I received a license key via email and have tried to insert it as instructed. Message says key installed successfully and attempts to upgrade. Message then says already updated and stays free version. Help please.
hello, the best way to sort this out is to download program from avast http://www.avast.com/download-software ( pro or internet security), uninstall your free version, reboot then install new version, insert license file in the maintainance/registration tab… 
yeah, this ability to insert a license file in the “free” version is a bit weird. I don’t know what’s the expected behavior, as obviously some components are not installed and I don’t think there’s an automatic upgrade of the program after this.