While a "full" commercial version of RSLogix 500 Professional
is not free—costing upwards of $3,600 annually—Rockwell Automation provides a free, restricted version called RSLogix Micro Starter Lite
. This version is designed for learning and supports specific hardware like the MicroLogix 1000 controllers. Software Package Overview
To create a functional programming and simulation environment for free, you must download three specific tools from the
Rockwell Automation Product Compatibility and Download Center (PCDC) RSLogix Micro Starter Lite
: The primary programming software for MicroLogix 1000/1100. RSLogix Emulate 500
: A simulator that allows you to run and test PLC code without physical hardware. RSLinx Classic Lite
: The communication driver that connects the programming software to the emulator or PLC. Step-by-Step Download Guide Follow these steps to locate the free versions on the Rockwell Automation Search the PCDC : Go to the Compatibility & Downloads page and search for "RSLogix Micro" Select the Lite Version : Look for "RSLogix Micro Starter Lite (w/o RSLinx English)" Choose Version 11.0 or the latest available version.
: In the file selection list, ensure you also check the boxes for RSLogix Emulate 500 RSLinx Classic Lite Account Registration : You must sign in to a free Rockwell Automation Account to finalize the download. Download & Install
: Use the "Direct Download" method. Install RSLinx first, then RSLogix Micro Lite, and finally the Emulator. rslogix 500 full version free download
Leo stared at the blinking cursor on his laptop, his eyes bloodshot from a six-hour shift in the campus lab. He had a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) project due Monday, and the lab was closing for the weekend. He needed RSLogix 500 on his own machine, but the price tag for a professional license looked like a phone number. "There has to be a way," he muttered.
He opened a browser tab and typed the magic words: RSLogix 500 full version free download.
The search results were a minefield. He clicked a link that promised a "100% working crack." The website looked like it had been designed in 1998, filled with neon green text and "DOWNLOAD NOW" buttons that seemed to multiply every time he moved his mouse.
He clicked one. His antivirus immediately screamed, a red window popping up like a flare: Trojan Horse detected.
Leo sighed, closing the tab. He knew better. In the world of industrial automation, "free" usually meant a virus that would brick his laptop or, worse, a "cracked" file that would crash halfway through an upload to a real controller, potentially ruining thousands of dollars of hardware.
Just as he was about to give up, he found a forum post from a veteran engineer named OldSchoolPLC.
"Looking for a free version? Stop looking for cracks," the post read. "Rockwell actually gives away the Lite version for free if you know where to look. It’s called RSLogix Micro Starter Lite. It won't run a massive factory, but for learning on a MicroLogix 1000 or 1100, it’s the real deal. No viruses, no drama."
Leo followed the link to the official Rockwell Automation site. It wasn't hidden, just tucked away under "Downloads." Twenty minutes later, he had a legitimate, legal, and—most importantly—functional version of the software running on his laptop.
He didn't need a "full" version to learn the logic; he just needed a tool that worked. As the ladder logic appeared on his screen, Leo realized the best shortcuts weren't found on shady websites, but in the advice of those who had walked the shop floor before him. While a "full" commercial version of RSLogix 500
While the "Full" commercial version of RSLogix 500 requires a paid license from Rockwell Automation, you can legally download a specialized free version called RSLogix Micro Starter Lite
. This version provides the core functionality of RSLogix 500 but is restricted to specific hardware models. The Automation Blog Where to Download RSLogix 500 Free (Official) The only legitimate source for this software is the
Rockwell Automation Product Compatibility and Download Center (PCDC) Version Name: RSLogix Micro Starter Lite (often version 8.30.00). Free (requires a free Rockwell account). Supported Hardware: This free version only supports MicroLogix 1000 MicroLogix 1100 controllers. It does
support the MicroLogix 1200, 1400, 1500, or the SLC-500 series. Step-by-Step Download Guide Visit the PCDC: Navigate to the Rockwell Automation PCDC Search for Hardware:
In the search bar, type "1763" (the catalog number for MicroLogix 1100) or "RSLogix Micro". Select Version:
Choose the "1763-Lxxx" result and select a compatible version (v10 or v11 is often used to reach the free software tools). Pick Your Files: From the list of available files, check the boxes for: RSLogix Micro Starter Lite w/o RSLinx EN (The programming software). RSLinx Classic Lite
(The driver communication software required to connect to the PLC). RSLogix Emulate 500
(A free simulator that lets you test code without physical hardware).
You will be prompted to create or sign in to a free Rockwell account to finalize the download. Key Considerations Purchase a licensed copy from Rockwell Automation or
I can’t help with requests to find or provide pirated software or instructions for obtaining paid software for free. If you need RSLogix 500 (Rockwell Automation) legitimately, here are lawful alternatives:
If you want, I can:
I’m unable to generate a review that promotes or facilitates downloading a full, paid version of RSLogix 500 for free, as that would encourage software piracy. Rockwell Automation’s RSLogix 500 is a commercial product, and unauthorized distribution or use of a “full version free download” typically violates copyright law and the software’s license agreement.
However, I can offer an informative, legitimate overview of RSLogix 500 and legal ways to access it:
Rockwell provides a fully functional 90‑day trial of the complete RSLogix 500 (supports SLC 500 and all MicroLogix).
How to get it:
After 90 days, you must purchase a license to continue.
RSLogix 500 software provides a user-friendly environment for designing, testing, and implementing control strategies on Allen-Bradley MicroLogix and SLC 500 programmable controllers. The software supports a comprehensive set of tools for programming, including Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram (FBD), and Structured Text (ST), among others. Its versatility and reliability have made it a preferred choice among engineers and programmers in the industrial automation sector.
If you need genuine RSLogix 500 for professional work, expect to pay:
| Edition | Typical Price (USD) | Supports | |--------|----------------|----------| | RSLogix Micro Starter (not Lite) | ~$500 | MicroLogix 1100/1200/1400 | | RSLogix 500 Standard | ~$1,200 | SLC 500 + all MicroLogix | | RSLogix 500 Professional | ~$2,500 | Adds advanced diagnostics and validation tools |
Where to buy:
Authorized Rockwell Automation distributors (e.g., Radwell, PLC Hardware, or direct from Rockwell).