If you purchased a Power Pack (e.g., 16k tags), you still need the base license (e.g., RT Advanced 128 tags) first. The Power Pack only adds tags; it does not add logging if the base license was Compact. You cannot stack a Power Pack on a Compact license.
Sometimes the license server gets stuck. You have to force a re-scan without rebooting Windows (which takes 10 minutes on an old Panel PC).
This forces WinCC to re-negotiate the license count without a full PC reboot.
The “License key not available” error for WinCC Logging in Runtime Advanced is almost always a licensing configuration issue. The solution involves confirming that a valid, version-compatible, non-expired WinCC Logging license is installed and recognized by Automation License Manager. Following the structured troubleshooting above resolves >95% of cases without requiring software reinstallation.
Troubleshooting "License Key Not Available" Error in WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced
The "License Key Not Available" error in WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced can be a frustrating issue, hindering the efficient monitoring and management of industrial processes. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the error, its causes, and step-by-step solutions to resolve the problem. If you purchased a Power Pack (e
Understanding WinCC Logging and Runtime Advanced
WinCC (Windows Control Center) is a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system developed by Siemens. It is widely used in industrial automation for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing processes. WinCC Logging is a feature that enables the collection and storage of process data, while Runtime Advanced is a component that allows for the execution of WinCC projects.
Causes of the "License Key Not Available" Error
The "License Key Not Available" error typically occurs when the system is unable to detect a valid license key for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced. This can be attributed to several factors:
Step-by-Step Solutions
To resolve the "License Key Not Available" error, follow these steps:
Advanced Troubleshooting
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, perform the following advanced troubleshooting:
Conclusion
The "License Key Not Available" error in WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced can be a complex issue, but by understanding its causes and following step-by-step solutions, you can efficiently resolve the problem. Regular maintenance, software updates, and proper system configuration can help prevent such errors in the future. If issues persist, do not hesitate to contact Siemens support for expert assistance. Sometimes the license server gets stuck
It sounds like you're encountering a limitation in SIMATIC WinCC (TIA Portal) Runtime Advanced where logging or archiving is disabled because the required license key is missing or not recognized.
Here’s a structured feature request / workaround-oriented answer:
Even a full WinCC Runtime Advanced license has a limit on how many tags you can log. For example:
The Error Scenario: You have a 512-tag license. You configured data logging for 600 tags. The system will throw "License key not available for WinCC logging" because you exceed the allowed quantity.
Fix:
Open Automation License Manager on the runtime PC.
If you just need to test logging functionality without a full license: