Overview
WinCC Flexible (SIMATIC WinCC Flexible) is the legacy Siemens engineering environment used to configure OP, TP, and MP operator panels preceding the current Comfort Panel / TIA Portal WinCC generation. Engineers maintaining monochrome 6-inch touch panels, color OP/TP170 series, MP177 / MP277 panels, and the legacy Panel PC runtime line still encounter WinCC Flexible project files (.flex / .hmi) in the field. Because the product reached end-of-life as a standalone package with WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 and was folded into TIA Portal starting with V11 SP2, locating a legitimate copy for a demo or trial requires navigating Siemens' current trial-license programs rather than searching for a public installer on third-party mirrors. This reference documents the legal pathways to obtain a working WinCC Flexible environment, the version-compatibility constraints that govern opening older projects, and the available trial packages that ship a 14-day license.
Licensing Model for WinCC Flexible
WinCC Flexible uses a per-seat license model with three principal license types: the engineering license (required to compile and download projects), the runtime license (bundled with the HMI panel hardware and transferred once at first power-up), and the option/upgrade licenses for advanced features such as Audit, Sm@rtAccess, Sm@rtService, OPC server, and Recipes. The engineering license was historically keyed to a USB hardware dongle (PC adapter with memory card) and migrated to the Softbox / Automation License Manager starting with WinCC Flexible 2007 onward. The license floats between machines only by physically moving the USB dongle or by transferring the license through the Automation License Manager over the customer's intranet.
| License type | Mechanism | Required for |
|---|---|---|
| WinCC Flexible Engineering (basic) | USB dongle or Softbox key | Project editing, compile, download to panel |
| WinCC Flexible ES + options (Audit, Recipes, Sm@rt…) | USB dongle or Softbox key | Using option packages inside the ES |
| WinCC Flexible Runtime (RT) | Pre-loaded on panel firmware | Running the project on the HMI |
| Upgrade license (e.g., 2005 to 2008) | USB dongle or Softbox key | Activating a newer major version |
Without an active engineering license the WinCC Flexible ES will launch but every save, compile, or download operation prompts "License not found." Demonstration projects (the .zip of sample applications Siemens publishes on its support site) can be opened and inspected offline; they still require a licensed ES to recompile.
Available Trial Options
Siemens does not publish a standalone "WinCC Flexible Demo" installer for general download. Two trial paths exist:
- Premium Studio DVD (catalog number 6ES7815-8CD08-0YA7 in its 2012 release) – a multi-product trial disk containing STEP 7, WinCC Flexible, Starter, and other engineering tools. Each product is activated with a 14-day license after install. This is the primary path engineers use to evaluate or perform short-term maintenance on existing WinCC Flexible projects without purchasing a full license.
- Local Siemens distributor loan – many Siemens Solution Partners and regional distributors will lend a working WinCC Flexible dongle for days to weeks for commissioning or service work. There is no public Siemens program for this; it is informal and depends on the local partner.
The Premium Studio DVD is the only Siemens-issued way to legally run WinCC Flexible on a personal machine for trial purposes. It is sold as a single low-cost package and should be ordered through the local Siemens sales contact. Confirm the current catalog number with your distributor before ordering; Siemens has refreshed the SKU periodically and a newer catalog number may apply to current offers.
Premium Studio DVD Technical Details
The Premium Studio DVD packages multiple engineering environments, each activated independently with its own time-limited license. The exact version mix on the disk depends on the SKU revision; the 6ES7815-8CD08-0YA7 release corresponds to the SIMATIC Software Update Service rollout of late 2012.
| Software | Version on disk | Trial license duration | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEP 7 | V5.5 + SPx | 14 days | PLC programming for S7-300/400 |
| STEP 7 Professional | V11 (TIA Portal) | 14 days | PLC programming, TIA Portal entry |
| WinCC Flexible | 2008 SP5 | 14 days | HMI configuration legacy panels |
| WinCC (TIA Portal) | V11 SP2 | 14 days | Comfort Panel configuration |
| Starter / Drive ES | Vxx | 14 days | Sinamics and Micromaster commissioning |
| SIMIT | Vx.x | 14 days | Process simulation |
WinCC Flexible Version Compatibility
WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 is the recommended target version when opening legacy projects. It opens projects from all previous WinCC Flexible 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008 (pre-SP5) releases without conversion. WinCC Flexible 2005 cannot open 2007+ projects; the conversion path is unidirectional forward through WinCC Flexible versions.
