If your team still relies on RSLogix 5 to support legacy PLC-5 systems, the clock is officially ticking. On December 31, 2025, Rockwell Automation will discontinue RSLogix 5 and remove it from sale. That means no new licenses after that date, no additional activations, and no support unless you have a Legacy TechConnect contract in place.
This change isn’t coming out of nowhere; it’s part of a long-expected lifecycle update following the PLC-5 platform’s own discontinuation in 2017. And while many facilities have already migrated to newer systems, plenty still rely on RSLogix 5, either for cost reasons, continuity, or simply because “it still works.”
But while RSLogix 5 may still function, “still working” isn’t the same as secure, scalable, or supportable. In today’s industrial environments–where cyber risk is growing, legacy systems are aging, and operational continuity is everything–running outdated software can quietly become your biggest liability.
Here at HESCO, we’ve helped facilities across New England navigate these lifecycle milestones with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re looking to maintain your existing systems a bit longer or begin planning a future-proof modernization, we’re here to help you make sense of your options and avoid costly surprises down the line.
RSLogix 5 hasn’t received any security updates or functional improvements in years. It’s considered End of Life, which means it’s no longer aligned with modern operating systems, security standards, or Rockwell’s lifecycle management strategy.
Continuing to offer it for sale would send a mixed message and, frankly, leave users exposed. The longer it stays on the shelf, the greater the risk of system incompatibility, unpatchable vulnerabilities, and support bottlenecks when something inevitably breaks.
This change was announced in 2022 and follows Rockwell Automation’s standard lifecycle policy (I20-04-04).
In short, it depends on how you’re using RSLogix 5 today.
Now’s the time to take inventory of your licenses and activations. Use FactoryTalk Updater to locate existing activations on your network, and check MyRockwellAutomation for any entitlements associated with your account.
If you expect to maintain your current systems for another few years, you can still purchase a perpetual license through December 30, 2025, but be aware that support will only be available through legacy service contracts, and there will be no functional upgrades from here forward.
You’ll also want to assess:
This might be the best time to act.
Rockwell’s modern Logix platform (Studio 5000 Logix Designer and FactoryTalk Design Studio) provides unified, plant-wide control and significantly improves on RSLogix 5’s capabilities:
Migration from RSLogix 5 doesn’t just reduce risk; it improves your ability to scale, integrate new technologies, and extend the life of your control architecture.
That’s okay. Not every operation has the capital or downtime windows to justify a full control system overhaul right now.
If you're planning to run RSLogix 5 systems for the foreseeable future, here's how to mitigate risk:
Hanging onto RSLogix 5 a bit longer is possible. But continuing without a plan will cost you more in the long run.
At HESCO, we’ve helped countless facilities navigate software discontinuations and control platform transitions. Whether you’re looking to extend the life of your current RSLogix 5 deployment or begin mapping your modernization to Logix, our team is ready to support you.
Here’s how we can assist:
Whether you’re ready to modernize or need to hold steady a little longer, there’s one thing we can’t emphasize enough: Do something.
The worst-case scenario isn’t that RSLogix 5 gets pulled from shelves; it’s that your facility goes down due to an activation failure, unlicensed rebuild, or unsupported component, and suddenly you’re in the middle of a crisis you could’ve seen coming.
You don’t have to rip and replace overnight. But you do have to act. If you’re unsure what to do next, reach out. We’ll help you chart a course that makes sense for your team, timeline, and budget.
Need help with RSLogix 5 planning or modernization? Contact us today or talk to your HESCO rep about a software audit or an Installed Base Evaluation. Let’s get ahead of this, together.