Windows 7

“SolidWorks 2012 is the last release that will run on Windows XP.”
“SolidWorks 2013 will NOT INSTALL on computers using Windows XP.”

SolidWorks 2013 is not supporting the Windows XP Operating System and therefore an upgrade is required to guarantee stability with the new release. This is not all “doom and gloom” as the Windows 7 64bit operating system actually opens up many new doors. We would strongly recommend, if you haven’t done so already, that you take advantage of the 64Bit Architecture for further performance improvements.

Windows XP is a legacy operating system and for this reason wasn’t designed around the new advances in technology. If running XP for low end tasks such as basic file storage and browsing the internet you would not see many advantages between the two. When using a machine for high end tasks such as CAD Windows 7 comes into its own.

Windows 7 is better optimized for multi core environments meaning it will perform better for tasks such as photo rendering and simulation. Windows 7 also includes a few tweaks to take advantage of the latest hardware.
Windows 7 also has a function for running applications in XP mode. This means that if you have legacy applications that require XP then these applications can be run under this environment, making it even easier to support older applications on the modern day Operating System.

To add to the above Windows 7 is designed with the user in mind. This means a slicker interface and better search integration.

See I told you it’s not all “doom and gloom”!