| Source project version | Open with WinCC Flexible 2005 | Open with WinCC Flexible 2007 | Open with WinCC Flexible 2008 | Open with WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WinCC Flexible 2004 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WinCC Flexible 2005 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WinCC Flexible 2007 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WinCC Flexible 2008 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| WinCC Flexible 2008 SP2/SP3/SP4 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
To determine the source version, open the project in any installed WinCC Flexible environment (a trial 2008 SP5 install will open it even if unlicensed, but cannot save). Navigate to Project → Properties; the version field lists the original tool version. If only the compiled runtime (.fwx) file is present, the source version is recorded in the runtime header and is reported by the panel during transfer.
Supported HMI Panel Families
WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 supports the following panel series. Each series has a defined firmware range and a defined set of features (e.g., recipes, alarm logging, scripting) that the project can reference.
| Series | Display | Touch | Typical size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OP73 micro | 3-inch mono | No | 3" | Text-only, no graphics |
| OP77A / OP77B | 4.5-inch mono | No | 4" | Text + simple graphics |
| TP170 micro / TP170A / TP170B | 5.7-inch mono or color | Resistive | 6" | Common legacy 6" target |
| TP177 micro | 5.7-inch mono or color | Resistive | 6" | Replaced TP170 series |
| TP177A / TP177B | 5.7-inch color | Resistive | 6" | PROFINET or PROFIBUS variant |
| OP170 / OP170B | 5.7-inch mono or color | No (keypad) | 6" | Key-operated |
| TP270 / TP277 | 6-inch or 10-inch color | Resistive | 6" / 10" | Higher-end legacy target |
| MP177 / MP277 / MP377 | 6-15 inch color | Resistive | 6"-15" | Multi-panel; supports Sm@rt options |
| Panel PC (PC RT) | Any | Any | Any | Runtime on industrial PC |
Installation Prerequisites and OS Compatibility
WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 was designed for Windows XP Professional SP2/SP3 and Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit). Installation on Windows 10 and Windows 11 requires compatibility-mode execution and specific prerequisite packages.
| Operating system | Native install | Compatibility mode | Prerequisite packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows XP SP2/SP3 | Yes | N/A | None beyond defaults |
| Windows Vista Business | Yes | N/A | .NET 2.0 |
| Windows 7 (32/64-bit) | Yes | N/A | .NET 3.5 SP1, MSXML 4.0 SP3 |
| Windows 8 / 8.1 | Partial | Yes (Win 7 mode) | .NET 3.5 SP1, MSXML 4.0 SP3 |
| Windows 10 (1809+) | No | Yes (Win 7 SP1 mode) | .NET 3.5 SP1, MSXML 4.0 SP3, ALM service manual start |
| Windows 11 | No | Yes (Win 7 SP1 mode) | .NET 3.5 SP1, MSXML 4.0 SP3, ALM service manual start |
For long-term service work on Windows 10/11, a dedicated virtual machine (Hyper-V or VMware) running Windows 7 SP1 with WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 installed is more reliable than a native install. Many commissioning engineers maintain this VM image as a permanent tool.
Opening Existing WinCC Flexible Projects
The most common service scenario is: an engineer inherits a WinCC Flexible project file (typically the uncompiled .hmi or .flex source) and needs to inspect or modify tags, screens, or alarms. The required workflow is:
- Identify the WinCC Flexible version that produced the project (see Project → Properties in any installed ES).
- Install WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 (from Premium Studio DVD or licensed DVD) on the service workstation.
- Transfer the license from the local USB dongle or activate the Softbox / Automation License Manager entry.
- Open the project. If it was authored in WinCC Flexible 2004 or 2005, WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 will offer to convert; accept and save under a new filename to preserve the original.
- Edit tags, screens, and connections. Recompile and download to the panel via Ethernet (PN/IE) or MPI/PROFIBUS using the configured connection.
