The process generally follows a specific "ritual" often documented in engineering forums and video tutorials:
Add the SIMATIC EKB Install folder to the exclusions list in your antivirus settings.
In the left-hand pane of the ALM window, you will see a tree structure. Look for:
Yes, provided you use a sufficiently recent version of Simatic EKB Install. Versions from 2024 and 2025 support TIA Portal V18, V20, and even newer versions. Always check the tool's compatibility before attempting installation.
Right-click on and select "Run as administrator" . Step 3: Activating Licenses (As of 2024/2025/2026 Versions) License Key Installation Window: The interface will appear. simatic ekb install
, however, bypasses this process. It generates or installs "cracked" license files that trick Siemens software into thinking a valid license is present—without any purchase.
Using "cracked" licenses in a commercial or factory environment can lead to legal penalties and loss of support.
This is the standard, supported method for "installing" your keys.
Indispensable for legacy system maintenance, but legally precarious and increasingly obsolete in modern environments. The process generally follows a specific "ritual" often
The primary driver behind the popularity of EKB Install is the high cost of entry for industrial automation software. Official Siemens licenses can cost thousands of dollars, a price point that is often prohibitive for students, independent hobbyists, or small-scale developers in emerging markets.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The author does not endorse illegal software distribution or license circumvention. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and software license agreements. Siemens, SIMATIC, TIA Portal, WinCC, and STEP 7 are registered trademarks of Siemens AG.
Follow these steps to activate Siemens software using the SIMATIC EKB Install utility. Step 1: Preparation
: Some Siemens software requires .NET Framework 3.5. This can be enabled through the same Windows Features dialog. Versions from 2024 and 2025 support TIA Portal
It acts as a user-friendly front-end for what would otherwise be a complex manual process of managing Siemens' proprietary .alf (Automation License File) keys.
Siemens officially distributes license keys via:
Siemens technical support can assist with restoring defective license keys or authorizations.
Restricted to a specific workstation for indefinite use.