If you’ve ever worked with Siemens PLCs, you know how powerful, reliable, and flexible they are in industrial automation. But the question that comes up for almost every technician, programmer, or engineer is – which software is used for Siemens PLC?
In this complete guide, we’ll explore every Siemens PLC software, their versions, compatibility, and how each tool is used for programming, simulation, monitoring, and unlocking PLCs. Whether you’re a beginner learning PLCs or a professional maintaining automation systems, this post will help you choose the right Siemens PLC software for your project – and even show you where to download it easily.
The main software used for Siemens PLC programming is TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation Portal).
However, Siemens has released several software packages over time – each one designed for a specific generation of PLCs such as the S7-200, S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500 series.
Here’s a quick overview:
| PLC Series | Recommended Software | Type |
| Siemens S7-200 | STEP7 MicroWIN | Programming |
| Siemens S7-200 SMART | STEP7 MicroWIN SMART | Programming |
| Siemens S7-300 / S7-400 | STEP7 V5.x (Simatic Manager) | Programming & Configuration |
| Siemens S7-1200 / S7-1500 | TIA Portal (V13–V19) | Integrated Engineering Suite |
| Siemens LOGO! | LOGO! Soft Comfort | Small PLC programming |
| Siemens HMI Panels | WinCC Flexible / TIA Portal HMI | HMI design |
| Siemens Simulation | PLCSIM / PLCSIM Advanced | Simulation |
| License Management | Automation License Manager | License control |
| Password / License Tools | Sim EKB Install | Activation tool |
Each of these tools serves a different purpose – and on plcunlock.com, you can download every version free or licensed, including older and newer editions.
TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation Portal) is the latest all-in-one software from Siemens used for programming, configuring, and simulating PLCs, HMIs, and drives.
With TIA Portal, you can work on:
It provides a single engineering environment to reduce setup time and improve productivity.
Why use TIA Portal?
Because it combines all Siemens automation tools into one platform, making it ideal for advanced automation and Industry 4.0 projects.
Before TIA Portal, Siemens engineers used STEP 7 (Simatic Manager) for programming S7-300 and S7-400 PLCs.
Even today, many factories still run on this reliable classic platform.
Why it’s still used:
It’s lightweight, stable, and widely compatible with older PLC models and HMI devices.
If you’re working with Siemens S7-200 PLC, you’ll need STEP7 MicroWIN V4.0 software.
It’s simple, easy to use, and perfect for smaller automation systems or educational projects.
Why choose MicroWIN?
It allows quick programming, debugging, and uploading/downloading PLC logic in just a few clicks.
LOGO! Soft Comfort V8.2.1 is Siemens’ software for programming LOGO! PLCs, typically used for home automation, water pumps, or small machines.
Key Benefit:
Drag-and-drop programming makes it ideal for beginners who want to start with Siemens logic control.
For operator interfaces and SCADA systems, Siemens uses WinCC software.
Depending on the model, you can use:
Pro Tip:
If you’re upgrading your old HMI, you can migrate WinCC Flexible projects into TIA Portal WinCC.
The Automation License Manager (ALM) is Siemens’ official tool to manage, transfer, and activate software licenses.
Use Case:
If your TIA Portal or WinCC shows a license error, reinstalling or updating ALM usually fixes the issue.
Sim EKB Install is a Siemens utility that helps you install or unlock licenses for various Siemens software products like STEP7, WinCC, and TIA Portal.
Tip:
Always use the latest Sim EKB version that matches your TIA Portal or WinCC version to ensure compatibility.
Want to test your PLC logic without connecting a real Siemens PLC?
That’s where PLCSIM and PLCSIM Advanced come in.
Advantage:
Simulate real-time PLC operations, test programs safely, and reduce system downtime.
Before TIA Portal HMI integration, Siemens used ProTool and WinCC Flexible for older HMI devices.
If you’re maintaining older production lines, these tools are essential.
Why keep them?
Many legacy systems still rely on these HMIs. Replacing them would be expensive – so having the right software ensures system longevity.
At plcunlock.com, we specialize in providing authentic, unlocked, and license-supported Siemens software packages – all verified and tested by automation professionals.
Whether you’re looking for TIA Portal V16, STEP7 MicroWIN, or Automation License Manager V6.0, you’ll find everything in one place – ready for use.
For modern PLCs like S7-1200 and S7-1500, TIA Portal is the best choice. For older models like S7-300/400, use STEP7 (Simatic Manager).
No. TIA Portal supports S7-1200, S7-1500, LOGO!, and newer devices. Older PLCs like S7-200 require MicroWIN.
You can download all official Siemens PLC software packages safely from plcunlock.com.
Use Sim EKB Install or Automation License Manager to manage and activate your Siemens licenses easily.
Choosing the right Siemens PLC software depends on the PLC model you’re working with.
If you’re using newer PLCs (S7-1200, S7-1500), TIA Portal is your best friend.
If you’re maintaining legacy systems (S7-200, S7-300, S7-400), go for STEP7, MicroWIN, or Simatic Manager.
And for HMIs, don’t forget WinCC Flexible and ProTool – they still power thousands of machines worldwide.
For quick, safe, and verified downloads of all Siemens software, visit
plcunlock.com – your trusted source for PLC, HMI, VFD, and Servo Drive software and licenses.