You’ve just finished configuring your HMI project in TIA Portal. You’ve set up data logs, historical trends, and message archives. You hit "Start Runtime," but instead of seeing your data stream smoothly, you are greeted by a dreaded system message: "License key not available for WinCC logging for Runtime Advanced."
Your trends are frozen. Your data logs are empty. Production data is not being recorded.
This error is one of the most frustrating roadblocks for automation engineers using Siemens WinCC (TIA Portal). It indicates a mismatch between what your project demands and what your license authorizes. This article will dissect exactly why this error occurs, how to identify the missing license, and the step-by-step solutions to restore your logging functionality.
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 error "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced"
occurs because historical data logging (Tag or Alarm logging) requires a specific add-on license
that is not included with the standard WinCC Runtime Advanced powerTag license Siemens SiePortal Core Cause of the License Error
In WinCC Runtime Advanced (PC-based), the licensing model differs from Comfort or Basic Panels: Siemens SiePortal Standard License:
Only covers "PowerTags" (process tags with a controller connection). Logging Add-on: Any project utilizing Historical Data (Data Logs or Alarm Logs) requires the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Audit/GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
or Audit Trail features are enabled, the logging license is automatically triggered because these features rely on the system's logging infrastructure. Troubleshooting & Resolution Steps WinCC Advanced Runtime and license - Siemens SiePortal
The error message "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" occurs when a WinCC project includes data or alarm logging features, but the specific WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license is missing from the Siemens Automation License Manager (ALM). Common Root Causes
Missing Add-on License: In WinCC Runtime Advanced, the "Logging" and "Recipe" features require their own distinct licenses separate from the base "PowerTags" license.
Defective License: Licenses can be marked as "defective" if the PC or Industrial PC (IPC) is not shut down properly, preventing the runtime from releasing the license correctly.
Version Mismatch: The installed license version must match the software version (e.g., a V16 license may not work for a V17 project unless it is explicitly an upgrade license).
Simulation Behavior: This message frequently appears during simulation in TIA Portal even if logging isn't actively being tested; for engineering purposes, it can often be ignored as it does not typically block simulation functionality. Troubleshooting Steps Check the Automation License Manager (ALM): You’ve just finished configuring your HMI project in
Open ALM and use the "Check" function to see if the logging license is present and valid.
Verify the exact name of the license; it must be WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced. Verify Project Configuration:
If you do not need logging, remove all configured Data Logs and Alarm Logs from the project and recompile. Restore Defective Licenses:
If a license is shown as defective in ALM, you may need to contact Siemens Technical Support to have it restored using your Certificate of License (CoL). Hardware Binding:
Ensure the license is transferred to the correct drive (typically the C: drive) where the Runtime is active.
Are you seeing this error during active production on a machine, or just while simulating in your engineering environment? WinCC License DEMO Mode: Troubleshooting Fix | Siemens
Troubleshooting "License Key Not Available" Error for WinCC Logging in Runtime Advanced Work
The "License Key Not Available" error can be frustrating, especially when it hinders the logging functionality in WinCC Runtime Advanced Work. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue, ensuring seamless logging operations.
Understanding WinCC and License Keys
WinCC (Windows Control Center) is a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system developed by Siemens. It is widely used for monitoring, controlling, and data acquisition in various industries. To utilize WinCC's advanced features, including logging, a valid license key is required.
What is WinCC Logging?
WinCC logging is a feature that enables the collection, storage, and analysis of process data. It allows users to monitor and record data from various sources, such as sensors, machines, and other control systems. The logged data can be used for various purposes, including process optimization, troubleshooting, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Causes of "License Key Not Available" Error
The "License Key Not Available" error can occur due to several reasons: The “License key not available” error for WinCC
Troubleshooting Steps
To resolve the "License Key Not Available" error, follow these troubleshooting steps:
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the basic troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, try the following advanced steps:
Workarounds for Runtime Advanced Work
If the issue persists, consider the following workarounds for Runtime Advanced Work:
Prevention and Best Practices
To avoid future issues with license keys and logging functionality:
Conclusion
The "License Key Not Available" error can be a significant obstacle to logging functionality in WinCC Runtime Advanced Work. By following the troubleshooting steps and workarounds outlined in this article, users can resolve the issue and ensure seamless logging operations. Regular maintenance, accurate record-keeping, and best practices can help prevent future issues and ensure optimal performance of the WinCC system. If issues persist, it is recommended to contact Siemens support or a qualified WinCC expert for further assistance.
To resolve the "license key not available" error for WinCC Logging, you must understand that Siemens treats logging as a separate add-on. Even if you have a valid WinCC Runtime Advanced license (e.g., for 512 PowerTags), a dedicated WinCC Logging license is required for archiving process values or alarms. 1. Identify the missing license
The most common cause is missing the specific logging option license required for PC-based runtimes.
Required License: "SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" (e.g., Product ID: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0).
Check Requirements: Run the WinCC License Analysis by right-clicking the WinCC Runtime icon in the system tray. This will highlight exactly which missing license is triggering the message. 2. Verify status in Automation License Manager (ALM) Troubleshooting Steps To resolve the "License Key Not
Open the Automation License Manager (Start → Siemens Automation → SIMATIC → License Manager) to check the following:
Availability: Ensure the logging license is actually installed on the PC or a connected USB drive.
Corrupted Licenses: If a license is visible but marked with a red symbol, it may be "defective." This often happens if the PC was shut down improperly (e.g., power failure) while Runtime was active.
Fix: Select the license and use the License → Repair option in ALM.
Version Match: Verify the license version matches your installed TIA Portal version (e.g., V17, V18). Note that newer licenses are generally downward compatible. 3. Update the License Manager
Software conflicts with Windows security updates can cause ALM to fail to "see" valid licenses.
Update: Download and install the latest Automation License Manager (ALM) Service Pack from the Siemens Industry Online Support site. 4. Remove logging (if not required)
If you do not actually need to archive data and want to stop the error message:
Project Settings: Open your project in TIA Portal and navigate to Historical data.
Disable Logs: Delete or disable all configured Data logs and Alarm logs.
Recompile: Perform a "Software (rebuild all)" and download the updated project to the Runtime PC. 5. Common "Ghost" License Errors Sometimes, errors appear for services you aren't using.
Sm@rtServer: If you receive a license error for Sm@rtServer even if it's disabled, stop the CoRTSmartServer service in Windows Service Manager and set its startup type to Manual. WinCC License DEMO Mode: Troubleshooting Fix | Siemens
If you did not intend to use heavy archiving, or if the logging is not critical, you can modify the project to fit within the standard Runtime license limits. Standard Runtime licenses often include limited archiving capabilities (often limited by the number of archived variables).
If troubleshooting confirms you genuinely lack the license, you have three purchasing routes.
If you just need to test logging functionality without a full license: