The "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" message typically occurs because WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a separate, additional license for any tag or alarm logging functionality . Primary Causes and Solutions
Missing Optional License: The standard WinCC Runtime Advanced license (e.g., for 512 PowerTags) does not include logging . You must purchase and install the specific WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced option .
Logging Configured but Not Needed: If you do not intend to use logging, check your project in TIA Portal for any configured tag logs or alarm logs and delete them to remove the requirement .
Defective Licenses: If the license was installed but the IPC was shut down improperly (e.g., power failure), the license may be marked as "defective" in the Automation License Manager (ALM) .
Active Options: Ensure "Good Manufacturing Practice" (Audit Trail) is disabled in Runtime Settings if you are not using it, as this can also trigger license prompts . Troubleshooting Steps
Check ALM: Open the Automation License Manager on the Runtime PC to verify if the "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" key is present and listed as valid .
Verify Project Configuration: In TIA Portal, navigate to Historical Data and check for any defined logs. If any exist, the logging license is required .
Simulation Mode: If you are only simulating on an engineering PC, you can often ignore the message for testing, as functionality is typically not restricted in simulation .
Are you seeing this error on a production IPC or during simulation in TIA Portal?
The error "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" occurs because the WinCC Logging license is an optional add-on that is not included in the standard WinCC Runtime Advanced license. Why the error appears
Separation of Licenses: Unlike Comfort Panels (where logging is included), PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced requires separate licenses for core runtime, logging (tags and alarms), and recipes.
Active Features: The message is triggered as soon as any Tag Logging or Alarm Logging is configured in your TIA Portal project.
Simulation Mode: The error will also appear during simulation if your engineering station is connected to a PLC and you lack the proper runtime option licenses. license key not available wincc logging for runtime advanced
Acquire the License: You must purchase the SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license key (MLFB: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 or similar) and install it using the Automation License Manager (ALM).
Check for Corruption: If you already own the license, verify its status in the ALM. If the IPC was shut down improperly, the license may be marked as defective. You can right-click the license in ALM and select "Check" to verify its integrity.
Disable Logging (Temporary Fix): To stop the message without buying a license, you must remove all configured data logs and alarm logs from your project and re-download it to the target system.
Disable GMP Check: In some cases, checking the "Good Manufacturing Practice" (GMP) box in Runtime Settings triggers additional licensing requirements. Ensure this is unchecked if not needed.
The "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error usually means
you are using a logging feature that requires a separate add-on license beyond the standard Runtime Advanced license Siemens SiePortal 1. Identify the Cause This error typically triggers if your project includes Tag Logging Alarm Logging
. Unlike Comfort Panels, which include these features for free, WinCC Runtime Advanced
on a PC requires a dedicated "WinCC Logging" license to use these archives. Siemens SiePortal Engineering vs. Runtime:
You might see this message during simulation in TIA Portal even if you have the engineering license, because the simulation mimics the runtime environment's license requirements. GMP/Audit Trail:
Enabling "Good Manufacturing Practice" (Audit Trail) in Runtime settings can also trigger specific license prompts if that option isn't licensed. 2. Immediate Solutions If you need logging:
You must purchase the "SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" license (e.g., MLFB: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 ) and transfer it to the target PC using the Automation License Manager (ALM) If you don't need logging: Runtime settings > Logging and ensure no data logs or alarm logs are configured. Runtime settings > Good Manufacturing Practice
and uncheck the "Good Manufacturing Practice" box if it was accidentally enabled. Recompile and download the project to the Runtime PC. 3. Troubleshooting "Defective" Licenses If you already have the license but still see the error: Improper Shutdown: The "License key not available
If the IPC/PC was not shut down correctly (e.g., power loss), the license might be marked as "defective" in ALM. Check the license status in the Automation License Manager SmartServer Conflict:
In some versions (like V14), a "SmartServer" license error may appear even if not used. You can disable the CoRTSmartServer service in Windows to stop this specific prompt.
Are you seeing this error on a specific industrial PC (IPC) or while running a simulation in TIA Portal?
The error message "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" typically appears when a WinCC project includes data or alarm logging but the necessary separate license key is missing on the target computer. Understanding the Licensing Model
In Siemens TIA Portal, the licensing concept for PC-based Runtime Advanced differs significantly from HMI Panels:
Base License: You must have a base WinCC Runtime Advanced license (e.g., for 512 or 2048 PowerTags) to run the application.
Logging Option: Any use of Historical Data, such as Data Logs or Alarm Logs, requires a dedicated WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license.
Panels vs. PC: While Comfort Panels include logging capabilities in their hardware price, PC-based systems require these as "Options". Common Causes & Solutions WinCC Advanced Runtime and license - Siemens SiePortal
Title: License Key Not Available for WinCC Logging in Runtime Advanced
Description:
I'm experiencing an issue with WinCC logging in Runtime Advanced where I'm receiving an error message stating that the license key is not available. Has anyone else encountered this problem? I'm trying to set up logging for my HMI application, but I'm unable to proceed without a valid license key.
Details:
Troubleshooting Steps:
Questions:
Help Appreciated:
Any assistance or guidance on resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated. Please share your experiences or knowledge on this topic.
Example Solutions:
WinCC RT Advanced Logging 128 PowerTags V17WinCC RT Advanced Logging 512 PowerTags V19Available and Usable. If it says Missing, Expired, or Incompatible version, proceed to Step 3..lic file to a USB stick..lic file and import it.Always use ALM to view, install, or transfer licenses. Do not manually copy license files.
For precise instructions, refer to Siemens' official documentation for WinCC. The documentation typically includes sections on:
If you're directly interacting with a Siemens support team or forums, providing the specific WinCC version and details about your configuration can help in getting precise advice.
The "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error occurs because WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a separate, additional license for historical data logging. Unlike Siemens HMI Comfort Panels, which include logging functionality, the PC-based "Runtime Advanced" version treats tag and alarm logging as a paid option. 1. Primary Cause: Missing Add-on License
To log process tags or alarms on a PC running WinCC Runtime Advanced, you must have two distinct licenses installed on the machine: Base License: WinCC Runtime Advanced (e.g., 512 PowerTags).
Logging License: SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced (e.g., 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0).
If you have configured tag or alarm logging in your TIA Portal project but have not purchased/installed this specific add-on license, the system will trigger the error popup and historical data will not be available. 2. Common Troubleshooting Steps Troubleshooting Steps:
If you believe you already own the license, follow these steps to resolve the issue: