License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For Runtime Advanced | Authentic & Popular

Troubleshooting "License Key Not Available" for WinCC Logging (Runtime Advanced)

Few things are more frustrating than spending hours configuring your HMI project, only to be greeted by a cryptic red error message when you hit "Start Runtime." If you are seeing the error "License key not available for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced," you are not alone.

This specific error halts data logging, stops archiving, and prevents you from viewing historical trends. In this post, we’ll break down exactly why this happens and, more importantly, how to fix it.

3. License Requirements for Logging

• Specific License for Logging: Some advanced features, including detailed logging, might require a specific license. Ensure that your license includes the necessary options for logging in Runtime Advanced.

Understanding the Components: WinCC Runtime Advanced and Logging

Before troubleshooting, it is crucial to understand what these terms mean: license key not available wincc logging for runtime advanced

• WinCC Runtime Advanced: This is the software execution environment for SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) projects created with the WinCC Advanced engineering station in TIA Portal. It is designed for medium to large-scale HMI applications, often on PC-based systems (Panel PCs or Standard PCs).
• WinCC Logging: This is the archiving component. It records process values (tags), alarms, and messages over time. This is essential for trend views, data analysis, and regulatory compliance.
• The License: Unlike the "Power Tags" license (which controls the number of process variables), the Logging capability requires a specific license: "WinCC Runtime Advanced Logging" (6AV2100-5BC00-0AA0) .

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.

B. Transferring the License (USB Dongle to Target PC)

1. Plug the USB dongle containing the license into the target PC.
2. Open Automation License Manager.
3. The dongle should appear as a drive under "C:" drives.
4. Right-click the WinCC Runtime Advanced Logging license and select "Transfer."
5. Choose the local hard drive of the target PC as the destination.
6. Click "Transfer." This moves the license from the dongle to the PC.

4. Update TIA Portal and ALM Regularly

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

Step 1: Verify Installed Licenses

• Open Automation License Manager
• Check for entries named:
  • WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced
  • SIMATIC WinCC Advanced Logging
• Confirm Status = Available (not grayed out or with red X)

User Account Control (UAC) & Permissions

If you are running WinCC Runtime Advanced as a service (headless operation), the service account may not have permission to read the license file.

• Solution: Run the runtime as the currently logged-on user (for testing). Or store the license in a globally accessible location: C:\ProgramData\Siemens\Automation\License.

6. The "Emergency" Reinstall

If nothing works, the license file itself may be corrupted. license key not available wincc logging for runtime advanced

• Uninstall the license using the Automation License Manager (Right-click > Uninstall).
• Physically remove the USB dongle (if using one).
• Reboot.
• Insert the dongle/reinstall the license file.
• Open TIA Portal and reassign the license in Runtime Settings.

A. Purchasing the License

If you have not purchased the Logging option:

• Order the license: Article number 6AV2100-5BC00-0AA0 for a single license (or -0AA5 for a 5-pack).
• You will receive a License Certificate (often a .lic file and an activation code).