License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For Runtime Advanced Work (HOT 2024)

The error message "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" typically occurs because Siemens WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a dedicated, separate license for logging functions (data and alarm logs) that is not included with the standard Runtime license. Core Reasons for the Error

Missing Optional License: Unlike Comfort Panels, PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced requires an additional "WinCC Logging" license if your project includes any Tag Logging or Alarm Logging.

Damaged or Unreleased Licenses: If an Industrial PC (IPC) is shut down abruptly, licenses may not be released correctly and can appear as "defective" in the Automation License Manager (ALM) the next time they are started.

Simulation Mode: Running a simulation of a PC-based project on an engineering workstation will trigger this warning every 10 minutes if the logging license is not present on the engineering PC. Troubleshooting and Solutions 1. Verify and Install the License

The message " License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced

" typically triggers when a project includes data or alarm logging features, which require a separate license from the standard Runtime Powertags. The Troubleshooting Story: Finding the Missing Key

Imagine you’ve just deployed a WinCC Runtime Advanced project to a new Industrial PC (IPC). The system boots, the HMI screens appear, but suddenly, an annoying popup declares the logging license is missing. Step 1: Check the Project Configuration The most common cause is that you’ve enabled Alarm Logs in TIA Portal. The Problem:

While standard "Comfort Panels" include logging in their base price, PC-based Runtime Advanced

requires a specific "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" license (e.g., MLFB: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 If you don't actually need logging, go to Historical Data The error message "License key not available

in your project tree and delete any configured logs. If you do need it, you must purchase and transfer the license via the Automation License Manager (ALM) Step 2: Inspect the "Defective" License Bug Sometimes the license there, but the system doesn't see it. The Problem:

If an IPC is shut down abruptly (like a power failure) instead of a controlled Windows shutdown, the active license can be marked as "defective" in the ALM. Automation License Manager

and check the status. If it's defective, you may need to contact Siemens Support to have it repaired. Step 3: The "Accidental Feature" Trap

You might be triggering a license request for a feature you didn't mean to turn on. The Problem: Runtime Settings > Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

, checking the box for "GMP" or "Audit Trail" often triggers additional license requirements.

Uncheck "Good Manufacturing Practice" in the Runtime settings if your application doesn't strictly require it. Step 4: Handling the Simulation Popup

If this is happening while you are just testing on your engineering laptop: WinCC Runtime Advanced Simulation

behaves exactly like the real hardware. It will always throw this error if the logging license isn't on your PC. For simulation purposes, you can simply ignore and close the popup Part 1: Understanding the Error – More Than

. It will not stop the simulation from working, though it may reappear every few minutes.

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  Use Trial License – WinCC RT Advanced includes

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. 

Part 1: Understanding the Error – More Than Just a Missing File

Before clicking through random menus, it is critical to understand what "WinCC Logging" actually means in the Siemens ecosystem.

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).

The Anatomy of the "Ghost License"

In WinCC Runtime Advanced (and Professional), the licensing for logging isn't a simple "On/Off" switch. It is a tiered vault.

• 128 tags (Basic)
• 512 tags (Standard)
• 2048 tags (Advanced)
• Unlimited (Power)

The error "License key not available" usually means one of three things:

The "Ghost in the Machine": Solving the License Key Not Available Error in WinCC Logging (Runtime Advanced)

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.