The “License key not available” error for WinCC Logging in Runtime Advanced is almost always a licensing configuration issue. The solution involves confirming that a valid, version-compatible, non-expired WinCC Logging license is installed and recognized by Automation License Manager. Following the structured troubleshooting above resolves >95% of cases without requiring software reinstallation.
The "License key not available" error for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced typically occurs because the base WinCC Runtime Advanced
license (e.g., for PowerTags) does not include archive/logging capabilities
. Unlike HMI Comfort Panels, which include logging functionality, PC-based Runtime Advanced systems require a dedicated separate license for any tag or alarm logging. Siemens SiePortal 1. Verify License Presence Check the Automation License Manager (ALM) : Ensure the specific license "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" Order Code 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 ) is installed on the local system. Inspect for Defects
: If the license is present but shows as "defective" in ALM, it may be due to an improper system shutdown. You may need to use the "Check" function in ALM to verify its status. 2. Evaluate Logging Usage in Project Review Runtime Settings : If you do not intend to use logging, go to Runtime Settings > Logging and ensure no tag logs or alarm logs are configured. GMP Features : Disable "Good Manufacturing Practice" (GMP) options in Runtime Settings
if they were accidentally checked, as these can also trigger logging license requirements. Siemens SiePortal 3. Simulation and Testing Ignore During Simulation
: In TIA Portal, the "License key not available" message will appear during simulation if the license is missing from the Engineering PC. You can generally acknowledge and ignore this message for testing purposes, as it does not typically block simulation functionality. Productive Use The “License key not available” error for WinCC
: The license is mandatory only when the project is deployed to a productive PC system. 4. Resolution Steps Purchase/Install License
: If you require historical data archiving, you must install the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license via USB or download through the Siemens Industry Mall Transfer Keys Automation License Manager
to transfer the key from your storage medium to the local hard drive. Reset Project Type
: If the error persists unexpectedly, some users resolve internal software conflicts by temporarily toggling the project type from "Single-User" to "Multi-User" and back in Project Properties Siemens SiePortal Are you currently working in a simulation environment or on a live production PC
To understand the fix, you must first understand why the system is asking for a specific license.
Crucial Distinction: You cannot simply install a Runtime license and expect full archiving capabilities without the associated add-on or specific "Archive" license keys. To understand the fix, you must first understand
There are three primary ways to resolve this issue, depending on your project requirements and budget.
Sometimes the license file becomes "linked" to a specific drive or computer incorrectly.
If you have ever stared at the alarm buffer of a Siemens HMI, wondering why your data logs look like Swiss cheese—full of holes—you might have met the silent killer of industrial data integrity: The missing license key.
Specifically, I’m talking about that dreaded moment you open your WinCC Runtime Advanced logging viewer, only to see a cryptic message: "License key not available. Logging disabled."
The machine is running. The PLC is cycling. But your production data? It’s falling into a black hole.
Here is the strange truth: You probably do own the license. But WinCC can’t find it. Let’s fix that. Crucial Distinction: You cannot simply install a Runtime
Siemens licensing is complex. You cannot simply buy "WinCC Runtime Advanced." You must buy the correct option.
There are three licensing tiers for WinCC Runtime Advanced:
| License Type | Tags (Variables) | Logging (Archiving) | Typical Use Case | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | WinCC Runtime Advanced (128, 512, 2k, 4k tags) | Yes | Yes (Included) | Full-featured HMI | | WinCC Runtime Advanced Power Packs | 8k, 16k, 64k tags | Yes (Included) | Large tag count projects | | WinCC Runtime Compact | 100 tags | No Logging | Small machines, no archiving |
The Critical Point: If you have a Compact license, you will never get Logging to work. You must upgrade to a standard "Runtime Advanced" license or a "Power Pack."
If your application requires data logging/archiving, you must purchase and install the correct license key.