Why is Avast Free Antivirus forcing me to upgrade to paid?

[bob3160]

"Did you watch the video which points out the pitfalls?"

I did watch your video. The product I am using is Avast Free Antivirus.
Clicking Activate or Reactivate does not renew the license even after closing subsequent screens.
Unlike your video. You may be using an earlier version. I am on 18.8.2356

I'm actually using a much newer free version but, I'm also using Windows 10 v1903.
It still doesn't change the fact that when you select trial, it isn't free and supplying your credit card never means you're getting something free.
David uses Windows XP so he know the earlier version of Avast.

[Asyn]

I wish someone from Avast would help.

The devs will be back on Monday...

[rocksteady]

I am also using 18.8 on old WinXP laptop. The key thing to keep to free version is to click "No Thankyou" to all trials offered. I think you have said you did that, but then ended up with no reactivation.
I wonder if it would be worth a repair or complete uninstall (using the right uninstaller for that version) and then reinstallation of 18.8.
I believe that is what I had to do on one occassion, but don't think my reason was particularly to renew free licence.

[MartinZ]

This looks that you can't contact our licensing server. Have you please tried to restart PC?

[vbem]

Rather than starting a new post and then, get the same unhelpful answers in a NEW posting, I posted here as a reply to say that this is still happening in 2023.  Every day for the past month, I have been "offered" the "FREE" version option or the "upgrade" option AND, I select "Free" every time as usual.  But then, another window comes up with the "Upgrade" option ONLY and, there is NO button to click in this window or the next that says: "No Thanks".  AND, no close button on either of the windows or, when I "right click" it in the task bar so, it blocks my screen until I close the window with my keyboard strokes"  "alt + F4"  What's that about?
Anyhow, today is the last day to renew so, what's gonna happen now?  I have been using Avast for years.  Will I then have to download AVG?

Screen shots included:
The screen with the "choice" of selecting the Free version OR the Upgrade but, with no close button or option for "NO THANKS" as someone posted here earlier.
Screen shot after I select "FREE", and an upgrade screen comes up...also with no close button or option for "NO THANKS".
Screen shot as I follow that option to see if I can opt out there and there is no option for that.  Every day for about a month, this has been going on.
 
I have Windows XP so, this is the last version I can download of the free.  The version on my XP is 18.8.2356 (build 18.8.4084.409)