support Boot Camp, so your options are virtualization (using Parallels Desktop with Windows 11 ARM) or cloud-based solutions like Vagon Cloud Computer. With Vagon, you can run SOLIDWORKS on any Mac directly through your browser, no installations required.

2. Do I need a Windows license to use SOLIDWORKS on Mac?
If you’re using Boot Camp or Parallels, yes, you’ll need a valid Windows license to activate and run it legally. But with Vagon Cloud Computer, the Windows environment is already configured, so you only need your SOLIDWORKS license. Everything else is handled automatically.

3. Is cloud computing secure for CAD files?
Absolutely. Vagon uses encrypted connections for both data transfer and session access, so your projects remain private and protected. Plus, because files are stored remotely in Vagon Files, nothing stays on your Mac unless you explicitly download it.

4. Which option gives the best performance — Parallels or Vagon Cloud Computer?
For lighter projects, Parallels is fine. But if you work with large assemblies, simulations, or GPU-heavy tasks, Vagon Cloud Computer easily outperforms it. All rendering, processing, and simulation tasks happen on dedicated cloud GPUs, not your Mac’s integrated hardware.

5. Can I use an iPad or secondary device with Vagon Cloud Computer?
Yes. You can log into your Vagon workspace from an iPad, another Mac, or even a lightweight laptop. Your SOLIDWORKS environment and files stay exactly where you left them, ready to pick up instantly.

6. How stable is the connection for real-time 3D modeling?
With a decent internet connection (around 20 Mbps or more and < 30 ms latency), the experience feels nearly identical to working on a local PC. Most users describe it as “surprisingly smooth,” even when rotating large assemblies or running simulations.

7. Can I collaborate with teammates using Vagon Cloud Computer?
Yes, it’s built for that. You can share design files via Vagon Files, work on projects from different locations, and even use screen-sharing tools within your session. Since all computing happens in the same cloud environment, versioning and sync issues are practically eliminated.

8. Does Vagon Cloud Computer include SOLIDWORKS by default?
No. You’ll need to install SOLIDWORKS using your existing license or educational account, just as you would on a Windows PC. Vagon provides the optimized Windows workstation, you bring your own software.