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APC Software Compatibility Guide

Find the right software for your UPS model, connection type, and operating system.

Transition Matrix

Which Software Do You Need?

APC has consolidated its direct-connection software into a single application. Use the guide below to find the right product for your environment.

Home / Home Office

Previously Used

PowerChute Personal Edition

Legacy software for Back-UPS connected via USB to a single home computer.

Discontinued
Use Now

PowerChute Serial Shutdown

Unified replacement for all direct-connection UPS management. Graceful shutdown, energy monitoring, and UPS status.

Current
Compatible Hardware
  • APC Back-UPS (all models with USB)
  • APC Back-UPS Pro (all models with USB)

Connection: USB cable, direct to computer

Small & Medium Business

Previously Used

PowerChute Business Edition

Legacy software for Smart-UPS and Easy-UPS connected via USB or serial to a local server.

Discontinued
Use Now

PowerChute Serial Shutdown

Same unified application. Supports Smart-UPS and Easy-UPS via USB and serial connections.

Current
Compatible Hardware
  • APC Smart-UPS (USB or serial, no NMC)
  • APC Easy-UPS (USB or serial)

Connection: USB or serial cable, direct to server

Enterprise

Product

PowerChute Network Shutdown

Enterprise-grade sequenced shutdowns for servers and VMs via Network Management Cards. This product has NOT been replaced.

Active — Not Replaced
Required Hardware
  • APC Smart-UPS with Network Management Card (NMC)
  • Dedicated PCNS server (Windows or Linux)

Connection: Network (IP) via NMC

Also Available

EcoStruxure IT

Cloud DCIM platform for multi-site monitoring and predictive analytics. Works alongside PCNS for complete infrastructure management.

Learn More
OS & Connection Notes

Operating System and Cable Requirements

Windows

  • PowerChute Serial Shutdown supports Windows desktop editions (10, 11) and Windows Server (2016 and later)
  • USB and serial connections are both supported on Windows
  • PowerChute Network Shutdown requires Windows Server 2016 or later
  • Disable USB selective suspend in Power Options for reliable UPS communication

Linux

  • Supported distributions: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)
  • USB connections are supported on both RHEL and SLES
  • Serial connections may require additional configuration depending on the distribution
  • Use lsusb to verify the system detects the APC UPS device
  • Use systemctl status apcserial to check the PowerChute service

Mac OS

PowerChute Serial Shutdown is not available for Mac OS. macOS includes native UPS management built into the operating system:

  • Connect your APC UPS via USB and macOS will detect it automatically
  • Configure shutdown behavior in System Preferences > Energy Saver (or System Settings > Battery on macOS Ventura and later)
  • macOS provides basic graceful shutdown when the UPS battery runs low

Cable Requirements

  • USB: Use the cable included with your UPS or a USB-IF certified cable. Connect directly to the computer — never through a USB hub or docking station.
  • Serial: Use the APC-provided serial cable only. Standard RS-232 cables are not compatible — APC uses a proprietary serial pinout.
  • Network (NMC): Standard Ethernet cable (Cat5e or better) to connect the NMC to your network switch.
Download & Setup

How to Get Started

PowerChute Serial Shutdown

1

Download

Visit the Schneider Electric download center and search for “PowerChute Serial Shutdown.” Select the version matching your operating system (Windows or Linux).

2

Connect

Connect your APC UPS to the computer using USB or the APC serial cable. Plug directly into the computer — do not use a hub.

3

Install

Run the installer, follow the wizard, and configure your shutdown thresholds and notification preferences. The software will auto-detect the connected UPS.

By Connection Type

Connection Type Software UPS Models Details
USB (direct) PowerChute Serial Shutdown Back-UPS, Back-UPS Pro, Smart-UPS, Easy-UPS Single computer protection, graceful shutdown
Serial (direct) PowerChute Serial Shutdown Smart-UPS, Easy-UPS APC serial cable required (not standard RS-232)
Network (NMC) PowerChute Network Shutdown Smart-UPS with NMC Enterprise shutdown for servers and VMs
Cloud (NMC) EcoStruxure IT Any NMC-equipped device Multi-site DCIM, predictive analytics

Need Help?

Our team can help you identify the right software for your APC UPS deployment, assist with installation, and troubleshoot any issues. Contact us by phone or email for personalized support.

Contact Our Team
Serial Shutdown
NMC
Network Shutdown
EcoStruxure IT
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