Description property in Windows Explorer

SOLIDWORKS SolidWorks FAQ
1

Is the second “Description” property, the good one that shows what we add in SolidWorks is only available on computers that have SW installed?

2

Reading my post today makes me think the question is not very clear…

In Windows’ file Explorer, I have the habit to add a column to show the Description custom property of SolidWorks files.
I go through the process described on every reseller website such as this one: https://www.solidsolutions.co.uk/blog/2021/04/show-SOLIDWORKS-descriptions-in-windows-folders/

But I have one computer where it doesn’t work. There’s only one “Description” available to show in the column chooser of Windows Explorer and it’s the wrong one; the column stays empty.
It’s the first time I try this on a computer which has no SW installation. Is that a pre-requisite? If so, which component should I install to get that capability?

Thanks!

3

I believe it is but I could be mistaken.

4

Thanks Alex,
I’ll try to install some free stuff like SW File Explorer to see if I can get it without a full SW install.
I’ll report back.

5

Mine is the second one

6

I managed to get back to this.
Effectively, when no SolidWorks is installed, only one Description column is available and it’s the one that doesn’t work.
Once SolidWorks is installed, the second Description column is available…

7

I think it was discussed a while back, that you need the document manager api license to show the metadata inside sw files.
No workaround possible.