License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For Runtime Advanced Work -
Troubleshooting "License Key Not Available" for WinCC Logging (Runtime Advanced) Running into a "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" popup is a common roadblock when transitioning from simulation to a live IPC or PC-based HMI. Unlike Comfort Panels, where many features are bundled, WinCC Runtime Advanced uses an additive licensing model where specific functions like logging require their own dedicated keys. Why Is This Error Appearing? This message typically triggers because the Runtime detects a configured "Logging" function but cannot find a valid corresponding key in the Automation License Manager (ALM) Separate License Required : A standard "WinCC Runtime Advanced" license (e.g., 512 PowerTags) only covers the basic runtime. Functions like Tag Logging Alarm Logging , and even require additional, separate licenses. GMP/Audit Trail Activation : If you have "Good Manufacturing Practice" (Audit Trail) enabled, WinCC automatically requires a Logging license because audit trails utilize the system's logging infrastructure. Corrupted Licenses : If the PC was shut down abruptly or suffered a power failure while Runtime was active, the license might not have been "released" correctly, leading ALM to mark it as How to Resolve the Error 1. Verify Your Configuration If you don't actually need logging, you can remove the requirement: Check Historical Data : In the TIA Portal project tree, go to Historical data > Data logs . If logs are defined but not used, delete them and recompile the project. Disable GMP Runtime Settings > Good Manufacturing Practice and uncheck the box if it’s not required for your application. Compile and Check : Recompile your project. The TIA Portal output window often lists specific "special licenses" required at the end of the compilation process. 2. Check Automation License Manager (ALM) Ensure the license is actually on the target machine: and verify the "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" license is visible. Right-click > Check the license to ensure it isn't marked as "defective". If you have the Certificate of License (CoL) but the key is missing or defective, you may need to contact Siemens Technical Support to restore it. 3. Purchase the Correct Key If you need logging functionality, you must buy the specific option:
The message " License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced " typically triggers when a project includes data or alarm logging features, which require a separate license from the standard Runtime Powertags. The Troubleshooting Story: Finding the Missing Key Imagine you’ve just deployed a WinCC Runtime Advanced project to a new Industrial PC (IPC). The system boots, the HMI screens appear, but suddenly, an annoying popup declares the logging license is missing. Step 1: Check the Project Configuration The most common cause is that you’ve enabled Alarm Logs in TIA Portal. The Problem: While standard "Comfort Panels" include logging in their base price, PC-based Runtime Advanced requires a specific "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" license (e.g., MLFB: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 If you don't actually need logging, go to Historical Data in your project tree and delete any configured logs. If you do need it, you must purchase and transfer the license via the Automation License Manager (ALM) Step 2: Inspect the "Defective" License Bug Sometimes the license there, but the system doesn't see it. The Problem: If an IPC is shut down abruptly (like a power failure) instead of a controlled Windows shutdown, the active license can be marked as "defective" in the ALM. Automation License Manager and check the status. If it's defective, you may need to contact Siemens Support to have it repaired. Step 3: The "Accidental Feature" Trap You might be triggering a license request for a feature you didn't mean to turn on. The Problem: Runtime Settings > Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) , checking the box for "GMP" or "Audit Trail" often triggers additional license requirements. Uncheck "Good Manufacturing Practice" in the Runtime settings if your application doesn't strictly require it. Step 4: Handling the Simulation Popup If this is happening while you are just testing on your engineering laptop: WinCC Runtime Advanced Simulation behaves exactly like the real hardware. It will always throw this error if the logging license isn't on your PC. For simulation purposes, you can simply ignore and close the popup . It will not stop the simulation from working, though it may reappear every few minutes.
It sounds like you're encountering a limitation in SIMATIC WinCC (TIA Portal) Runtime Advanced where logging or archiving is disabled because the required license key is missing or not recognized. Here’s a structured feature request / workaround-oriented answer:
Feature Request Suggestion Title: Offline fallback logging mode when WinCC Runtime Advanced license key is unavailable Description: When the required license for WinCC Runtime Advanced logging/archiving (e.g., WinCC RT Advanced or WinCC Logging option) is missing or invalid, the system currently disables all data logging. This feature would enable a limited, temporary, or diagnostic logging mode so that: Why Is This Error Appearing
Critical process values can still be logged to a local file (e.g., CSV or internal buffer) for a short period. A clear visual and logged warning indicates the unlicensed state. Data can be exported manually when a license is later activated.
Business value: Allows debugging, temporary operation during license server outages, or evaluation without full license dependency.
Technical Workaround (for testing / development only) If you just need to test logging functionality without a full license: GMP/Audit Trail Activation : If you have "Good
Use Trial License – WinCC RT Advanced includes a 21-day trial where logging works fully. Check your license in TIA Portal → Commissioning → License management – ensure WinCC RT Advanced and any add-on packages like WinCC Logging or WinCC Archive are installed. Downgrade to basic logging – Use scripts (VB/C-script) to write process values to a text file or SQLite database, bypassing WinCC’s native archive system (not for production, but works without logging license).
If you need a real feature for a product manager Write this as a formal feature request to Siemens Support:
“In WinCC Runtime Advanced, when the logging license is not available, the system should allow at least short-term circular buffered logging to disk (e.g., last 24 hours) with a persistent watermark. This prevents data loss during license renewal delays or temporary network failures to a license server.” License Key Not Available"
Would you like a sample script to implement unlicensed file-based logging as a workaround, or help phrasing this for Siemens Industry Online Support?
Technical Brief: Resolving "License Key Not Available" for WinCC Logging (Runtime Advanced) Issue Summary When attempting to use the WinCC Logging (archiving) functionality in Runtime Advanced (part of SIMATIC WinCC Advanced V13, V14, V15, V15.1, V16, V17, or V18), the system fails to record or display archived process data. The Runtime Loader or Alarm Log Viewer displays the error: