License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For Runtime Advanced

The error message "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" typically occurs because SIMATIC WinCC Runtime Advanced requires an additional, separate license for any archiving or logging functions (tags, alarms, or recipes). Unlike Siemens Comfort Panels, which include logging functionality, the PC-based Runtime Advanced version requires the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced option to be purchased and activated independently of the base PowerTags license. Common Root Causes & Solutions

Missing Optional License: Even if you have a valid "WinCC Runtime Advanced [X] PowerTags" license, you must also have a WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license key (e.g., MLFB: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0) if your project contains a "Data Log" or "Alarm Log".

Defective License Keys: If the license is installed but showing as unavailable, it may be "defective." This often happens if the Industrial PC (IPC) was shut down improperly (e.g., power failure) without closing the Runtime software first. Check the Automation License Manager (ALM) to see if the key is marked as "defective".

Version Mismatch: Ensure the license version matches your installed TIA Portal version. For example, a V16 Logging license will not work for a V17 Runtime unless you explicitly configure the project to use the older V16 runtime version.

Outdated ALM: Sometimes the license service fails to recognize valid keys if the software is outdated. Updating the Automation License Manager to the latest version frequently resolves "pseudo-license" errors.

Simulation vs. Production: This message will also appear during simulation in TIA Portal if the local engineering PC does not have the logging license. While you can ignore it for testing, the license must be present on the target IPC for production. Troubleshooting Steps license key not available wincc logging for runtime advanced

It sounds like you are encountering a "License key not available" error for WinCC Logging in WinCC Runtime Advanced (part of SIMATIC WinCC Advanced V13, V14, V15, V16, V17, V18, or TIA Portal).

Below is an explanatory text you can use for documentation, support requests, or internal notes:

Topic: License Key Not Available – WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced

Issue:
When starting the WinCC Runtime Advanced application (e.g., from TIA Portal), an error message appears stating that the required license key for WinCC Logging is not available. As a result, logging functionality (archiving process values, alarms, or data logs) may be disabled or the runtime may fail to start fully.

Possible Causes:

1. Missing license – The required “WinCC Logging” license (e.g., 6AV2105-0xxxx-0xxx) is not installed on the target PC.
2. License not activated – The license exists on a USB dongle or hard drive but is not properly recognized by Automation License Manager.
3. Insufficient license type – The installed license is for WinCC Comfort or Basic, which do not include full logging for Runtime Advanced.
4. Demo license expired – A trial license was previously used and has expired.
5. License conflict – A different version license (e.g., for WinCC Professional) is interfering.
6. Hardware change – The license is tied to a changed or replaced storage medium or computer.

Affected Software:

• TIA Portal WinCC Advanced (V13–V18)
• WinCC Runtime Advanced (standalone)

Recommended Solutions:

1. Check license status – Open Automation License Manager and verify that a valid “WinCC Logging” license is listed and marked as “available”.
2. Install license – Use Automation License Manager to transfer the license from a USB dongle or license file to the local hard drive.
3. Upgrade license – If you have only WinCC Comfort, upgrade to WinCC Advanced + Logging option.
4. Reinstall license – Delete and reinstall the license using Automation License Manager.
5. Run as administrator – Ensure that Automation License Manager and Runtime are started with administrator rights.
6. Check for trial version leftovers – Remove expired trial licenses completely.

Alternative (testing only):
If a temporary workaround is needed, you may run WinCC Runtime Advanced in demo mode, but this will stop working after a limited time (usually 7–21 days) and is not permitted for production.

Additional Notes:

• WinCC Logging is a separate license option for WinCC Advanced. It is not included in the base WinCC Advanced license.
• For precise error identification, search the Windows Event Viewer or TIA Portal log files for entries related to “ALM” or “License”.

Subject: License Key Not Available – WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced The error message "License key not available

Deep Feature Analysis & Troubleshooting Guide

When to Contact Siemens Technical Support

If you have followed all steps above and still see the error, gather the following before calling support:

1. Screenshot of the ALM showing the installed license (including version and status).
2. Screenshot of the TIA Portal license requirement window.
3. Diagnostic buffer from WinCC Runtime (found in Runtime → Diagnostics).
4. The exact error code (often a 5-digit number like "60007" or "30002").

Siemens support can remotely check your license file integrity and provide a replacement if the key was defective.

1. Check the "License Sizes" in Your Project (The Most Common Fix)

Many users forget they have to assign the logging license to a specific tag quantity.

• Open TIA Portal.
• Go to Runtime Settings > License.
• Look for the row labeled "WinCC Runtime Advanced Logging."
• Click the drop-down menu. Does it say "Unlicensed" ?
• Action: Select the correct license size (e.g., 128, 512, 2048, 10000, or Unlimited) that matches the USB dongle inserted in your PC.

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: Topic: License Key Not Available – WinCC Logging

• The exact version of WinCC you're using.
• Any recent changes made to your system or software configuration.
• Error messages you've encountered.

3. Run the "License Cleanup" Tool

Damaged license cache files are a known issue in older TIA versions.

1. Close TIA Portal completely.
2. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Siemens\ALM\.
3. Run ALMCleanUp.exe (Administrator rights required).
4. Restart your PC and re-insert your license dongle.