License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For Runtime Advanced
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 "License key not available" error for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced
typically occurs because the base Runtime license (e.g., for 512 PowerTags) does not include historical data archiving. Unlike Comfort or Mobile Panels, where logging is included, the PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced
requires a separate optional license to archive tags and alarms. Siemens SiePortal Core Causes and Solutions Missing Optional License
: This is the most common cause. Even if you have a valid PowerTag license, you must also purchase and install the specific WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license (e.g., Part No. 6AV2107-0GA00-0BH0 ) to enable historical data logs. Damaged or "Defective" Licenses license key not available wincc logging for runtime advanced
: If the PC or IPC was shut down improperly (e.g., power failure), the license might not have been released correctly. In the Automation License Manager (ALM)
, these will appear with a "defective" status. You may need to contact Siemens Technical Support to restore them. Unintended Logging Features : Sometimes this error appears because a feature that logging is enabled by mistake. Historical data > Data logs in the TIA Portal project tree and delete any unused logs. GMP (Audit Trail)
are enabled in Runtime settings, as these also require additional licenses. Siemens SiePortal Troubleshooting Steps : Open the Automation License Manager
and verify if the "Logging for Runtime Advanced" key is listed and valid (indicated by a green hook). Verify Configuration : In TIA Portal, check the
information in the output window. If a specific license is missing for a configured feature, it will often be noted there. Project Re-build
: If no logs are intentionally configured but the error persists, try to Rebuild All
and download the project to the Runtime PC again to clear any software glitches. Siemens SiePortal order codes for the logging license or help checking your project for unintentional log configurations
"License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" The error message "License key not available
occurs because WinCC Runtime Advanced follows a different licensing model than Comfort Panels. While basic logging is often included in hardware panels, it is a separate paid option for PC-based Runtime Advanced systems. Why the Error Appears Missing Option License: You likely have a valid
license (e.g., 128, 512, or 2048 tags) for the Runtime itself, but you do not have the "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" option license. Configured Logging: The message is triggered as soon as you configure a under "Historical data" in your TIA Portal project tree. Audit Trail:
Enabling Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) or Audit features also automatically requires the Logging license. How to Fix It 1. Add the Required License
To use logging in a productive environment, you must purchase and transfer the specific license key: Product Name: SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced MLFB (Order Code): 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 Installation: Automation License Manager (ALM) to transfer the key to the Runtime PC. 2. Disable Logging (Workaround)
If you don't actually need historical data and want the message to stop, remove the features triggering it: Delete Logs: Historical data > Data logs Historical data > Alarm logs in the project tree and delete all entries. Disable GMP: Navigate to Runtime Settings > Good Manufacturing Practice and uncheck the "Good Manufacturing Practice" box. Recompile:
Perform a "Software (rebuild all)" on the HMI and download the project again. 3. Check for "Defective" Licenses
If you already own the license but the error persists, check the ALM. Licenses can be marked as "defective" if the IPC was not shut down properly. If marked red/defective, you may need to contact Siemens Technical Support to restore them. If you are only seeing this during Simulation
in TIA Portal, you can ignore it; the simulation will still function correctly even without the license. current order codes for the latest WinCC Runtime Advanced versions? "License key not available"
Subject: License Key Not Available – WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced
Deep Feature Analysis & Troubleshooting Guide
1. Issue Summary
When attempting to enable or use WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced, the system reports:
"License key not available"
This prevents data logging, archiving, and trend visualization in runtime, even though other WinCC Advanced features may work correctly.
Step 2: Validate License Content
In ALM, select license → Properties → Check:
- Product: WinCC Runtime Advanced
- Feature: Logging
- Expiration: None (unless rental license)
- Version Range: Covers your runtime version (e.g., ≤ V18)
Step 6: Force a Full Reinitialization of Licensing
If all else fails:
- Uninstall WinCC Runtime Advanced via Control Panel.
- Delete the folder
C:\ProgramData\Siemens\AutomationLicenseManager\(back up first if needed). - Reinstall Runtime Advanced.
- Reinstall the license file via ALM.
Note: This will not delete your project files, but you will need to reconfigure the TIA Portal download path.
Step 3: Check Runtime Logs
Navigate to:
C:\ProgramData\Siemens\WinCC\Logs\
Search for entries containing:
LicenseLoggingALMError 0x...(note exact code)
Step 3: Obtain and Transfer the Logging License
Example of Reporting the Issue
If you're reporting this issue to Siemens support or a forum, it might be helpful to include details like:
- The exact version of WinCC you're using.
- Any recent changes made to your system or software configuration.
- Error messages you've encountered.
1. Check License Management
- Ensure that your system or the specific software component (in this case, WinCC Runtime Advanced) has a valid license. Siemens products often come with a License Key that needs to be activated or installed.
5. Additional Considerations
- Software Version: Ensure you're running a compatible version of WinCC that supports the features you're trying to use. Compatibility issues might arise with older or newer versions.
- Documentation: Consult the official Siemens WinCC documentation and knowledge base. Siemens provides extensive resources that can help with configuration, troubleshooting, and licensing.