If only a trial license (14-day) is available, plan all edits within the trial window. Saving back to the original .hmi / .flex file is permitted under trial; recompiling and downloading to a panel is permitted under trial. The trial license does not restrict any specific engineering operation.
Project Structure and Source File Layout
A WinCC Flexible project on disk consists of a project folder containing the project file, a set of editor-generated subfolders, and the compiled runtime archive. The compiler writes a single .fwx file (runtime archive) used for transfer to the panel. The uncompiled source remains on the engineering station as the editable copy.
| File / folder | Contents |
|---|---|
Project.hmi or Project.flex
|
Master project file; references all sub-objects |
Project.db |
Internal database (tags, alarms, recipes) |
Project.fwx |
Compiled runtime archive for panel transfer |
Screens\ |
Process, Template, and Permanent screens (each as .fpm or XML) |
Scripts\ |
VBScript project functions |
Connections\ |
PLC connection definitions |
Logs\ |
Alarm and data logs (CSV export after runtime) |
Backup\ |
Backup snapshots (manual) |
.db file with structured XML overlay in newer versions. Editing outside the ES corrupts the project; always modify through WinCC Flexible itself.Connections and PLC Communication
WinCC Flexible connects to SIMATIC PLCs over MPI, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, or Ethernet (S7 communication). The connection definition specifies the PLC address, the rack/slot, and the communication path. For PROFINET, the panel needs a PROFINET device name in addition to an IP address.
| Connection | Typical use | Address parameter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPI | Legacy S7-300/400 | Station address (1-126) | Default 187.5 kbit/s |
| PROFIBUS DP | S7-300/400 + ET200 | Station address (1-126) | Default 1.5 Mbit/s |
| PROFINET IO | S7-300/400 PN, S7-1200/1500 | IP address + PROFINET name | Panel as PROFINET IO device |
| Ethernet (S7) | S7-300/400/1200/1500 | IP address | S7 communication only, no IO |
| OPC server | Multi-PLC | OPC server URL | Requires WinCC Flexible OPC option |
The panel IP is configured on the panel itself via Control Panel → Network and Dial-Up Connections. The PROFINET device name is assigned via the ProSave utility or via WinCC Flexible's Transfer → PROFINET IO dialog. Verify the PLC's TSAP (Transport Service Access Point) for S7 connections; default is 03.01 for S7-300/400 rack 0 slot 1, 03.00 for slot 0 rack 0.
Tag Configuration and Area Pointers
Tags (variables visible to the HMI) are defined in the WinCC Flexible Tags editor and point to PLC data blocks, inputs, outputs, or merkers. For event-driven coordination (e.g., screen change handshake), WinCC Flexible uses area pointers, which are reserved DB or merker ranges read by the panel on every cycle.
| Area pointer | PLC resource | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Coordination | DB / MB | Handshake: panel startup, screen change trigger, PLC readiness bit |
| Date/Time | DB / MB | Sync panel clock from PLC |
| PLC Job | DB / MB | Trigger HMI tasks from PLC (recipe download, screen jump) |
| Project ID | DB / MB | Identify runtime project to PLC |
| Screen number | DB / MB | Inform PLC which HMI screen is active |
| User version | DB / MB | Identify runtime version to PLC |
Demo Project Repositories
Siemens publishes a curated set of WinCC Flexible demonstration projects on its support portal. These are pre-built sample applications for each HMI family (OP77, OP73, TP170, TP177, TP270, MP277, etc.) and include the source .hmi / .flex project files plus compiled runtime archives. Use these as:
- Reference for tag naming conventions, screen hierarchy, and alarm class configurations.
- Smoke-test targets when validating a freshly licensed WinCC Flexible environment.
- Migration baselines when migrating a project to TIA Portal WinCC.
Access through the Siemens Industry Online Support at support.industry.siemens.com by searching "WinCC Flexible demo projects" or by navigating to entry ID 34677186. The support entry lists every demo project catalog, the panel family it targets, and the WinCC Flexible version required to open it.
