License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For Runtime Advanced Work May 2026

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: Open your project in WinCC Professional / TIA Portal

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" appears because WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a separate, additional license to perform any historical data logging. Why this happens

Unlike Siemens HMI Panels (Comfort/Mobile), which include logging capabilities in their hardware price, the PC-based Runtime Advanced separates the base runtime from its functional options. Even if you have a valid "WinCC Runtime Advanced" PowerTag license, you still need the logging option if your project contains: Data Logs (Historical tag values) Alarm Logs (Historical alarm messages)

Audit Trails (If using the Audit/GMP option, as it relies on system logging) How to resolve it

Purchase the License: You must acquire the "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" license key (e.g., MLFB: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0).

Transfer via ALM: Once purchased, use the Siemens Automation License Manager (ALM) to transfer the key to the PC running the Runtime.

Check for "Defective" Licenses: If you already have the license but still see the error, open the Automation License Manager and check if the key is marked as "defective". This can happen if the IPC/PC was shut down improperly without closing the Runtime first.

Remove Logging (Optional): If you do not actually need logging, navigate to Historical data > Data logs and Alarm logs in the TIA Portal project tree and delete any configured logs, then recompile and download the project. Common False Alarms If you do not need to log data,

Simulation: Starting a simulation in TIA Portal on your engineering PC will also trigger this message if the logging license is missing from that specific PC.

SmartServer: Sometimes a similar "License key not available" message appears for SmartServer. If you don't use it, you can disable the "CoRTSmartServer" service in the Windows Service Manager to stop the popup.

The "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error occurs because WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a separate, dedicated license to enable historical data and alarm logging. Unlike Siemens Comfort Panels, which include logging features by default, PC-based Runtime systems treat logging as an optional add-on. Core Requirements

Mandatory License: You must purchase and install the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license (e.g., Article No. 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0).

License Separation: This is distinct from your WinCC Runtime Advanced PowerTags license (e.g., 128, 512, or 2k tags), which only covers general runtime operation.

Combined Options: Some licenses bundle Recipes and Logging together if both functionalities are needed for your project. Troubleshooting Steps

If you believe you already have the license, follow these steps to resolve the error:

Verify in ALM: Open the Siemens Automation License Manager (ALM) on the target PC.

Check Status: Right-click your logging license and select "Check". If it appears with a red cross, it is "defective"—often caused by an improper IPC shutdown—and must be recovered via a Siemens Support Request.

Simulation Warning: Running a simulation on your engineering PC will also trigger this error if the logging license is not present in the local ALM. but works without logging license).

Confirm Configuration: In TIA Portal, ensure you have actually configured "Tag Logging" or "Alarm Logging." If logging is enabled but not used, the system will still request the key. Procurement Details

Phase 3: Project Configuration Check

If licensing appears fine, the project might be configured to demand a license for features you aren't using.

  1. Open your project in WinCC Professional / TIA Portal.
  2. Navigate to Tag Logging or Alarm Logging.
  3. Check if you have accidentally created Archives (Tags being logged).
    • If you do not need to log data, delete the archives to remove the requirement for the Logging license.
    • If you do need to log data, ensure the number of tags logged does not exceed the limit of your specific license (e.g., a 1500-tag license vs a 5000-tag license).

6. Troubleshooting Steps (ordered, actionable)

  1. Verify error messages

    • Check runtime UI for exact error text; record screenshots.
    • Inspect WinCC logs and Windows Event Viewer for license-related entries.

  2. Check physical licensing (if USB dongle)

    • Ensure the USB license dongle is plugged directly into the runtime PC (avoid USB hubs).
    • Try a different USB port; ensure device is visible in Device Manager.
    • Reboot the machine after reseating the dongle.

  3. Verify license service status

    • On the license server or local machine, confirm Siemens License Service (or Sentinel/Hasp service depending on license type) is running.
    • Restart the service and attempt runtime start again.

  4. Confirm license presence and validity

    • Open the Siemens License Management tool (or Sentinel Admin Control Center) and confirm installed licenses, features, and expiry dates.
    • Confirm the installed license includes “WinCC Runtime Advanced — Logging” or equivalent feature.

  5. Network license checks (if applicable)

    • Verify network connectivity from runtime PC to license server (ping, DNS).
    • Confirm license server IP/hostname configured correctly in runtime licensing settings.
    • Check firewall rules blocking the license service ports.

  6. Project vs. license reconciliation

    • Open the engineering project in WinCC/TA and check required runtime components/features.
    • Compare required features to installed license entitlements.

  7. Permissions and file integrity

    • Ensure the account running license service has permission to license files/folders.
    • If using license files, validate they are not corrupted.

  8. Temporary workarounds

    • If a spare license is available, install it to restore logging quickly.
    • If acceptable, reduce project features to match available license until resolution.

  9. Escalation

    • If license appears valid but still not detected, contact Siemens support with:
      • License ID/authorization file
      • Runtime machine name, OS version
      • Exact error messages and log excerpts
      • Screenshots of License Manager output

Technical Workaround (for testing / development only)

If you just need to test logging functionality without a full license:

  1. Use Trial License – WinCC RT Advanced includes a 21-day trial where logging works fully.
  2. 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.
  3. 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).