how to turn off the auto lock on solidworks
In SOLIDWORKS, “auto lock” can mean a few different settings, so the fix depends on what is being locked. The most common one is a system/workspace preference that automatically locks objects when they are added, and that can usually be turned off in the admin or system settings.
What to check
- Workspace object auto-lock
- In some SOLIDWORKS-connected workspace/PDM setups, there is a preference like “Automatically lock objects added to workspace”.
- Change that preference from Yes to No if you do not want new items locked by default.
- Locked system options
- If the setting itself seems locked, an admin may have applied it with a Lock checkbox, which prevents users from changing it.
* In that case, the option must be unlocked by the administrator first.
- If you meant PDM auto logon
- If you were actually asking about automatic sign-in rather than file locking, that is a different setting entirely and can be disabled in the PDM admin/client login settings.
Where this usually lives
- System Options / admin-managed settings for SOLIDWORKS configuration.
- Workspace preferences if you are using a PDM/workspace integration.
Quick example
If your files are getting locked automatically when added to a workspace, look for the preference named Automatically lock objects added to workspace and switch it off.
Extra note
If you meant a different “auto lock” feature, such as a mate lock, sketch relation lock, or drawing-view lock, the steps are different.