Registration earned me a license key, but the prompt asks for an activation code

[JayMC]

 

I've spent some time on this, looked in all the FAQs. I'd like to switch from the paid subscription to the free version. My license expires within 24 hours, so I'd prefer to get it squared away quickly.

I've updated Avast, and restarted. There was no activation code mailed to me, but a license key, which seems to be formatted differently. I don't have any prompt or menu on my version to enter a license key. It's slightly agonizing that something that ought to be so simple is this problematic. So, if anyone has any wisdom or help they can share, it would be tremendously appreciated.

Thank you!

[Theo Peterbroers]

Hi JayMC,

Can you ignore the prompt, and just start avast? Under maintenance > subscription (I suppose it's called that, I have a Dutch language version of AIS) there are two buttons. One for the license file, one for the activation code.

[JayMC]

Correct, I have only those buttons. But in the pictorial walkthroughs, they all have these extra buttons that I simply do not.
Ignoring anything isn't really the issue, I registered to receive something that there is no button for in my current version.

Hmm.

[JayMC]

No one has any wisdom to offer on this?

Would uninstalling and reinstalling the program correct this?

[DavidR]

As far as I'm aware you can't just switch/downgrade and enter the free registration key. You have to do a clean install of the free version then it can be registered from the avastUI, Maintenance, Registration section.

Edit: typo

[JayMC]

How irritating.
Thanks for the confirmation, I appreciate it! 

[DavidR]

You're welcome.