The error is rarely due to a corrupt installation. It almost always falls into one of four categories:
WinCC (TIA Portal) uses a granular licensing system. "Runtime Advanced" is the engine that runs your HMI project on a PC station (as opposed to a dedicated Panel). "WinCC Logging" is the add-on feature responsible for collecting, archiving, and displaying process values over time.
The error message means your license file is missing, corrupted, or insufficient for the amount of tags you are trying to log.
Temporarily use a trial license from SIEMENS License Manager → Request Trial License to isolate hardware/ALM issues.
If you have not purchased the Logging option:
The "License key not available for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error is a frustrating but solvable problem. It rarely means your license is permanently lost. In 80% of cases, the solution is one of three actions:
By understanding how Siemens’ Power Tag and logging licenses interact, you can quickly diagnose the issue, implement a fix, and get back to monitoring your process without data gaps. Always remember: in the world of industrial automation, a missing license is always a human error in planning or installation—rarely a technical fault of the software itself.
Need further assistance? Visit the Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) portal and search for FAQ number 109739277 or the official manual "Commissioning WinCC Runtime Advanced."
The error message "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" typically occurs because SIMATIC WinCC Runtime Advanced requires an additional, separate license for any archiving or logging functions (tags, alarms, or recipes). Unlike Siemens Comfort Panels, which include logging functionality, the PC-based Runtime Advanced version requires the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced option to be purchased and activated independently of the base PowerTags license. Common Root Causes & Solutions
Missing Optional License: Even if you have a valid "WinCC Runtime Advanced [X] PowerTags" license, you must also have a WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license key (e.g., MLFB: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0) if your project contains a "Data Log" or "Alarm Log".
Defective License Keys: If the license is installed but showing as unavailable, it may be "defective." This often happens if the Industrial PC (IPC) was shut down improperly (e.g., power failure) without closing the Runtime software first. Check the Automation License Manager (ALM) to see if the key is marked as "defective".
Version Mismatch: Ensure the license version matches your installed TIA Portal version. For example, a V16 Logging license will not work for a V17 Runtime unless you explicitly configure the project to use the older V16 runtime version.
Outdated ALM: Sometimes the license service fails to recognize valid keys if the software is outdated. Updating the Automation License Manager to the latest version frequently resolves "pseudo-license" errors.
Simulation vs. Production: This message will also appear during simulation in TIA Portal if the local engineering PC does not have the logging license. While you can ignore it for testing, the license must be present on the target IPC for production. Troubleshooting Steps
The "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error is a common hurdle in Siemens TIA Portal projects when transitioning from engineering to live operation. This error occurs because WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a dedicated, additional license for data and alarm logging. Core Cause: The "Option" Requirement
The primary reason for this error is that WinCC Logging is considered an "option" rather than a built-in feature of the standard Runtime license. license key not available wincc logging for runtime advanced
Standard License: Covers basic Runtime operations like screen navigation and PLC communication (PowerTags).
Logging License: Specifically enables the archiving of historical process data (Tag Logs) and Alarm Logs.
Comfort Panels vs. PC Runtime: While physical Comfort Panels include logging capabilities without extra cost, the PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced requires you to purchase the logging option separately. Troubleshooting and Solutions 1. Verify and Install the Missing License
If you are logging process tags or alarms, you must have the SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license (e.g., Article No: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0).
Action: Check your Siemens Automation License Manager (ALM) to see if this license is present on your local drive or USB.
Recovery: If the license was previously installed but is now missing or marked "defective" (red cross), it may be due to an improper IPC shutdown. Use the Official Siemens Support Request to recover damaged licenses if you have the original Certificate of License. 2. Disable Logging (Workaround for No-Cost)
If you do not actually need to save historical data and only want to clear the error message, you can disable the logging functions in your project.
The "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error typically occurs when a PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced application attempts to access historical data features—such as alarm or tag logging—without a valid dedicated logging license. While basic runtime functions might continue with periodic nag pop-ups, historical data collection will fail until the license is properly installed and recognized. Core Causes of the Error Siemenshttps://support.industry.siemens.com WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced - 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0
It sounds like you are encountering a "License key not available" error for WinCC Logging in WinCC Runtime Advanced (part of SIMATIC WinCC Advanced V13, V14, V15, V16, V17, V18, or TIA Portal).
Below is an explanatory text you can use for documentation, support requests, or internal notes:
Topic: License Key Not Available – WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced
Issue:
When starting the WinCC Runtime Advanced application (e.g., from TIA Portal), an error message appears stating that the required license key for WinCC Logging is not available. As a result, logging functionality (archiving process values, alarms, or data logs) may be disabled or the runtime may fail to start fully.
Possible Causes:
Affected Software:
Recommended Solutions:
Alternative (testing only):
If a temporary workaround is needed, you may run WinCC Runtime Advanced in demo mode, but this will stop working after a limited time (usually 7–21 days) and is not permitted for production.
Additional Notes:
The error "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" usually means you have configured tag or alarm logging in your project, but the PC running the Runtime is missing the specific add-on license for that feature.
Unlike Comfort Panels, where logging is included, PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a separate license for logging. Key Reasons & Solutions Missing "WinCC Logging" License Key
The Problem: You likely have the main "WinCC Runtime Advanced (PowerTags)" license, but logging (historical data) requires its own key.
The Solution: Verify in the Automation License Manager (ALM) if you have a license named similar to "SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced". Version Mismatch or Defective License
Upgrade Required: If you upgraded your TIA Portal project (e.g., from V15 to V17), your old license may need a manual upgrade in the ALM before it is recognized.
Defective Status: If the license appears in ALM but is marked with a red/yellow icon, it may be "defective". This often happens if the PC was shut down improperly. You can try to restore defective licenses through Siemens Technical Support. Accidental Simulation Error
If you are just simulating a project on your engineering PC, you can often ignore this message; it shouldn't stop the simulation from working for testing purposes. However, a connection to a real PLC may trigger the license check. Ghost Services (e.g., Sm@rtServer)
Sometimes, an error for a missing license (like Sm@rtServer) appears even if the feature isn't used because its service is set to "Autostart". While less common for Logging, ensure no unused logging tasks are accidentally active in your "Historical Data" settings. Troubleshooting Checklist
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 The error is rarely due to a corrupt installation
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:
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?
Before troubleshooting, it is crucial to understand what these terms mean:
When you see "License key not available," the system is explicitly telling you that the required logging license (or a suitable alternative) is not present or cannot be accessed.
If you are using a USB dongle (like the green C79040-Gxxxx key), outdated firmware can cause detection failures.