License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For Runtime Advanced | iPad |

Licenses are often stored on a USB dongle (hardware key) or a license file on your engineering PC. For Runtime Advanced to use the license, it must be present on the target PC (the computer running the runtime), not just on the engineering PC where TIA Portal is installed. You must transfer it using the Automation License Manager (ALM) .

Sometimes the ALM cache becomes corrupted.

You have a valid base license for WinCC Runtime Advanced (e.g., 512, 2048 power tags), but you did not purchase or install the separate Logging option. Many users mistakenly believe the base license includes historical logging—it does not.

Before diving into fixes, identify which scenario fits your situation:

The "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error usually means

you are using a logging feature that requires a separate add-on license beyond the standard Runtime Advanced license Siemens SiePortal 1. Identify the Cause This error typically triggers if your project includes Tag Logging Alarm Logging

. Unlike Comfort Panels, which include these features for free, WinCC Runtime Advanced

on a PC requires a dedicated "WinCC Logging" license to use these archives. Siemens SiePortal Engineering vs. Runtime:

You might see this message during simulation in TIA Portal even if you have the engineering license, because the simulation mimics the runtime environment's license requirements. GMP/Audit Trail:

Enabling "Good Manufacturing Practice" (Audit Trail) in Runtime settings can also trigger specific license prompts if that option isn't licensed. 2. Immediate Solutions If you need logging: license key not available wincc logging for runtime advanced

You must purchase the "SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" license (e.g., MLFB: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 ) and transfer it to the target PC using the Automation License Manager (ALM) If you don't need logging: Runtime settings > Logging and ensure no data logs or alarm logs are configured. Runtime settings > Good Manufacturing Practice

and uncheck the "Good Manufacturing Practice" box if it was accidentally enabled. Recompile and download the project to the Runtime PC. 3. Troubleshooting "Defective" Licenses If you already have the license but still see the error: Improper Shutdown:

If the IPC/PC was not shut down correctly (e.g., power loss), the license might be marked as "defective" in ALM. Check the license status in the Automation License Manager SmartServer Conflict:

In some versions (like V14), a "SmartServer" license error may appear even if not used. You can disable the CoRTSmartServer service in Windows to stop this specific prompt.

Are you seeing this error on a specific industrial PC (IPC) or while running a simulation in TIA Portal?

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

occurs because Siemens treats logging (archiving) as an optional add-on, requiring a separate license in addition to the base WinCC Runtime Advanced license

. Even if you have the 512/2048 powerTag license, it does not include archiving functionality. Siemens SiePortal 1. Identify the Missing License Required License: You need the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license (or a combined Logging/Recipe license) installed. Common Mistake:

Confusing the "WinCC Runtime Advanced" (512 tags) license with the "WinCC Logging" license. Recipe Usage: Licenses are often stored on a USB dongle

If your application uses recipes, they also require this additional license. Siemens SiePortal 2. Verify and Install in License Manager Siemens Automation License Manager (ALM) on the runtime computer. Check for the specific WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced

Ensure the license is marked "Available" and not "Defective."

If not installed, transfer the license from your USB drive/license storage medium to the local hard drive (usually C: or D:). "https://docs.tia.siemens.cloud". 3. Immediate Workarounds Disable Logging:

If you do not need logging, open your project in TIA Portal, navigate to HMI Tags > Logging , and remove the logs from the tags. Using Simulation: If this occurs during simulation, note that WinCC Runtime Advanced Simulation

acts exactly like the real runtime and requires the same licenses to be installed on your engineering PC. Restart/Reboot:

If the license is present but marked defective, the license might not have been released during a previous improper shutdown. A clean reboot of the PC/IPC can sometimes resolve this. Siemens SiePortal 4. Other Potential Causes SmartServer Error:

Sometimes, "License Key not available" pops up for the SmartServer (remote access) when it is enabled by default during installation, even if you don't use it. Sm@rtServer HMI Device > Runtime Settings > Services Wrong Version:

Ensure the license version matches your TIA Portal project version (e.g., V17 licenses for V17 projects). Siemens SiePortal

Note: The "Master Licenses" installed with the software cannot be moved and are not the ones required for tag logging; you must transfer the specific license bought via the certificate of license. Siemens SiePortal Topic: License Key Not Available – WinCC Logging

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:

Affected Software:

Recommended Solutions:

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:

Siemens frequently releases updates that improve license stability. Use the "TIA Portal Updater" and "ALM Updater."

Always use ALM to view, install, or transfer licenses. Do not manually copy license files.