License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For Runtime Advanced Upd May 2026

The "License key not available! WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" error typically occurs when a PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced application attempts to access historical data features—such as alarm or tag logging—without a valid dedicated logging license. While basic runtime functions might continue with periodic nag pop-ups, historical data collection will fail until the license is properly installed and recognized. Core Causes of the Error Siemenshttps://support.industry.siemens.com WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced - 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0

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:

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 license key not available wincc logging for runtime advanced

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 the WinCC Logging license is an optional add-on that is not included in the standard WinCC Runtime Advanced license. Why the error appears

Separation of Licenses: Unlike Comfort Panels (where logging is included), PC-based WinCC Runtime Advanced requires separate licenses for core runtime, logging (tags and alarms), and recipes.

Active Features: The message is triggered as soon as any Tag Logging or Alarm Logging is configured in your TIA Portal project. The "License key not available

Simulation Mode: The error will also appear during simulation if your engineering station is connected to a PLC and you lack the proper runtime option licenses.

Acquire the License: You must purchase the SIMATIC WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license key (MLFB: 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 or similar) and install it using the Automation License Manager (ALM).

Check for Corruption: If you already own the license, verify its status in the ALM. If the IPC was shut down improperly, the license may be marked as defective. You can right-click the license in ALM and select "Check" to verify its integrity.

Disable Logging (Temporary Fix): To stop the message without buying a license, you must remove all configured data logs and alarm logs from your project and re-download it to the target system.

Disable GMP Check: In some cases, checking the "Good Manufacturing Practice" (GMP) box in Runtime Settings triggers additional licensing requirements. Ensure this is unchecked if not needed.

2. License Key Installation/Activation

2. Root Cause Categories

| Category | Possible Reason | |----------|----------------| | Missing License | License for "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced" not installed or not activated. | | Wrong License Type | Installed license (e.g., WinCC Comfort/Advanced) does not include logging runtime. | | License Not Loaded | License exists but Automation License Manager (ALM) failed to transfer it. | | Version Mismatch | License is for older version (e.g., v15) but used with newer runtime (v17+). | | Hardware Binding | License bound to different dongle/computer (e.g., after hardware change). | | Corrupted License File | License file damaged or incomplete. | | User Rights | Windows user lacks permission to access license storage or ALM. |

Step 4: Simulate License Requirement

Create a minimal project:

Introduction

One of the most frustrating roadblocks for automation engineers and system integrators working with Siemens WinCC (TIA Portal) is the sudden appearance of the "License key not available" error, specifically when trying to use the WinCC Logging functionality in Runtime Advanced.

This error typically manifests when you attempt to start a runtime project that includes data logging, archiving, or historical trending. Instead of seeing your data logs, the system either fails to start the runtime or runs in a degraded "demo" mode where logging is disabled or watermarked.

This article provides a deep dive into the causes of this error and offers a step-by-step guide to permanently resolve it.

Corrupted License Cache

Sometimes the ALM cache becomes corrupted.

  1. Close all Siemens software.
  2. Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Siemens\Automation\LicenseManager\Data.
  3. Delete the .bin files in this folder (do not delete license files).
  4. Restart the Automation License Manager service (ALM Service).

Root Causes of the Error

The error is rarely due to a corrupt installation. It almost always falls into one of four categories:

Understanding the Components: WinCC Runtime Advanced and Logging

Before troubleshooting, it is crucial to understand what these terms mean:

When you see "License key not available," the system is explicitly telling you that the required logging license (or a suitable alternative) is not present or cannot be accessed. If you've recently installed or updated WinCC, make

3. Keep an Audit Trail

Maintain an Excel sheet of: