If you are using the EKB to set up a Floating License (a license shared by multiple PCs on a network):
As of 2026, SIMATIC EKB Install 2013 is obsolete for most current tasks because: simatic ekb install 2013
However, it may still be found in legacy maintenance environments (e.g., plants running Step 7 V5.5 + Windows 7), but even there, using it is risky and illegal. If you are using the EKB to set
If you are a system administrator troubleshooting an old Siemens installation, here is how the tool generally operates: However, it may still be found in legacy
Automation training centers often need 20-30 virtual machines with Siemens software for students. Purchasing that many licenses is cost-prohibitive. For non-production, educational environments, EKB Install 2013 allows unlimited installations.
Many engineers run legacy Siemens software on Windows 7 or XP virtual machines (VMware, VirtualBox). EKB Install 2013 works flawlessly inside VMs, whereas Siemens’ own license dongles often fail to pass through USB controllers reliably.