Logging For Runtime Advanced Link - License Key Not Available Wincc

In the world of industrial automation, the "License key not available" popup for WinCC Logging is a classic stumbling block for many engineers. Here is the story of how this error usually unfolds—and how to fix it. The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

  1. On the source PC (before cloning), use ALM to return the license to a license file (*.LicenseFile).
  2. Clone the PC.
  3. On the target PC, use ALM to transfer the license from the file to the local hard drive. This re-binds the license to the new hardware.
  4. Warning: If you already cloned without returning the license, you must contact Siemens support to reset the license binding. This is a painful, slow process.

The Root Cause: It’s Not Just "WinCC"

Unlike Siemens Panels, where logging is often included, PC-based Runtime Advanced requires three distinct license types to operate fully without "nag" screens: In the world of industrial automation, the "License

WinCC Runtime Advanced (PowerTags):

Controls the basic execution and communication with the PLC based on tag count (e.g., 128, 512, 2048 tags). On the source PC (before cloning), use ALM

2. License Type Mismatch