I am using (TIA Portal V17/V18/V19). When I try to enable WinCC Logging (data logging / archiving) or use the "Runtime Advanced" link to test logging features, I get the error:

: This often happens if the PC or IPC was shut down abruptly without closing the Runtime properly, preventing the license from being released.

If you’ve encountered the error you aren’t alone. This common pop-up appears in Siemens TIA Portal when the software attempts to record historical data—such as alarms or tag logs—without a valid license for the logging option.