Migration to TIA Portal WinCC
Projects authored in WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 can be migrated to TIA Portal WinCC using the TIA Portal Migration Tool (Project → Migrate project in TIA Portal V13+). The migration is partial: screen graphics, tag links, and alarm text move across, but device-specific objects require manual rework. After migration the project must be recompiled against the Comfort Panel or WinCC Runtime Advanced target.
| Source element | Migrates to TIA Portal | Manual rework needed |
|---|---|---|
| Tags (internal, external, pointer) | Yes | Connection parameters (PLC name, slot) need re-mapping |
| Screens (Process, Template, Permanent) | Yes | Verify animation triggers and event scripts |
| Alarms (analog, discrete, system) | Yes | Re-enter PLC tag references |
| Recipes | Yes (limited) | Data record elements may need re-binding |
| Sm@rtAccess / Sm@rtService | No | Use TIA Sm@rtServer equivalent |
| Audit Trail | No | Use TIA Audit option, reconfigure |
| OPC server (WinCC Flexible option) | No | Use TIA OPC UA server |
| VBScript functions | Partial | Recheck global namespace and external calls |
The migration is one-way. Keep the original WinCC Flexible project archived; the migrated TIA Portal version cannot be exported back to .hmi / .flex format.
Replacement HMI Panel Options
When the cost of a WinCC Flexible license cannot be justified, modern third-party or Siemens second-source HMIs can replace the legacy 6-inch touch panel. Migrating to a current Siemens Comfort Panel under TIA Portal WinCC is the path of least disruption because PLC code is unchanged. Repaneling to a non-Siemens HMI requires re-implementing the tag list and screen logic in the new vendor's software.
| Original panel | Siemens direct replacement | TIA Portal software | Approx. screen size |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP177 micro (6 inch mono) | KTP700 Basic / TP700 Comfort | WinCC Basic / Comfort in TIA Portal | 7 inch |
| TP177A / TP177B (6 inch) | TP700 Comfort | WinCC Comfort in TIA Portal | 7 inch |
| OP77A / OP77B (4-6 inch) | KTP700 Basic | WinCC Basic in TIA Portal | 7 inch |
| TP170 micro / TP170A (6 inch) | KTP700 Basic | WinCC Basic in TIA Portal | 7 inch |
| TP270 / MP270 (6 inch) | TP900 Comfort | WinCC Comfort in TIA Portal | 9 inch |
When migrating hardware, plan to re-import tags from STEP 7 (TIA Portal can import the S7 symbol table directly). Recompile screens against the new panel resolution; touchscreen coordinates and button layouts do not translate directly between 320x240 (legacy) and 800x480 / 1024x600 (current).
Dealer License Borrowing Procedure
If a short-term service task requires a longer trial than the Premium Studio DVD provides, contact the local Siemens distributor (Siemens Digital Industries or a Solutions Partner). The typical process is:
- Email or call the distributor with the project panel model (e.g., TP177B 6" mono PN/DP) and the WinCC Flexible version originally used.
- Request a "loan dongle" or "engineering seat loan" for the duration of the service task. Distributors commonly lend for 1-4 weeks.
- Sign a loaner agreement; the dongle ships via courier or is picked up in person.
- Return the dongle on completion. Engineers typically retain no copy of the WinCC Flexible installer beyond the loan period.
Backup and Restore Procedures
Always create backups before any change to a WinCC Flexible project or panel runtime. Two distinct backup operations exist:
-
Project backup: In WinCC Flexible, choose Project → Backup. Specify a target directory; WinCC Flexible writes a time-stamped
.psbarchive containing the full source. Use Project → Restore to recover. - Panel backup: Use ProSave (Start → SIMATIC → ProSave) to read the entire panel image (firmware + runtime + recipe data) to a local file. The backup is restored to the panel via the same utility or via the panel's Control Panel → Backup/Restore.
ProSave supports MPI, PROFIBUS, Ethernet, and USB-PPI transfer paths. For PROFINET panels, ProSave also assigns the PROFINET device name before the first download, which is required before the panel is visible on PROFINET.
Field Commissioning Checklist
Before opening or modifying a WinCC Flexible project on a service call, verify the following:
- Panel model and firmware version. Read from Start → Control Panel → OP Properties on the panel. Confirm the firmware supports the WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 project transfer protocol.
