Proposed behavior (defaults — adjustable in UI):
occurs because WinCC Runtime Advanced follows a different licensing model than Comfort Panels. While basic logging is often included in hardware panels, it is a separate paid option for PC-based Runtime Advanced systems. Why the Error Appears Missing Option License: You likely have a valid
If you are running WinCC Runtime Advanced as a service (headless operation), the service account may not have permission to read the license file. license key not available wincc logging for runtime advanced
WinCC Logging is an optional add-on feature that enables the archiving of process values and system alarms in a database. Think of it as the "recording" function of your SCADA system. For WinCC Runtime Advanced—the software that runs your visualization on an Industrial PC (IPC)—this is not a standard feature but a paid option that requires a separate license.
The error message is a frequent issue encountered by automation engineers when running a Siemens SIMATIC WinCC Runtime Advanced PC-based HMI application. Proposed behavior (defaults — adjustable in UI): occurs
If the license is present in ALM but the runtime still displays the "License key not available" message, check the following variables: Simulation Mode vs. True Runtime
If you have installed the license but the error persists, check these three common technical blind spots: 1. The Automation License Manager Service is Stopped WinCC Logging is an optional add-on feature that
If errors are found, you may need to reach out to Siemens Industry Technical Support to recover or repair the defective license keys. Summary Checklist
If you encounter this error message, it is typically caused by one of the following root causes: 1. Missing Add-On License
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