Solidworks 2024 sp5 confirmed bugs

[mp3-250]

Like last year I am testing sw 2024 sp5 before installing it in our company. This time I have also the PDM two server to rebuild so I have more time until the final deployment.

Like last time I am going to post 1 reply for every bug i encountered and the KB references I am aware of.
every other contribution is welcome!

LIST for future update here.

[mp3-250]

First day playing with a rough admin image and I stumped already into a bug. I have a machine with two Hot Fixes installed and the install process stopped after the pre install batch.

I preventive uninstalled one HF with a preinstall batch and still a popup stopped the deployment.

It seem that the second HF got in the way and no matter I try to uninstall silently from the command line (hotfix.exe /r /s).

And it is just day 1

BR10000388985

‘You are about to terminate all instances of process sldworks_fs.exe, sldworks.exe. Please select YES to continue or NO to exit HotFix installation.’ message when installing via Admin Image if previous release hotfixes are installed
Portfolio / Domain: SOLIDWORKS Desktop / E-Apps
Product: Integration
OS: Windows 11
Detected level(s): SOLIDWORKS 2024 SP5
Platform: n/a
Description

1. Install an old release of SW in a client pc

2. Install one or more hotfixes for this release

3. Create an Admin Image from SW2024 SP5 media files

4. Edit the Admin Image Option Editor

5. Under ‘Client Installation Options‘ be sure to select ‘Create a new major version.’ and ‘Do not uninstall’ any older major version of SOLIDWORKS

6. Deploy the admin image on the client machine (with already the old relesae + hotfixes installed), by launching ‘startswinstall.exe’

7. During the installation, you get message:

‘You are about to terminate all instances of process sldworks_fs.exe, sldworks.exe. Please select YES to continue or NO to exit HotFix installation.’

fixed in sw2025 sp1

[mp3-250]

system option→export is partially broken.
Export format changed in the drop down menu is not reflected in the export option screen.

Still testing the UI and the installation process, and I am just tired of the stupid things they broke this time.

what a pRoFeSsIoNaL sOfTwArE.

BR10000370684

STL/AMF/3MF/DXF.../TIF.../SMG formats appear in Solidworks 2024 File Format drop list before open any components but with no option available
Portfolio / Domain: SOLIDWORKS Desktop / E-Apps
Product: User Experience (UX)
OS: Windows 11
Detected level(s): SOLIDWORKS 2024 SP1
Platform: n/a
Description
1.Open Solidworks 2024SP1 > Tools > Options > System Options > Export > expand File Format drop list > find STL/AMF/3MF/DXF.../TIF.../SMG appears in the list > select any one of them > notice the visible option are still about IGES These 6 new options are not visible in 2023 before open a part or assembly, this seem is a regression issue.

[Reennie]

I dunno if it classifies as a bug, but I have my struggles with the change in the way dimensions are reattached in SW2024 in drawings. The grips for the (old) manual way of moving the extension lines and reattaching still show up, but are doing nothing anymore. This is at least annoying in the case of populating complicated / busy drawings. This is still the same in SW2025 I saw.

[john@layketool.com]

I dunno if it classifies as a bug, but I have my struggles with the change in the way dimensions are reattached in SW2024 in drawings. The grips for the (old) manual way of moving the extension lines and reattaching still show up, but are doing nothing anymore. This is at least annoying in the case of populating complicated / busy drawings. This is still the same in SW2025 I saw.

Unfortunately that's their intended wayy that reattach works now. There's some push to get it to be able to use the drag handles to move the dimensions in the 2025 Top Ten list

[Reennie]

When they meant to have the handles not working, they should have removed the handles alltogether... But besides reattaching I also used these handles to adjust the gap between the model and the extension line sometimes; this is also not possible anymore. Too bad. I work around this now (as I need to do more often.... :-) )

[Damo]

I think I found one. (Or maybe it is a "Feature")
I do not know for sure if anyone asked for this, or if it is in any way useful to anyone,...
The "Lock Rotation" option on Concentric mates has been removed...!!
These screengrabs are from my 2022 SP5.0 version.

Lock Rotation-Y1.png (36.67 KiB) Viewed 1370 times

These below are from my 2024 SP2.0 Version.

Lock Rotation-N1.png (33.57 KiB) Viewed 1370 times

Unless, it has been moved to somewhere else that I cannot find.

I'm sure you all know how it is to scan down the feature tree looking for the tell-tale Minus sign in parentheses to confirm that everything is fully defined.
I've often just used the Lock Rotation feature to achieve this when rotation of the part is not relevant.
Now we need another separate and different mate to have the same function I used to get with 2 quick clicks.
Why would anyone want this...?

[SPerman]

The lock rotation feature is there in 2024 SP5. Typically, when that feature isn't available, it means SW thinks there are already existing constraints locking rotation about that axis.

[Damo]

The lock rotation feature is there in 2024 SP5. Typically, when that feature isn't available, it means SW thinks there are already existing constraints locking rotation about that axis.

This is interesting... I definitely did not have other mates defining it. It was showing up in the feature tree as (-).
But... This morning it is now there. I can lock the rotation.
The pics I posted yesterday were of the exact same assembly I opened this morning to find it now working.
Now I assume it was either: as you say, there is a new something that determines whether or not to disable the option..
Or it was simply a glitch.

[SPerman]

Or it was simply a glitch.

Glitches and work-arounds are the core foundation of SW, IMO.

[TRKemp]

image.png (18.59 KiB) Viewed 1046 times

Has anyone else on this version been subjected to this nonsense??

From what I've read, its got something to do with 3D experience, but we don't run any of those add-ins.

This is the only part I've configured that has changed to this terminology at a random time.

There was NOTHING wrong with calling them configurations / derived configurations!

[AlexLachance]

This is interesting... I definitely did not have other mates defining it. It was showing up in the feature tree as (-).
But... This morning it is now there. I can lock the rotation.
The pics I posted yesterday were of the exact same assembly I opened this morning to find it now working.
Now I assume it was either: as you say, there is a new something that determines whether or not to disable the option..
Or it was simply a glitch.

Were there rebuild errors within the assembly, that could be a cause for the icon not being offered.

[AlexLachance]

image.png

Has anyone else on this version been subjected to this nonsense??

From what I've read, its got something to do with 3D experience, but we don't run any of those add-ins.

This is the only part I've configured that has changed to this terminology at a random time.

There was NOTHING wrong with calling them configurations / derived configurations!

Just Dassault taking something simple and making it complex for no reason, as they've always done. It indeed has to do with 3DXperience, I think it was introduced in 2024 but I'm not sure, but I definetly read about people not being happy of that and encountering issues linked to that.

[SPerman]

Do you have either of these add-ins turned on?

image.png (24.34 KiB) Viewed 1035 times

[TRKemp]

Do you have either of these add-ins turned on?

image.png

No, I do not - all 3DX add ins are disabled. Its weird, the part wasnt even updated to the latest version upon saving. The library component in which i started with still shows the classic configuration icons and terminology, and has recently been modified in 2024, so is current.

[TRKemp]

Just Dassault taking something simple and making it complex for no reason, as they've always done. It indeed has to do with 3DXperience, I think it was introduced in 2024 but I'm not sure, but I definetly read about people not being happy of that and encountering issues linked to that.

The epitome of "change for the sake of change." No one would ask for that, the classic way is already crystal clear.

Absurd.

[Glenn Schroeder]

This is interesting... I definitely did not have other mates defining it. It was showing up in the feature tree as (-).
But... This morning it is now there. I can lock the rotation.
The pics I posted yesterday were of the exact same assembly I opened this morning to find it now working.
Now I assume it was either: as you say, there is a new something that determines whether or not to disable the option..
Or it was simply a glitch.

Maybe you already know this, but you can right-click on the main Mates folder (below the inserted components and above assembly features) and Lock all concentric mates, instead of doing them individually. I typically insert a group of hardware, and then do that to lock all the concentric mates.

I'd post a screenshot, but I'm using a loaner computer today and it doesn't have SW installed.

[Damo]

Were there rebuild errors within the assembly, that could be a cause for the icon not being offered.

I do not believe so. There's always something going on..
I actually have other instances of this particular quirk again today.
I cannot as yet make sense of it. TBH, I've been having several issues with mates on this version.
It seems it gets a bit flustered when I want to fully define multiple components with concentric mates across several assemblies.

[Damo]

Maybe you already know this, but you can right-click on the main Mates folder (below the inserted components and above assembly features) and Lock all concentric mates, instead of doing them individually. I typically insert a group of hardware, and then do that to lock all the concentric mates.

I'd post a screenshot, but I'm using a loaner computer today and it doesn't have SW installed.

No, I did not know that. I can see it there and after having clicked on it, it works a treat.
Despite never being surprised at how little I actually know, it is always a good day to learn something new..

Thank you Glenn

[AlexLachance]

I do not believe so. There's always something going on..
I actually have other instances of this particular quirk again today.
I cannot as yet make sense of it. TBH, I've been having several issues with mates on this version.
It seems it gets a bit flustered when I want to fully define multiple components with concentric mates across several assemblies.

I honestly always had issues with locks on concentric mate when the mates are not done as SolidWorks wants them to be done. I'd rather add a parralel mate instead, I found that it often removed rebuild issues that would be fixed by toggling off and on the concentric lock from the Mates Folder as Glenn pointed out.

[SPerman]

This probably isn't considered a bug, and it probably didn't start with 2024. If you group your mates, you can no longer drag them to re-arrange them. Even if you are on the list of mates for an individual part, they can not be re-ordered.

I am a GIF. Click me!

[Damo]

This probably isn't considered a bug, and it probably didn't start with 2024. If you group your mates, you can no longer drag them to re-arrange them. Even if you are on the list of mates for an individual part, they can not be re-ordered.

image.png

I am a GIF. Click me!
mates.gif

I dont generally group mates like this except in very particular specific examples, so I would likely not have noticed this for some time..
But to hear they've changed something that used to work into something that no longer does, doesn't suprprise me.
In fact, there are a few changes to 2024 that seem to me to be regressive...
(Most notably, Escape key no longer closing the Measure dialog, I'm looking at you.)

[Damo]

I honestly always had issues with locks on concentric mate when the mates are not done as SolidWorks wants them to be done. I'd rather add a parralel mate instead, I found that it often removed rebuild issues that would be fixed by toggling off and on the concentric lock from the Mates Folder as Glenn pointed out.

I only lock the concentric mates, if I have no other particular need of restraint, because it removes the (-) from the feature tree to enable rapid assessment of the assembly being defined. And I've largely never had an issue with it.
But you are correct about how some mates can behave oddly. I almost always do whatever I can to avoid Tangent mates.
Even if it means adding more sketches, geometry or additional mates to achieve my preferred outcome.

[Damo]

I am finding 2024 to be more problematic in selecting components within subassemblies.
Particularily newly added, modified or restructured parts within subassemblies.
I feel I have encountered this issue before where for whatever reason I am attempting to select a component within a subassembly and the software behaves like it simply doesnt exist. I can see the part, but the software acts like it just isn't there at all and I cannot select any aspect of it, for any reason.
But it definitely feels like it is much more frequent with this version.
I will end up selecting objects "behind" rather than the item I am looking at.
I have not as yet determined a pattern to this behaviour tho it appears to be more noticible when I have recently modified the component or assembly housing it.
Is this specific to me..? Or has anyone else experienced this..?

[SPerman]

I am finding 2024 to be more problematic in selecting components within subassemblies.
Particularily newly added, modified or restructured parts within subassemblies.
I feel I have encountered this issue before where for whatever reason I am attempting to select a component within a subassembly and the software behaves like it simply doesnt exist. I can see the part, but the software acts like it just isn't there at all and I cannot select any aspect of it, for any reason.
But it definitely feels like it is much more frequent with this version.
I will end up selecting objects "behind" rather than the item I am looking at.
I have not as yet determined a pattern to this behaviour tho it appears to be more noticible when I have recently modified the component or assembly housing it.
Is this specific to me..? Or has anyone else experienced this..?

I've definitely seen the same thing, but it started with 23 (or maybe even 22.)

[AlexLachance]

I am finding 2024 to be more problematic in selecting components within subassemblies.
Particularily newly added, modified or restructured parts within subassemblies.
I feel I have encountered this issue before where for whatever reason I am attempting to select a component within a subassembly and the software behaves like it simply doesnt exist. I can see the part, but the software acts like it just isn't there at all and I cannot select any aspect of it, for any reason.
But it definitely feels like it is much more frequent with this version.
I will end up selecting objects "behind" rather than the item I am looking at.
I have not as yet determined a pattern to this behaviour tho it appears to be more noticible when I have recently modified the component or assembly housing it.
Is this specific to me..? Or has anyone else experienced this..?

We are all having this issue in 2023 over here. Add a part in a sub-assembly, go back in the assembly, the part is displayed but unselectable. Delete and undelete the sub-assembly and then the part is selectable again. P.I.T.A.

