Follow these structured steps to diagnose and eliminate the missing license prompt. Step 1: Verify the Active Project Requirements
If the license database is corrupted, use the built-in ALM repair utility: Select the local drive.
The message often appears intermittently (for example, every 5 minutes), and while it can be temporarily dismissed, it will keep coming back. In some cases, the alarm logging may still function during a grace period before eventually switching to a "Demo Mode," which can be catastrophic for production environments.
The license shows a red or yellow icon, indicating a file system error or validation failure. Step 3: Purchase or Transfer the Correct MLFB (Part Number) Follow these structured steps to diagnose and eliminate
| License Name | Contains Logging? | | :--- | :--- | | | ❌ No – Basic visualization only | | WinCC Runtime Advanced + Logging | ✅ Yes | | WinCC Runtime Advanced Audit | ✅ Sometimes (Check exact order number) | | Powerpack "Logging" for WinCC Advanced | ✅ Yes – This is an add-on license |
The comprehensive guide below walks through why this error happens, how to resolve it, and methods to protect automation runtime licenses from corruption. Root Causes of the License Error
If you are running your project on a standard PC (not a Siemens Panel), you must purchase and install the license. In some cases, the alarm logging may still
The error specifically points to the license. This is an additive license (floating or single) that must be transferred to the target PC running the runtime application. Trigger Mechanisms
The [Automation License Manager (ALM)](siemens.com (alm)-?dti=0&lc=en-WW) is the central tool for managing all Siemens software keys. WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced - 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0
If you are facing this issue right now, follow this structured workflow. Start at Step 1 and work your way down until the error disappears. | | :--- | :--- | | |
It looks like you're encountering a license key issue with in Siemens WinCC (likely TIA Portal). The message "License key not available" typically means the required license is either missing, not activated, or not recognized by the system.
Unlike the hardware-based SIMATIC Comfort Panels (which include basic logging and recipe functionalities in their base price), the PC-based . The basic Runtime license only allows you to run the visualization. If you want to perform historical trending, alarm logging, or data archiving, you must purchase an additional license.