PCS 7 PC Station Download vs. HW Config Download to Module

In PCS 7, the HW Config Download to Module command transfers the compiled hardware configuration to its selected target, while selecting the OS PC station in SIMATIC Manager Component View and choosing PLC > Download is the documented PC-station download path that also transfers the project-specific network settings needed to activate network connections. These operations overlap in configuration context but are not interchangeable. The selected station, target, and intended data determine which command is appropriate.

Quick Comparison

OperationSelected object or targetWhat it is forImportant distinctionHW Config > Download to ModuleA selected station/module target in HW ConfigDownloading the compiled hardware configuration to its targetDoes not replace the documented PC-station download needed to transfer PC network settingsSIMATIC Manager Component View > select OS PC station > PLC > DownloadThe OS PC station and its target computerDownloading PC-station configuration to the PCSiemens PCS 7 V8.0 documentation says this step downloads network settings needed to activate network connectionsNetPro connection downloadThe applicable station or selected connectionUpdating configured network connection dataUse the applicable PCS 7 version's connection-download procedure when connections change

Choose the PC-Station Download for an OS PC

When configuring a PCS 7 OS PC station, use the documented component-view operation after configuring the station and target. Siemens' PCS 7 V8.0 Engineering System manual describes transferring the configuration to the PC station, then selecting PLC > Download so network settings are loaded and network connections can be activated.

Save and compile the PC-station configuration and network configuration.
In SIMATIC Manager Component View, select the OS PC station that corresponds to the target computer.
Run PLC > Configure when the PC-station target requires configuration, and complete that transfer.
Select the PC station and run PLC > Download to load the network settings to the PC station.
Confirm replacement or stopping of target modules only when the resulting interruption is acceptable.
Check the target PC in Station Configuration Editor and verify relevant connection status after configuration is applied.

Use the menu names from the installed PCS 7 release; do not assume all releases expose identical labels.

Use HW Config Download to Module for the Selected Hardware Target

Use HW Config's Download to Module when the task is to load the hardware configuration to the target selected in that HW Config session. In STEP 7, Siemens manuals describe this command as downloading the configured hardware to the S7 station or CPU. It is target-sensitive: a command launched from an AS station is not an OS PC-station download.

The Component View PC-station procedure remains necessary for the documented transfer of project-specific PC network settings. Do not conclude that either button downloads all project data simply because both actions originate from a hardware-configuration workflow.

When Network Connections Change

The V8.0 Engineering System manual states that project-specific Ethernet network settings are downloaded directly to the PC station and that PLC > Download is used after the configuration step to activate network connections. Network assignments and connections are engineered through the PCS 7 network configuration tools, and their applicable station/connection download procedure depends on what changed.

If only PC hardware slots changed, verify the compiled PC-station hardware configuration and target. If network assignments or configured connections changed, include the corresponding network data transfer; a hardware download alone does not establish that the communication path is active.

Verification

Confirm the selected station name and target computer before each download. For an OS PC station, check the Station Configuration Editor status and confirm the required connections are established after the PC-station configuration and network data have been applied. For an AS target, verify the intended hardware configuration is loaded to the selected controller and check its runtime state separately. A completed download dialog does not prove the end-to-end process communication is correct.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

The source question does not name the PCS 7 release, target module, or exact download dialog. The detailed PC-station steps here are verified against PCS 7 V8.0 manuals, so confirm applicability to the installed release. Loading configuration can stop target modules or interrupt communications; on an operating system, schedule the transfer and obtain an approved interruption window. Preserve the project and current configuration before replacing online data.

Engineer FAQ

Does Component View `PLC > Download` include PC network settings?

PCS 7 V8.0 Engineering System documentation says to use this PC-station download to load the network settings needed to activate network connections.

Does HW Config `Download to Module` also download the OS project?

No. It is a hardware-configuration download to the selected target. The WinCC OS project has its own download operation from the OS object.

Should both commands be run every time?

Not automatically. Choose based on the changed data and target, following the exact PCS 7 release procedure. Network-setting changes require the applicable PC-station or connection data download.

Is `Download to Module` different when an AS is selected?

The target differs. With the AS selected, the hardware-configuration download targets the automation station; it does not configure the OS PC station.

What confirms PC-station readiness after downloading?

Inspect the Station Configuration Editor and verify the needed connection state on the target PC; successful command completion alone is insufficient.

Technical References

Siemens, Engineering System (V8.0), Configuration Manual, 03/2012, A5E02779452-02, §8.5.10, “How to Configure and Download the PC Stations”: target configuration and the subsequent PC-station PLC > Download used to activate network connections. https://cache.industry.siemens.com/dl/files/618/61189618/att_94419/v1/ps7phesb_en-US.pdf
Siemens, Operator Station (V8.0), Configuration Manual, 03/2012, A5E02779465-02, §5.2, downloading to the OS PC target and checking Station Configuration Editor status. https://cache.industry.siemens.com/dl/files/410/61187410/att_50581/v1/ps7phosb_en-US.pdf?download=true
Siemens, FM 352-5 High-Speed Boolean Processor, Operating Manual, 05/2011, A5E00131318-04, §5.9: HW Config PLC > Download to Module downloads hardware configuration to an S7 CPU. https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/attachments/9240171/s7300_fm352_5_operating_manual_en_en-US.pdf

PCS 7 PC Station Download vs. HW Config Download to Module