License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For Runtime Advanced Link [exclusive]Error Description When attempting to use the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link, you may encounter an error message indicating that a license key is not available. This error can occur if the required license key is not properly installed, configured, or activated. Causes of the Error The "License Key Not Available" error for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link can be caused by several factors, including:
Troubleshooting Steps To resolve the "License Key Not Available" error for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link, follow these troubleshooting steps:
Resolving the Error If the troubleshooting steps above do not resolve the error, you may need to:
Preventing Future Errors To prevent similar errors in the future, ensure that:
The error message "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" typically indicates that the application is attempting to use logging features historical alarm logging process value archiving ) that require a specific optional license key beyond the standard Runtime Advanced powertags license. Siemens SiePortal Core Resolution Steps Verify Purchased Licenses : Open the Automation License Manager (ALM) and ensure you have a license specifically for "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" . A standard Runtime license for tags does recipe functions on PC-based systems. Check License Integrity , right-click your logging license and select . If the PC was shut down improperly, the license may be marked as Disable Unused Options : If you do not actually need , you must remove all archive tags alarm logs from your project configuration to stop the runtime from requesting the license. Siemens SiePortal Common Triggers for This Error Simulation vs. Hardware WinCC Runtime Advanced Simulation The error "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" occurs because logging is a separate add-on license for PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced systems. Unlike Siemens Comfort Panels, which include logging functionality by default, PC runtimes require an additional license for any tag or alarm logging. Common Causes & Solutions Missing Add-on License: Even if you have a valid "WinCC Runtime Advanced (PowerTags)" license, you must also purchase and install the specific WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license to use historical data or alarm logs. Damaged License on IPCs: If an Industrial PC (IPC) shuts down improperly (e.g., power failure), the license may not be released correctly and can be marked as "defective". Fix: Check the status in the Automation License Manager (ALM). If it shows a red cross, the license is corrupted and may need to be restored by Siemens Support. Simulation vs. Production: This error will also appear when simulating a project in TIA Portal if the license is not on the engineering PC. You can generally ignore the message during simulation as it does not affect the functional test. Archive Path Issues: Sometimes a "license" error is triggered by the runtime being unable to access the logging directory. Fix: Ensure the configured archive path is accessible and the user has full write permissions. Next Steps Open the Automation License Manager on your Runtime PC. Verify if a license named "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" is present and has a green checkmark. If missing, you must purchase the license (Article No: The "License key not available" error for WinCC Logging Runtime Advanced typically occurs because Siemens treats "Logging" as a separate, billable option from the standard Runtime license. While Basic or Comfort Panels often include logging features, PC-based Runtime Advanced projects require an explicit "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" license key to be installed on the target machine. 1. Identify the Required License A standard WinCC Runtime Advanced license (e.g., for 512 or 2048 PowerTags) does not automatically cover logging. You specifically need: Siemens SiePortal SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Error Description When attempting to use the WinCC : This key is required for historical data logging, including Alarm Logs Combined Options : Some licenses combine logging and recipe functionality if both are used in the project. Siemens SiePortal 2. Common Causes and Fixes If you are seeing this error despite having a license, or if you want to eliminate the popup, consider these steps: Check Automation License Manager (ALM) : Open the Automation License Manager to verify if the "Logging" key is present and shows a green status. If it appears as "defective," it may be due to an improper IPC shutdown; in this case, contact Siemens Technical Support to restore it. Verify Project Configuration : If you do not intend to use logging, check the "Historical data > Data logs" "Alarm logs" sections in your TIA Portal project tree. If any logs are defined, the system will demand a license at startup. Deleting these logs and recompiling the project can stop the error. Audit Trail/GMP Settings : Enabling "Good Manufacturing Practice" (GMP) or Audit Trail options automatically triggers a logging requirement because these features rely on system-level logging. You can disable this in Runtime Settings > Good Manufacturing Practice to remove the license requirement. SmartServer Service : In some versions (like V14), the SmartServer service starts automatically and may trigger license popups even if unused. Disabling the "CoRTSmartServer" service in Windows Services can resolve this. 3. Simulation Behavior When simulating a project in TIA Portal on your engineering PC, the simulation tool behaves exactly like the actual Runtime. If your project has logging enabled, the simulation will also prompt for the logging license key unless that key is transferred to your engineering station. order codes for the logging license or instructions on how to transfer keys using a USB drive? Troubleshooting: "License Key Not Available" for WinCC Logging If you are seeing the "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error, it is typically because WinCC Runtime Advanced handles logging differently than Comfort or Basic panels. While panels often include logging capabilities in their hardware price, PC-based Runtime Advanced requires a dedicated separate license for any data or alarm logging. 