Compiler Migration to MPLAB® XC
Migrating your existing MPLAB® C or HI-TECH compiler is free and gives you all the functionality of your existing compiler along with the ability to program on all of Microchip’s devices with just one system. It also integrates with MPLAB X IDE in addition to all of Microchip’s other development tools – it’s truly the most comprehensive compiler Microchip has ever sold. MPLAB XC also includes:
- Runs on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X
- Different optimization levels to suit your needs with free downloads available
The chart below indicates which compiler you are eligible to migrate to, based on the current license you hold:
| Description | Existing Part # | Migrates to... | (Part Number) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPLAB® C Compiler for PIC18 devices | SW006011 | MPLAB® XC8 PRO | SW006021-2 |
| MPLAB® C Compiler for PIC24, dsPIC30F, dsPIC33F devices | SW006012 | MPLAB® XC16 PRO | SW006022-2 |
| MPLAB® C Compiler for dsPIC30F, dsPIC33F DSC | SW006013 | MPLAB® XC16 PRO | SW006022-2 |
| MPLAB® C Compiler for PIC24 MCU | SW006014 | MPLAB® XC16 PRO | SW006022-2 |
| MPLAB® C Compiler for PIC32 devices | SW006015 | MPLAB® XC32 PRO | SW006023-2 |
| HI-TECH C Compiler for PIC10/12/16 MCUs - Standard | SW500005 | MPLAB® XC8 Standard | SW006021-1 |
| HI-TECH C Compiler Enterprise Edition | SW500006 | MPLAB® XC Suite | swlicensing@microchip.com |
| HI-TECH C Compiler for PIC18 MCUs - PRO | SW500007 | MPLAB® XC8 PRO | SW006021-2 |
| HI-TECH C Compiler for PIC18 MCUs - Standard | SW500008 | MPLAB® XC8 Standard | SW006021-1 |
| HI-TECH C Compiler for PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC® DSCs - Standard | SW500009 | MPLAB® XC16 Standard | SW006022-1 |
| HI-TECH C Compiler for PIC10/12/16 MCUs - PRO | SW500010 | MPLAB® XC8 PRO | SW006021-2 |
| HI-TECH C Compiler for PIC32 MCUs - PRO | SW500011 | MPLAB® XC32 PRO | SW006023-2 |
| HI-TECH C Compiler for PIC32 MCUs - Standard | SW500012 | MPLAB® XC32 Standard | SW006023-1 |
Free Migration Requires Three Things:
A Microchip Direct Account
Registering a Microchip Direct account can speed the process of purchases and will allow you to better track and maintain all your compiler licenses and support contracts.
Compiler Registration at Microchip Direct
All compilers must be registered in your Microchip Direct account before migration can take place. Registering your compilers is important. It’s an easy process that allows us to provide you with a host of free benefits and a one-stop place to track and store all your compiler purchases, downloads, license keys and support contracts. The free benefits of registration include:
- Easy access to information on all your Microchip products
- Access to free software
- Receive future Microchip Notices
- Personalization of www.microchip.com
Active High Priority Access (HPA) When Migrating From HI-TECH to MPLAB XC
HI-TECH and MPLAB XC compilers come with HPA when purchased. It is required that you have a current HPA subscription in order to migrate your HI-TECH compiler for free.
Note: Although it is recommended to purchase an HPA with your compiler, MPLAB C compilers are not required to have an active HPA in order to migrate to MPLAB XC.
How do I Migrate My Legacy Compiler?
Follow the instructions below for the legacy compiler software you want to migrate:
MPLAB C18
- Register for a Microchip Direct account if you do not have one already.
- Register your MPLAB C18 compiler.
- Click on the link: http://www.microchip.com/rlmmigrationtool/
- Click on “Download” to download the Legacy License Utility.
- Run the Legacy License Utility by clicking on it twice.
- You should get a pop-up on your screen to show that the Legacy License
utility is searching for your compiler’s license.
- You will get a 16 digit code that will act as your serial number for registration
- Enter your code in the “MPLAB C18 Key” field of the MPLAB
C Compiler Migration to MPBLAB XC form and click on “Submit”.
- Confirmation of a successful registration will pop up in green.
- Wait 24 hours and your compiler registration will show in your Microchip Direct account.
- After waiting the 24 hours for your software registration
you will find an XC activation key in your Microchip Direct account under “My Software
Subscriptions”.”
- Log in to Microchip Direct.
- Click on, “My Account” and “My Software Subscriptions”.
MPLAB C30 and MPLAB C32
- Register for a Microchip Direct account if you do not have one already.
- If you already have an account and have registered your
compiler, check to see if there is an XC key in your Microchip Direct account.
- Log in to Microchip Direct.
- Click on, “My Account” and “My Software Subscriptions”.
- If you did not find your key in your account, register
your compiler using the Legacy License Utility.
- Click on the link: http://www.microchip.com/rlmmigrationtool/
- Click on “Download” to download the Legacy License Utility.
- Run the Legacy License Utility by clicking on it twice.
- You should get a pop-up on your screen to show that the Legacy License
utility is searching for your compiler’s license.
- You will get your compiler’s serial number and/or key.
- Enter your key in the “MPLAB C30 Key” or “MPLAB C32”
field of the MPLAB C Compiler Migration to MPBLAB XC form and click on “Submit”
and enter “N/A” for the other compilers
- Wait 24 hours and your compiler registration will show in your Microchip Direct account.
- After waiting the 24 hours for your software registration
you will find an XC activation key in your Microchip Direct account under “My Software
Subscriptions”.”
- Log in to Microchip Direct.
- Click on, “My Account” and “My Software Subscriptions”.
HI-TECH
- Renew your HPA subscription if it has expired.
- If you have an active HPA and have not registered it
at Microchip Direct, register your HPA.
- Log in to your Microchip Direct account and click on, “My Premium Support
Contracts”.
- Add your compiler and HPA serial numbers to your account.
- Look toward the bottom of your account page for, “Your Registered Contracts”.
- Under, “Your Registered Contracts” click on “Register Support Contract”.
- Add your HPA Serial Number (3 letters followed by 5 or 9 numbers).
- Add your compiler serial number* from the command window seen when the compiler is in use. Only include the 5 or 9 numbers, do not include the letters.
- Click on Activate if you want to your HPA to start right away.
- Your HPA will be processed within 48 hours. Once the status of your HPA
changes to “Active”, you can download and install the latest version of the compiler
under the “Software Download” column and activate it using your compiler serial
number.
*NOTE: Development tool serial numbers are NOT the numbers on the box.
- Log in to your Microchip Direct account and click on, “My Premium Support
Contracts”.
- After waiting 24 hours for your HPA to be activated, download your compiler from your Microchip Direct account.
- Login to Microchip Direct.
- Click on, “My Account” and “My Software Subscriptions”.
- Download your XC compiler.










