How SOLIDWORKS Autosave Works

SOLIDWORKS autosave helps reduce lost work by saving recovery information at set intervals. It is not a replacement for normal saving, but it can help after a crash, power loss, or unexpected shutdown. Understanding the settings makes it easier to recover work and avoid confusion about which file version is current.

Autosave vs backup

Autosave and backup are related but not identical. Autosave creates recovery information while you work. Backup settings can create additional copies of saved files. You should still save your active file regularly because autosave is mainly a recovery aid, not a deliberate revision system.

This distinction matters after a crash. A recovered document may contain recent unsaved work, while a backup copy may represent an earlier saved state. Always compare the files before overwriting anything important.

Open the backup and recovery settings

1. Open SOLIDWORKS.
2. Go to Tools > Options.
3. Open the Backup/Recover settings.
4. Review the autosave interval.
5. Choose a recovery folder location.
6. Confirm backup options if you want extra saved copies.

Choose a practical autosave interval

A shorter interval can reduce lost work, but it may interrupt performance on very large assemblies or drawings. A longer interval is less intrusive but leaves more work at risk. Choose a setting that fits the size of the models you work on and how often you manually save.

If you work mostly on small parts, a shorter interval may be comfortable. If you spend the day inside large assemblies, drawings, or simulation files, test the interval and adjust it so recovery protection does not become a constant interruption.

Know where recovery files are stored

Set the recovery folder somewhere stable and accessible. Avoid temporary locations that may be cleaned automatically. If your company uses network storage, PDM, or controlled project folders, confirm the preferred recovery location with your CAD administrator.

A local recovery folder is often faster, but a company may require a managed location. The key is that the folder must be writable and easy to find when you need to recover work quickly.

Recover after a crash

After SOLIDWORKS restarts, it may show recovered documents if autosave information is available. Open the recovered file, inspect it carefully, and save it intentionally if it contains the work you need. Do not assume the recovered file is newer than your last manually saved file without checking.

When in doubt, save the recovered file under a temporary name and compare it to the last normal file. This avoids accidentally replacing a stable file with a damaged or incomplete recovered version.

Use autosave with normal file discipline

Autosave works best when it supports a good saving habit. Save before major feature changes, before rebuild-heavy operations, and before switching between large assemblies or drawings. If the file is controlled by PDM, follow the checkout and check-in process instead of relying on recovery files.

Troubleshooting autosave

If recovery files are not appearing, check whether autosave is enabled and whether the recovery folder is writable. If SOLIDWORKS slows down during autosave, increase the interval or check whether the recovery folder is on a slow network path. If recovered files are confusing, compare modified times and save the correct version under a clear name.

Autosave is a safety net, not a project-management tool. Use it to reduce losses, but keep deliberate saves and proper file version control as the main source of truth.

For important jobs, combine autosave with disciplined file naming, PDM check-ins, or periodic project archives. That gives you both short-term crash recovery and long-term revision control.