1. Identify the Cause The most common reasons for this error include: Missing Option License: You may have the basic "WinCC Runtime Advanced" license (which covers PowerTags), but you lack the specific "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" option license. Defective Licenses: If the PC or IPC was shut down improperly (e.g., power failure), a correctly installed license can be marked as "defective" in the Automation License Manager (ALM). Simulation Mode: Running a simulation on an engineering PC that is connected to a live PLC also triggers a check for the Logging license. 2. Required Licenses To run a project with logging on a PC, you generally need two distinct keys: Base License: SIMATIC WinCC Runtime Advanced (e.g., 128, 512, or 2048 PowerTags). Option License: SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced (Article No: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0). 3. Step-by-Step Solutions Recommended Action New Setup Verify you have purchased and transferred the Logging license key via Automation License Manager (ALM). Existing License Showing Error Open ALM, right-click your license, and select "Check." If it shows as "defective," contact Siemens Technical Support to restore it. Unintended Logging If you don't need logging, check your project for configured Data Logs or Alarm Logs and delete them to remove the license requirement. SmartServer Popup Sometimes a similar popup appears for SmartServer even if not used. Disable the "CoRTSmartServer" service in Windows Service Manager if not needed. 4. Important Considerations Clean Shutdowns: To prevent license corruption, always exit the WinCC Runtime cleanly before shutting down the OS. Using a UPS is highly recommended for IPCs in the field. ALM Version: Ensure you are using the latest version of the Automation License Manager, as older versions sometimes have compatibility issues with Windows 10/11. The error message "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" typically appears because WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a dedicated, separate license for any historical data logging. Unlike Comfort Panels where logging is often included, PC-based Runtime Advanced systems treat logging (Tag Logs and Alarm Logs) as an optional package. Siemens SiePortal Common Scenarios and Fixes Missing Optional License : Even if you have a valid WinCC Runtime Advanced PowerTags license, you must also purchase and install the "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" license key if your project contains any Tag Logs or Alarm Logs. Accidental Feature Activation Missing or incorrect license key : The required : The message may trigger if logging features are accidentally enabled: Historical Data : Check the "Historical data > Data logs" section in your TIA Portal project tree. If you don't need logging, delete all entries here and recompile the project. GMP / Audit Trail : If "Good Manufacturing Practice" (Audit) is enabled in Runtime settings, it automatically requires a logging license to store the audit trail. SmartServer : In some versions, the SmartServer service starts automatically and may request a license even if not actively used. You can disable the "CoRTSmartServer" service in Windows Services to stop the prompt. Defective Licenses : If the license was previously working but suddenly shows as "not available," it may be marked as "defective" in the Automation License Manager (ALM) . This often happens if the IPC was shut down improperly (e.g., power failure) while the Runtime was active. Simulation Mode : Running a simulation in TIA Portal for a PC-based station also requires the same licenses as the real hardware. If they aren't on your engineering PC, the simulation will show this error. Siemens SiePortal How to Check and Resolve Automation License Manager (ALM) on the Runtime PC. Verify if the "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" (e.g., Article No: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 ) is listed and active. If you do not intend to use logging, go to Runtime Settings in TIA Portal, remove all Tag and Alarm logs, and disable "Good Manufacturing Practice" before downloading to the PC again. for the logging licenses or how to repair a license marked as defective? The error "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" occurs because SIMATIC WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a separate, additional license for any tag or alarm logging functionality when running on a PC. While HMI Comfort Panels include logging in their base price, PC-based Runtime Advanced systems do not. Common Causes & Solutions Missing License: You must purchase and install the specific WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license key using the Automation License Manager (ALM). Unintended Logging: If you do not need logging, you can remove the error by deleting all configured Data Logs or Alarm Logs in your TIA Portal project under Runtime Settings. Defective Licenses: If the license is already installed but shows as "defective" in ALM, it may be due to an improper system shutdown. You can attempt to repair it using the Restore function in ALM or contact Siemens Technical Support. Simulation Behavior: This message will also appear when simulating a project on your engineering PC if the logging license is not present, as the simulation behaves exactly like the actual runtime. Related License Triggers If you are seeing similar license errors, check if these common "options" are enabled in your project settings: SmartServer: Often starts automatically; if unused, disable the "CoRTSmartServer" service in Windows. Recipes: Like logging, the Recipes functionality requires its own separate license for WinCC Runtime Advanced. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP): Ensure this checkbox is unchecked in Runtime Settings if not required by your application. It looks like you're encountering a license key issue with WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced in Siemens WinCC (likely TIA Portal). The message "License key not available" typically means the required license is either missing, not activated, or not recognized by the system. Here’s how to resolve it: Resolved: "License Key Not Available – WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link"Step 1: Identify Your Current License InventoryBefore buying anything, check what licenses are actually installed.
