Avast free antivirus expired and it is not possible to activate again.

[REDACTED]

Hello to all.

My avast free antivirus licence just expired. Unfortunately it is not possible to activate it again. I went through the procedure many times all I have got is one offer for Avast Internet Security and then another offer for another suite and that's all. My free licence cannot be reactivated. Does anyone know why? Is there something that can be done?

[schmidthouse]

I believe Avast Free License will renew itself. You are still protected.

[REDACTED]

I'm afraid it will not. Is there a way to upload screenshots here?

[REDACTED]

Here are the screenshots of the procedure to reactivate that have failed:

[REDACTED]

And the last two:

[REDACTED]

UP.

The problem remains despite all efforts to activate the new free licence.

[DavidR]

Support for the free version is through the Forum.

Having looked at your images, it does look like a catch 22.

Image 2:  Whilst the Select your security level doesn't appear to an active button on the left for the 'Avast Free Antivirus' it should work.

Image 3:  Here is where the catch 22 would appear to start - Avast trying to persuade you to try the AIS version - there is no easy way to say no thanks, you are forced to use the X to close the window.

Image 4:  Even if you do use the X to close the previous window, Avast continues to try and get you to try the Free Trial for AIS.  Again no bloody easy way to just say 'No Thanks or bog off.'  Again you are forced to use the X to close the window.

At any point if you use any button related to AIS (even if you back out of it upgrade to or free trial of AIS) I don't know if the activation of the free version sticks.  I have gone through this process on one of my systems not too long ago and I got through by just Closing the window/s using the X close without taking any action and my free version was updated for another year.

Questions:
Did you reboot after trying to activate the free version ?
How many days have passed since your free version expired ?
The protection should still work even if it has expired, is that correct ?

Suggestions:
Use the Control Panel - Programs and Features - Avast Antivirus - Select Uninstall - I think there may be an option there to Activate rather than uninstall.

If there isn't an option You may have to reinstall to get out of this loop.

Considering there is meant to be no requirement to re-register the free version Avast have made a real pigs ear of this laden with confusion and pushing to get you to at the very least try the AIS version.  This push is too damn aggressive and is more likely to push a current user to another AV.

[REDACTED]

Image 2:  Whilst the Select your security level doesn't appear to an active button on the left for the 'Avast Free Antivirus' it should work.


Questions:
Did you reboot after trying to activate the free version ?
How many days have passed since your free version expired ?
The protection should still work even if it has expired, is that correct ?

Suggestions:
Use the Control Panel - Programs and Features - Avast Antivirus - Select Uninstall - I think there may be an option there to Activate rather than uninstall.

If there isn't an option You may have to reinstall to get out of this loop.

Thank you very much for your help. You have understood exactly the problem I am facing!

The free activation option button works. I click on it and the sequence begins. If you notice on Image 3 it is stated "Thank you for activating Avast Free Antivirus" and then there is the offer. However, it has not been activated.

Responses to your three questions:

1) No I did not reboot immediately after any failed attempt to activate the free licence.
2) One day, it expired yesterday 5th of July.
3) The protection works but I cannot update the program becase the respective button is inactive (Image 6).

"Use the Control Panel - Programs and Features - Avast Antivirus - Select Uninstall - I think there may be an option there to Activate rather than uninstall."

Looks like a great idea but it does not work. Please have a look at images 7, 8 and 9.


Continued...

[REDACTED]

Unfortunately nothing seems to work. Please see Image 10.

"If there isn't an option You may have to reinstall to get out of this loop."

I have reinstalled the current version but it cannot be activated.

Is this a Catch 22 situation or what?

"Considering there is meant to be no requirement to re-register the free version Avast have made a real pigs ear of this laden with confusion and pushing to get you to at the very least try the AIS version.  This push is too damn aggressive and is more likely to push a current user to another AV."

I couldn't agree more with that statement.

I am perfectly satisfied with Avast Free Antivirus and with my use of the laptop I do not really need the extra protection. I would not really like to change antivirus but it looks that I might be forced to.

[REDACTED]

the same problem came to me

[DavidR]

@  astyrakaki
It should automatically reactivate 10 after expiry and you should still be protected during this period.

Given you have also reinstalled it, it may well be sooner, but I don't know that for certain.

Why this is so damn complex is beyond me, but I suspect it has more to do with marketing.  This push towards paid options, is more likely to push towards a different AV option.

[REDACTED]

@  astyrakaki
It should automatically reactivate 10 after expiry and you should still be protected during this period.

Given you have also reinstalled it, it may well be sooner, but I don't know that for certain.

Why this is so damn complex is beyond me, but I suspect it has more to do with marketing.  This push towards paid options, is more likely to push towards a different AV option.

"Why this is so damn complex is beyond me, but I suspect it has more to do with marketing.  This push towards paid options, is more likely to push towards a different AV option."

My thoughts EXACTLY. Your statement reflects sound and concrete COMMON SENSE that many, if not most, tutors and practitioners of marketing seem to lack.

Anyway, here's the latest news:

I uninstalled the AV. I also used the Avast Clear tool in safe mode to clean everything up. I installed the Avast Free AV. Now, it is not under my personal account and it says that I have 30 days left to try it. So now I am a new anonymus user. Also, there is an option to activate it.

Well, guess what... I tried it. Result?

The very same procedure. It does not activate, it does not ask for an e-mail address, and the same screens advertising the offer appear.

I could leave it be and see what happens in 30 days from now OR I could enter the details of my Avast account.

Any suggestions?

[bob3160]

You don't need a license for the free version.
See if this helps you with the process: https://youtu.be/qR9jP6mABDo

What operating system are you using

[REDACTED]

You don't need a license for the free version.
See if this helps you with the process: https://youtu.be/qR9jP6mABDo

What operating system are you using

Hello and thanks for the information.

With regard to your first point:

Why is there an ACTIVATE button then? (Image 11).

and

Why a new installation expires in 30 days? (image 12).

I am using Windows 10 Pro.

[DavidR]

You don't need a license for the free version.
<snip>

If only Avast would get a grip and simplify a process that is essentially unnecessary if as they say "registration is not required for Avast Free."

Currently it is just bonkers.