License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For Runtime Advanced Link !new! Today

The error "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" occurs because logging is a separate add-on license for PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced systems. Unlike Siemens Comfort Panels, which include logging functionality by default, PC runtimes require an additional license for any tag or alarm logging. Common Causes & Solutions

Missing Add-on License: Even if you have a valid "WinCC Runtime Advanced (PowerTags)" license, you must also purchase and install the specific WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license to use historical data or alarm logs.

Damaged License on IPCs: If an Industrial PC (IPC) shuts down improperly (e.g., power failure), the license may not be released correctly and can be marked as "defective".

Fix: Check the status in the Automation License Manager (ALM). If it shows a red cross, the license is corrupted and may need to be restored by Siemens Support.

Simulation vs. Production: This error will also appear when simulating a project in TIA Portal if the license is not on the engineering PC. You can generally ignore the message during simulation as it does not affect the functional test.

Archive Path Issues: Sometimes a "license" error is triggered by the runtime being unable to access the logging directory.

Fix: Ensure the configured archive path is accessible and the user has full write permissions. Next Steps Open the Automation License Manager on your Runtime PC.

Verify if a license named "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" is present and has a green checkmark.

If missing, you must purchase the license (Article No: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0) and transfer it to the PC.

It sounds like you are encountering the "License key not available" error for WinCC Logging when trying to use the Runtime Advanced link in Siemens TIA Portal. The error "License key not available

Below is a complete support post you can copy and paste into forums (like Siemens Support, Reddit r/PLC, or PLCTalk.net). It includes the problem, causes, and step-by-step solutions.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps in order. The solution is almost always one of the following.

The "Hidden" Culprit: Archive Configuration

Sometimes, you do have the correct license, but the error persists. Why?

This often happens when the project configuration demands a license tier higher than what is installed.

1. Check Archive Sizes: The "Logging" license sometimes has constraints based on the number of Power Tags or Archive variables. If you configure 500 archive tags but your license only supports 200, the system may fail to initialize the logging service, resulting in a license error.
2. Check Storage Paths: If you are running Runtime Advanced on a PC and directing logs to a specific SQL instance, ensure the SQL server is accessible. While usually a connection error, if the logging service crashes on startup due to a bad path, it can sometimes incorrectly flag a license issue to the user interface.

Step 1: Identify Your Current License Inventory

Before buying anything, check what licenses are actually installed.

1. Open Automation License Manager (Start Menu > Siemens Automation > Automation License Manager).
2. Click on the C: drive (or your USB dongle) in the left pane.
3. Look for the following license types in the right pane:

| License Name | Contains Logging? | | :--- | :--- | | WinCC Runtime Advanced (Standard) | ❌ No – Basic visualization only | | WinCC Runtime Advanced + Logging | ✅ Yes | | WinCC Runtime Advanced Audit | ✅ Sometimes (Check exact order number) | | Powerpack "Logging" for WinCC Advanced | ✅ Yes – This is an add-on license |

If you see no license for "Logging" or a "Powerpack", you have identified the problem.

1. Understanding the Error Context

D. Project Configuration Exceeding License

While the error specifically mentions "Logging," ensure that the project does not exceed the tag limits of the installed license. However, since the error is explicit about "Logging," focus should remain on the archiving authorization.

Need a specific license?

The official Siemens part number for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced is typically: Check Archive Sizes: The "Logging" license sometimes has

• 6AV2105-2xxxx (depends on TIA version)
  Check your TIA Portal version (e.g., V15.1, V16, V17) before purchasing.

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

The error message "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" occurs when you have configured a Data Log or Alarm Log in a WinCC Runtime Advanced project but do not have the specific optional license required for historical data storage. Unlike standard HMI panels (Comfort/Basic), the PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a separate license for logging functionality. Immediate Solutions

Verify License Ownership: Check if you own the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license (e.g., Article No: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0). A standard "WinCC Runtime Advanced PowerTags" license only covers basic HMI operation, not archiving.

Disable Logging (Workaround): If you do not need logging, navigate to your HMI project's Historical Data section and delete or disable all defined Data Logs and Alarm Logs. This will stop the license prompt.

Disable "Good Manufacturing Practice": In Runtime Settings > Good Manufacturing Practice, ensure the checkbox for GMP/Audit Trail is unchecked, as this also triggers advanced licensing requirements. Troubleshooting Steps

Run WinCC License Analysis: Right-click the WinCC Runtime icon in the Windows system tray and select WinCC License Analysis to see exactly which license is reported as missing. Check Automation License Manager (ALM):

Open Siemens Automation License Manager and ensure the logging license is present on the PC.

If the license appears gray or has a red cross, it may be corrupted. Use the License > Repair option.

Update ALM: Some Windows security updates can interfere with license detection. Updating to the latest version of Automation License Manager V6.2 SP4 often resolves persistent "not available" errors. Save as... &gt

Clean Shutdown: Ensure the Runtime is closed properly. If the PC crashes or loses power, the license may not release correctly and can appear as "defective" upon restart. WinCC License DEMO Mode: Troubleshooting Fix | Siemens

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:

1. Missing or incorrect license key: The required license key for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link is not installed or is incorrectly configured.
2. License key not activated: The license key is installed but not activated, or the activation has expired.
3. Insufficient permissions: The user account attempting to access the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link does not have the necessary permissions or rights to use the feature.
4. Configuration errors: There are errors in the configuration of the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link, such as incorrect settings or missing dependencies.

Troubleshooting Steps

To resolve the "License Key Not Available" error for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Verify license key installation: Check that the required license key is properly installed and configured. Ensure that the license key is valid and has not expired.
2. Activate the license key: If the license key is installed but not activated, activate it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Check user permissions: Verify that the user account attempting to access the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link has the necessary permissions and rights to use the feature.
4. Review configuration settings: Check the configuration settings for the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link and ensure that they are correct and complete.

Resolving the Error

If the troubleshooting steps above do not resolve the error, you may need to:

1. Contact the manufacturer's support team: Reach out to the manufacturer's support team for assistance with resolving the license key issue.
2. Reinstall the license key: Reinstall the license key and reconfigure the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Link.
3. Update software or firmware: Ensure that the software or firmware is up-to-date, as outdated versions may cause compatibility issues.

Preventing Future Errors

To prevent similar errors in the future, ensure that:

1. Regularly review license key status: Periodically review the status of your license keys to ensure they are active and valid.
2. Keep software and firmware up-to-date: Regularly update software and firmware to ensure compatibility and resolve potential issues.
3. Document configuration settings: Maintain accurate documentation of configuration settings to facilitate troubleshooting and error resolution.

Preventive Measures: How to Avoid This Error in Future

1. Document Your Licenses: Keep a spreadsheet of all license numbers, version compatibility, and type (floating/station).
2. Use the "License Management" Checklist: Before deploying a runtime PC, run ALM to generate a license report (File > Save as... > License Information File). Verify the logging option is present.
3. Separate Engineering from Runtime: Do not install both WinCC Engineering (development) and Runtime licenses on the same PC unless necessary. Conflicts can occur.
4. Regular Backup of License Files: Use ALM's "Backup License" feature to save *.LicenseFile to a secure network drive.
5. Avoid USB Hubs for Dongles: If using a USB dongle (less common for newer software, but still in legacy systems), plug it directly into the industrial PC's rear USB ports. Avoid front ports or extender cables.