- PLC connection type. MPI, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, or direct Ethernet. Cross-check with the WinCC Flexible project Connections editor.
-
Original project version. Inspect a backup of the
.hmi/.flexsource if available. If only the runtime (.fwx) archive is on the panel, use Backup/Restore on the panel to extract it, then load in WinCC Flexible as a read-only archive. - License state of WinCC Flexible on the service laptop. Trial or full. Note expiration date if trial.
- Backups. Make a full project backup and a panel backup before any change. The panel backup is created via ProSave or through WinCC Flexible's OS Update / Backup menu.
- Coordinate calibration. On resistive touch panels (most legacy 6-inch devices), verify touch accuracy after the panel warms up for 5 minutes; recalibrate via Control Panel → Touch → Calibrate on the panel.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Symptom | Likely cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| WinCC Flexible installer fails on Windows 10/11 | Compatibility issue; WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 was designed for Windows XP / 7 | Run installer in Windows 7 compatibility mode; install MSXML 4.0 SP3 and .NET 3.5 SP1 first |
| "License not found" on every compile | USB dongle not seated or Softbox service not running | Verify dongle on a known-good USB port; restart "ALM" service via services.msc |
| Project will not open; reports "incompatible version" | Project was authored in a newer WinCC Flexible release than installed ES | Install WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5; convert project; save under new name |
| Download to panel fails with "timeout" | Wrong IP or panel subnet, or PROFINET device name mismatch | Verify panel IP via Control Panel → Network on the panel; set PROFINET name via ProSave |
| Trial expired mid-project | 14-day window elapsed | Order another Premium Studio DVD or request a dealer loan dongle; reinstall from same DVD if product was not launched |
| Touch panel unresponsive after download | Calibration lost in firmware update | Recalibrate via Control Panel → Touch; check touchscreen cable connection if persistent |
| Tags show "####" or "Connection Error" | PLC address mismatch or area pointer not configured | Verify tag address in WinCC Flexible Connections and Tags editors; verify area pointer "Coordination" is enabled on PLC side |
| Alarms missing on panel after compile | Alarm class file not included in project | Verify Alarms → Settings → Class assignment; re-link PLC trigger tags |
| Recipes fail to download to panel | Recipe storage path not configured or insufficient memory | Set storage path to internal Flash; check panel memory free space; reduce recipe size |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free WinCC Flexible demo installer I can download?
No. WinCC Flexible is commercial proprietary software; Siemens does not publish a public demo installer. The only Siemens-issued trial path is the Premium Studio DVD (catalog number 6ES7815-8CD08-0YA7 in its 2012 release), which provides a 14-day license per product. Order through your local Siemens distributor.
Which WinCC Flexible version should I install to open an old project?
Install WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5. It is the most recent standalone release and opens projects authored in WinCC Flexible 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008 (including all SP levels). Avoid earlier versions; they cannot open projects authored in later releases.
Can I open and edit a WinCC Flexible project without a license?
You can open and view a project under a trial license, but you cannot save, recompile, or download to a panel once the trial expires. The Premium Studio DVD's 14-day trial permits full engineering operations within that window. Plan all commissioning and download activity within the trial period.
Where can I find sample WinCC Flexible projects to use as references?
Siemens publishes curated demonstration projects for each HMI family on the Industry Online Support portal at support.industry.siemens.com. Search for entry ID 34677186 or browse the WinCC Flexible demo projects section. These include the uncompiled source files for inspection.
Can I migrate a WinCC Flexible project to TIA Portal?
Yes, using the TIA Portal Migration Tool. Screens, tags, and alarms migrate; option packages such as Sm@rtServer, OPC, and Audit require manual reconfiguration in TIA Portal WinCC. Migration is one-way; preserve the original WinCC Flexible project because the migrated TIA version cannot be exported back.
Will WinCC Flexible run on Windows 10 or Windows 11?
WinCC Flexible 2008 SP5 was designed for Windows XP and Windows 7. On Windows 10/11 it installs and runs in compatibility mode but requires MSXML 4.0 SP3 and .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 as prerequisites. For long-term service use, a dedicated Windows 7 image or a Windows 10 VM is recommended.