Honestly, your best path is to upgrade your OS to Windows 10 or 11. Windows 8 lacks modern driver support, security patches, and DirectX features that SolidWorks 2020+ relies on. A used Windows 10 license costs less than $20, and it will save you dozens of hours of compatibility headaches.
If you are a student, your university or college likely provides access to a specific version of SolidWorks through a student portal or a specific license server. Solidworks Download For Windows 8
But does that mean you cannot run SolidWorks on Windows 8? Honestly, your best path is to upgrade your
Instead, upgrade your OS or switch to a browser-based CAD tool. If you are a student, your university or
Some VARs (Value Added Resellers) maintain archives of older installers. Contact a local reseller and request SolidWorks 2017 SP5 for Windows 8.1.
Running these legacy versions effectively requires meeting specific hardware standards to avoid crashes and performance lag. System Requirements | SOLIDWORKS