| License Name | Contains Logging? | | :--- | :--- | | WinCC Runtime Advanced (Standard) | ❌ No – Basic visualization only | | WinCC Runtime Advanced + Logging | ✅ Yes | | WinCC Runtime Advanced Audit | ✅ Sometimes (Check exact order number) | | Powerpack "Logging" for WinCC Advanced | ✅ Yes – This is an add-on license | If you see no license for "Logging" or a "Powerpack", you have identified the problem. The Ultimate Fix: Acquiring the Correct LicenseIf the troubleshooting above confirms you lack the license, you must purchase it. The correct part numbers (MLFB) are: | Product Description | Order Number (MLFB) | | :--- | :--- | | Powerpack "Logging" for WinCC Runtime Advanced (128 tags) | 6AV2105-0EA02-0AA0 | | Powerpack "Logging" for WinCC Runtime Advanced (512 tags) | 6AV2105-0EA02-0AA5 | | Powerpack "Logging" for WinCC Runtime Advanced (2048 tags) | 6AV2105-0EA02-0AA2 | | WinCC Runtime Advanced 4096 + Logging (full bundle) | 6AV2103-0DA02-0AA0 | Note: Part numbers change with TIA Portal versions. Always verify with your local Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall. Troubleshooting Steps To resolve the "License Key Not After purchasing, you will receive a license key file ( The "Legal Info" Runtime CheckWhile WinCC Runtime is running (with the error displayed), press Ctrl + Shift + F1. This opens the "Legal Info" dialog in many Siemens HMIs. It lists exactly which licenses are found and which are missing. If "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced – Required: 1, Found: 0" appears, you have confirmed the issue. 4. Workaround (temporary)
D. Project Configuration Exceeding LicenseWhile the error specifically mentions "Logging," ensure that the project does not exceed the tag limits of the installed license. However, since the error is explicit about "Logging," focus should remain on the archiving authorization. SummaryThe "License Key Not Available: WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error is a gatekeeper. It tells you that you are asking the system to perform a historical database function (archiving) without paying for the rights to do so. Before you pull your hair out debugging your SQL connections or tag configurations, open the Automation License Manager and verify that you have the specific "Logging for Runtime Advanced" key present and valid. It is a small distinction in the catalog that makes a massive difference in the field. The error "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" occurs because the WinCC Logging option requires a separate, dedicated license key that is not included with the standard WinCC Runtime Advanced base license. Required License To enable tag or alarm logging on a PC-based Runtime Advanced system, you must install the following additional license: Product Name: WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Article Number (MLFB): If you believe you already have the license, check the following: Automation License Manager (ALM): Open the Automation License Manager to verify the key is present on the local machine and not marked as "defective". Abrupt Shutdowns: If the IPC was not shut down properly (e.g., power failure), the license may be stuck in a "defective" state. You may need to use the ALM Check function to recover it. Unintended Feature Activation: If you do not actually need logging, ensure you haven't accidentally checked "Good Manufacturing Practice" (GMP) or other logging-dependent settings in Runtime Settings in the TIA Portal. Comfort Panels vs. PC Runtime: Unlike PC-based "Runtime Advanced," physical Comfort Panels generally do not require this separate logging license; it is primarily for PC stations. In the world of industrial automation, the "License key not available" popup for WinCC Logging is a classic stumbling block for many engineers. Here is the story of how this error usually unfolds—and how to fix it. The Missing Piece of the Puzzle Imagine you have just finished commissioning a high-end IPC with SIMATIC WinCC Runtime Advanced . You’ve installed your PowerTags license, the communication is green, and the screens look perfect. But every few minutes, a nagging popup appears: "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced." Why It Happens The most common reason for this "ghost" error is a fundamental difference in how Siemens licenses panels versus PC-based systems: Comfort Panels : These include logging and recipe functionality for free. Runtime Advanced (PC) : Logging and Recipes are additional paid options . Even if you have a 512 PowerTag license, you still need a separate WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license to archive tags or alarms. Troubleshooting the Error If the message appears, your project likely has a "Data Log" or "Alarm Log" configured in the Runtime Settings . If you didn't intend to use logging, you can often stop the error by deleting these logs or disabling features like "Good Manufacturing Practice" (Audit Trail), which also requires a license. have the license but still see the error, check these three things: Defective Licenses : If your IPC was shut down abruptly (like a power failure), the license might be marked as "defective" Automation License Manager (ALM) License Location : Ensure the license was actually transferred from the USB or download folder to the IPC's local C: drive using the Automation License Manager SmartServer Interference : Sometimes, the SmartServer service starts automatically and triggers its own license warning even if not used; disabling this service can clear irrelevant popups. How to Resolve It Purchase the License WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced (e.g., MLFB 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0). Use Automation License Manager : Open the Siemens Support site to restore defective licenses if they are already owned but not working. Simulation : If you are just testing, you can simply ignore the warning ; it will not stop the simulation from working. 1. Missing Runtime Logging License (Most Common)WinCC Runtime Advanced is sold in tiers (e.g., 128, 512, 2048 PowerTags). However, logging is often a separate option. You may have a valid Runtime Advanced license (which allows visualization and screen navigation) but lack the "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" option license ( |