[Glenn Schroeder]

. . . I almost always do whatever I can to avoid Tangent mates.
Even if it means adding more sketches, geometry or additional mates to achieve my preferred outcome.

I use them occasionally. They seem to be less problematic than they were a few years ago.

[SPerman]

I honestly always had issues with locks on concentric mate when the mates are not done as SolidWorks wants them to be done. I'd rather add a parralel mate instead, I found that it often removed rebuild issues that would be fixed by toggling off and on the concentric lock from the Mates Folder as Glenn pointed out.

My experience is the exact opposite. I've never had a problem locking rotation, but I have had parallel mates flip on me enough I never use them.

[Glenn Schroeder]

I honestly always had issues with locks on concentric mate when the mates are not done as SolidWorks wants them to be done. I'd rather add a parralel mate instead, I found that it often removed rebuild issues that would be fixed by toggling off and on the concentric lock from the Mates Folder as Glenn pointed out.

Alex, would you mind clarifying that? The only times I've had a lock on a concentric mate not behave like I wanted was when one of the entities was a sketch point instead of a cylindrical or arc edge or face.

[AlexLachance]

Alex, would you mind clarifying that? The only times I've had a lock on a concentric mate not behave like I wanted was when one of the entities was a sketch point instead of a cylindrical or arc edge or face.

It isn't that it behaves incorrectly, it is that most users do not understand the logic behind mating and therefor will put concentric on whatever is a circle and aligns with the position they desire, so the lock ends up locking the movement of things around the axis of whatever it is locked onto. Also, the lock is applied on a specific axis in the environment rather then on the 'axis' the mate is using.

For instance, have a wheel concetrically locked on a steering axle. Change the steering axle to have it turn left, see what happens. The steering axle turns left, but the wheel remains straight and throw an error.

Axle turned

When using parrallels instead of concentric locks, this doesn't happen.

[Damo]

We are all having this issue in 2023 over here. Add a part in a sub-assembly, go back in the assembly, the part is displayed but unselectable. Delete and undelete the sub-assembly and then the part is selectable again. P.I.T.A.

Yup. This is exactly the behaviour I am experiencing. It is not new, but does seem more frequent.
Sometimes simply hiding/showing the part "wakes" it up. Sometimes it will take supress/unsupress.
I've never actually done delete/undo. (Tho I hardly ever use undo outside of a sketch environment.)

[AlexLachance]

Yup. This is exactly the behaviour I am experiencing. It is not new, but does seem more frequent.
Sometimes simply hiding/showing the part "wakes" it up. Sometimes it will take supress/unsupress.
I've never actually done delete/undo. (Tho I hardly ever use undo outside of a sketch environment.)

Yeah my apologies I meant suppress/unsupress. Got mixed up in traductions

[TRKemp]

image.png

Has anyone else on this version been subjected to this nonsense??

From what I've read, its got something to do with 3D experience, but we don't run any of those add-ins.

This is the only part I've configured that has changed to this terminology at a random time.

There was NOTHING wrong with calling them configurations / derived configurations!

Just an update on this. The word from SW is that opening up parts "lightweight" causes the shift to the "CAD Family" method. I'm still working with my VAR to sort out the issue, but he was able to "fix" my affected parts by rebuilding and saving them in 2025, then backdating them to 2024 for me.

According to them, the affected versions are SP4 and SP5.

So i would avoid using lightweight parts if at all possible in 2024 SP5. I would also recommend uninstalling the 3DExperience bloatware from your Programs / Features that comes with each installation of SW.

[AlexLachance]

Just an update on this. The word from SW is that opening up parts "lightweight" causes the shift to the "CAD Family" method. I'm still working with my VAR to sort out the issue, but he was able to "fix" my affected parts by rebuilding and saving them in 2025, then backdating them to 2024 for me.

According to them, the affected versions are SP4 and SP5.

So i would avoid using lightweight parts if at all possible in 2024 SP5. I would also recommend uninstalling the 3DExperience bloatware from your Programs / Features that comes with each installation of SW.

lol, another reason to avoid lightweight altogether. Never used it, never will. It causes more issues then it saves time.

[Glenn Schroeder]

lol, another reason to avoid lightweight altogether. Never used it, never will. It causes more issues then it saves time.

I used it for a while a few years ago. I went back to the workflow I had been using before.