C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
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Accessing and Navigating the Siemens Compatibility Tool for SIMATIC PCS 7 Software Versions

Accessing and Navigating the Siemens Compatibility Tool for SIMATIC PCS 7 Software Versions

To verify software compatibility across all SIMATIC PCS 7 versions from V6.0 to V9.1 (including supported Microsoft Windows operating systems, SQL Server editions, and bundled software packages), access the official online Siemens Compatibility Tool (Kompatibilitäts-Tool) via Entry ID 64847781 or directly at https://support.industry.siemens.com/kompatool/. Within the tool, navigate to 'Load compatibility lists > Download lists', select 'PCS 7' under Software, and choose your specific PCS 7 release to download comprehensive, pre-compiled PDF or Excel compatibility matrices. For interactive multi-product validation, use the 'Select main product' function to compare PCS 7 versions against specific Windows 10 LTSC builds, Windows Server versions, and optional add-ons such as SIMATIC BATCH and Safety Matrix.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

In industrial automation engineering and lifecycle asset management, software compatibility represents one of the most critical risk factors during system design, operating system patching, and software upgrades. Because SIMATIC PCS 7 is a comprehensive distributed control system integrating dozens of interdependent subsystems—including STEP 7, WinCC, Microsoft SQL Server, SIMATIC NET, SIMATIC BATCH, and Safety Matrix—verifying version interoperability is essential to prevent project corruption and installation failures.

Automation engineers frequently seek consolidated compatibility matrices comparing PCS 7 releases spanning legacy versions (V6.0, V7.0, V8.0) to modern platforms (V9.0, V9.1). Navigating standard product support pages often yields fragmented documents or articles focusing narrowly on standalone WinCC releases. The definitive, manufacturer-maintained repository for all automation compatibility data is the Siemens Kompatibilitäts-Tool (Compatibility Tool for Automation and Drive Technology). This guide outlines how to access the tool, details the procedure to download pre-compiled compatibility matrices, explains how to perform interactive version comparisons, and establishes verification best practices for Microsoft security updates.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The Siemens Compatibility Tool operates as a centralized database repository continuously updated by Siemens quality assurance and product testing teams:
1. Core Database Architecture:
* Rather than publishing static PDF documents that become outdated with every monthly Windows patch, Siemens maintains the Compatibility Tool database (accessible via Entry ID: 64847781 and the kompatool web application).
* The database catalogs tested and approved combinations across: Operating Systems (exact build numbers and service packs), Virtualization Hypervisors (VMware vSphere/ESXi, Hyper-V), Database Engines (Microsoft SQL Server editions), and SIMATIC Software Packages.
2. Two Primary Usage Modes:
* Pre-Compiled Compatibility Lists: Comprehensive, multi-page matrices generated by Siemens for each major and minor PCS 7 release (e.g., PCS 7 V9.1 SP2, V9.0 SP3, V8.2 SP1, V7.1 SP4, V6.1 SP4). These lists document all bundled software package versions and supported Windows operating systems in an easy-to-read tabular format.
* Interactive Query Engine: Allows engineers to select a specific main product (e.g., SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1 SP1) and add multiple secondary software components (e.g., Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019, SIMATIC BATCH V9.1, Microsoft Office 365). The engine evaluates the combination and renders immediate compatibility statuses: 'Compatible', 'Not Compatible', 'Compatible with Restrictions', or 'Not Tested'.
3. Microsoft Patch Verification Testing:
* Siemens conducts monthly regression testing on cumulative Microsoft Windows security updates and patches.
* The Compatibility Tool publishes monthly update test results, identifying any specific Windows updates that interfere with PCS 7 runtime processes or SQL Server services.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Step 1: Access the Siemens Compatibility Tool Portal

  1. Open a modern web browser and navigate to the Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) portal.
  2. Search for Entry ID: 64847781 or navigate directly to the application URL:
    https://support.industry.siemens.com/kompatool/pages/main/index.jsf
  3. Select your preferred display language (English or German).

Step 2: Download Complete Pre-Compiled Compatibility Lists

To obtain complete compatibility matrices for a specific PCS 7 version:
1. On the left navigation menu, click Load compatibility lists.
2. Select Download lists.
3. Under 'Software product family', select PCS 7.
4. In the version dropdown, choose your target release (e.g., PCS 7 V9.1, PCS 7 V9.0, PCS 7 V8.2, or legacy releases down to PCS 7 V6.x).
5. Click Download to save the official PDF or Excel matrix containing all bundled package versions, operating systems, and hardware requirements.

Step 3: Perform an Interactive Custom Software Comparison

To validate a unique combination of operating system builds, add-on packages, and virtualization:
1. On the Compatibility Tool homepage, click Select main product.
2. In the search box, enter SIMATIC PCS 7 and select your exact version and service pack (e.g., SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1 SP2).
3. Click Add further products.
4. Search for and add components in your planned architecture:
* Operating System: e.g., Windows Server 2019 Standard or Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019.
* Hypervisor: e.g., VMware ESXi 7.0.
* Optional Software: e.g., SIMATIC Safety Matrix V6.3, SIMATIC BATCH V9.1.
5. Click Show compatibility to generate the interactive validation report.

Step 4: Interpret Compatibility Status Results

  1. Review the result icons in the comparison table:
    * Green Checkmark (Compatible): Fully tested and released by Siemens without restrictions.
    * Yellow Triangle (Compatible with restrictions): Released only with specific hotfixes, service packs, or operating system patch levels. Click the footnote icon to read mandatory technical constraints.
    * Red Cross (Not compatible): Incompatible combination; installation will be blocked or cause system instability.
    * Grey Circle (Not tested): Combination has not been validated by Siemens; deployment is unsupported.

Step 5: Verify Monthly Microsoft Windows Update Approvals

  1. Within the Compatibility Tool, navigate to the Microsoft Security Updates section.
  2. Review the monthly test results bulletin for your active operating system.
  3. Confirm that pending cumulative Windows updates have been certified before approving patch deployment across production PCS 7 stations.

Verification

  1. In the Compatibility Tool, generate a compatibility report for your target PCS 7 release and planned operating system build.
  2. Click the Export button to export the report as an official PDF or Excel document.
  3. Cross-reference the report against your installed computer operating system build number (winver command in Windows).
  4. Verify that the operating system edition, build number, and service pack are marked with green checkmarks indicating full manufacturer compatibility.
  5. Archive the exported compatibility report in your project documentation file for audit compliance.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

  1. Deploying PCS 7 on an operating system marked 'Not compatible' or 'Not tested' voids Siemens technical support warranty; Siemens Customer Support will require migrating to a released configuration prior to troubleshooting.
  2. New Windows 10 feature updates (Semi-Annual Channel) are generally incompatible with PCS 7; only Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC / LTSB) editions are supported.
  3. Third-party software (antivirus, backup utilities) must be validated independently; the Siemens Compatibility Tool covers Siemens automation software and foundational operating system environments only.
  4. When procuring upgrade licenses or new hardware bundles, always confirm final part numbers and software configurations with an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Engineer FAQ

Where can I find the official compatibility list for PCS 7 V9.1?

Access the Siemens Compatibility Tool (Entry ID: 64847781) at https://support.industry.siemens.com/kompatool/ and select 'Load compatibility lists > Download lists > PCS 7 > V9.1'.

Why does Entry ID 64847781 sometimes appear to promote only WinCC V7.5?

Entry ID 64847781 is the master gateway article for the Compatibility Tool. The web portal interface provides access to the complete database covering all Siemens automation families, including PCS 7, STEP 7, and TIA Portal, via the navigation menu.

Does the Compatibility Tool show which Microsoft Windows updates are safe to install?

Yes. Siemens performs monthly regression tests on Microsoft security updates and publishes approved and blocked patch lists directly within the Compatibility Tool.

Can I check compatibility for legacy versions like PCS 7 V6.0 or V7.0?

Yes. The pre-compiled download lists in the Compatibility Tool contain historical compatibility matrices dating back to legacy PCS 7 V6.x and V7.x releases.

Is the Siemens Compatibility Tool free to use?

Yes. The Compatibility Tool is an open, free online service provided on the Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) platform; an authorized Siemens login account is recommended for downloading detailed lists.

Technical References

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Related Tags

  • Compatibility Tool
  • PCS 7 V9.1
  • Operating Systems
  • Siemens Support
  • Windows Updates
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