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

Warning: These are strictly for testing or short-term validation. Do not use in a live production environment.

If you are running your project on a standard PC (not a Siemens Panel), you must purchase and install the "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" license.

Contact Siemens support or your Siemens distributor if:

The official Siemens part number for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced is typically:

Would you like help identifying the exact license part number for your TIA version?

The "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error occurs because WinCC Runtime Advanced

requires a separate, dedicated license for historical data functions like Tag Logging Alarm Logging

. Unlike Comfort Panels, which include these features, PC-based Runtime systems require this additional "option" license to be active in the Automation License Manager (ALM) Siemens SiePortal 1. Verify License Ownership The most common cause is missing the specific WinCC Logging license key. Core License vs. Option License

: Having a "WinCC Runtime Advanced (PowerTags)" license is not enough; you must also have the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license (e.g., Article No: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 : Open the Siemens Automation License Manager

and confirm the "WinCC Logging" key is present and installed on the local drive. Siemens SiePortal 2. Resolve "Defective" License Status

If you own the license but it still fails, it may be marked as "defective."

: This often happens if the PC or IPC was shut down abruptly without closing the Runtime properly, preventing the license from being released.

: Check the status in ALM. If marked defective, you may need to contact Siemens Technical Support to have it restored. 3. Check Project Configuration

If you do not want to purchase a license, you must disable all logging features in your TIA Portal project. Remove Data Logs Historical data > Data logs in the project tree and delete any defined logs. Remove Alarm Logs

: Check your Alarm settings for any "Log" or "Archive" checkboxes and uncheck them. Recompile and Download

: Perform a "Software (rebuild all)" compile. If logging functionality is still detected, a note will appear in the output window after compilation. Siemens SiePortal 4. Troubleshooting Simulation Errors Ignore for Testing : If this message appears during a Simulation

on your engineering PC, you can often click "Ignore." The simulation will usually continue to function, but the pop-up will recur periodically. Trial Period Warning: These are strictly for testing or short-term

: If you are in a trial phase, ensure your trial license for WinCC Advanced Professional is properly activated in ALM. Summary of Necessary Licenses Required License Key Basic Runtime WinCC Runtime Advanced (e.g., 512 PowerTags) Historical Data WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Recipe Mgmt WinCC Recipes for Runtime Advanced Remote Access WinCC Sm@rtServer for Runtime Advanced Siemens SiePortal article numbers

for the specific license versions (e.g., V17, V18, V19) to help with procurement? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

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.

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 "License key not available for WinCC logging for Runtime Advanced link" error is frustrating because it often appears after everything else is working perfectly. The root cause almost always lies in the gap between what you think you licensed and what is actually installed on the runtime machine.

To summarize the fix:

Remember that Siemens licensing is designed for reliability and compliance, not convenience. Patience, methodical checking, and the use of ALM’s diagnostic tools will always lead to a resolution. If all else fails, Siemens technical support (requiring a valid service contract) can run deep diagnostics and, in rare cases, rehost a damaged license. If you are running your project on a

By following this guide, industrial automation professionals can minimize downtime, ensure continuous data archiving, and maintain full regulatory compliance for their processes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Siemens product names, versions, and licensing mechanisms may change. Always refer to the official Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) for the latest documentation.

The error "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" occurs because Siemens WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a separate, additional license for any tag or alarm logging functionality. Core License Requirements

Unlike Siemens Panels, where logging is often included, PC-based Runtime Advanced requires three distinct license types to operate fully without "nag" screens:

WinCC Runtime Advanced (PowerTags): Controls the basic execution and communication with the PLC based on tag count (e.g., 128, 512, 2048 tags).

WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced: A mandatory "option" license required if you have configured any Data Logs or Alarm Logs in your TIA Portal project.

WinCC Recipes for Runtime Advanced: Required if you use recipe management features. Primary Troubleshooting Steps

If you believe you already have the license, follow these steps to verify and fix the issue:

If you’ve encountered the error "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced," you aren’t alone. This common pop-up appears in Siemens TIA Portal when the software attempts to record historical data—such as alarms or tag logs—without a valid license for the logging option.

While WinCC Runtime Advanced handles standard HMI tasks, historical data logging is a separate, billable option that requires its own dedicated license key. Why This Error Happens

The "License key not available" message typically triggers under three specific scenarios:

Missing Optional License: You have the base WinCC Runtime Advanced license, but you have not purchased or installed the WinCC Logging option.

Configuration in Simulation: When simulating a Comfort or Mobile Panel on your PC, the simulation behaves exactly like the real hardware and looks for the same license keys.

Corrupted or Unreleased Licenses: If your Industrial PC (IPC) shuts down abruptly (e.g., power failure), the license may stay "locked" or appear defective in the Automation License Manager (ALM). How to Fix the Logging License Error 1. Verify and Install the License in ALM

The [Automation License Manager (ALM)](siemens.com (alm)-?dti=0&lc=en-WW) is the central tool for managing all Siemens software keys. WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced - 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0