Hello,
I got info that my free licence is about to expire. However, when I try to renew it, I am not able to finish the process.
After clicking the Renew button, I get the choose from free version or the paid version. I choose the Free one.
Then I get a message with “Thank you for activation Avast Free antivirus” and then that I am using Free version for XXX days and get an discount for the paid version. The only button on screen is “Continue with upgrade” to activate the Paid version. The only other option is to close the window by ALT+F4. But the licence stays the same, is not renewed.
Anybody encountered the same problem? How can I solve this problem?
I am using version 18.8.2356, as I have to keep Windows XP on the computer
Thank you for any advice.
There isn’t a graceful way to exit (like no thanks, etc), just use the X Top Right of the window to close it.
This is very much deliberate by design, to drive sales. I think it’s high time Avast re-evaluates the use of dark patterns like this.
An antivirus shouldn’t have these kinds of similarities with malware. It erodes trust.
The problem is, there is no X in the top right corner 
I would expect it to be there, it was there in the past, but not anymore.
There is not event the “Avast free antivirus” text or the minimize button I see on your picture. Seems it is somehow broken on my machine
It’s there in my second image, or is the problem with the initial popup, in my first image ?
I took that only a few days ago.
Is your image the same, excluding the problem you mentioned ?
You could also use the old Windows action with the Ctrl + F4 keys together, closes the active tab.
I have the same problem too, after click on the free antivirus choice button, then bring me the screen of premium Security screen with two options, continue upgrade at the middle, and the close X at top right corner. when I click on the close screen, return to main control screen, the license still not renew.
The first screen is different, but with the same options - visible Upgrade and less visible Stay on free version (however, also no X to close the window)
The second screen is the same as yours, “only” without the options on the top of the screen.
I can use the ALT+F4 to close the window, but the licence is still not renewed after that.
That is strange, what Avast program version and build number are you using ?
Mine isn’t the very latest as you can see in my signature below my posts.
Are you getting any other issues like this in the Avast UI, settings screens ?
If so - You could try an Avast Repair. From the windows programs and features, Select Avast and from the options select Uninstall, that should give the option to Repair. Once complete do a system restart.
Have tried the repair procedure and reboot, but the problem still the same. I am using 18.4.2348(Build18.4.3895.327), I can see my activation code, is there somewhere I can copy and paste the code to renew my free license?
The newest version of Avast is 23.2.6053 released on March 7th, 2023
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=322940.msg1701574#msg1701574
You’re using a very old version.
You may need to do a clean install. See my signature for instructions.
Well that explains a lot, as not only are you seeing there is no X, the complete UI renewal would be different as this one is relatively new.
Even the last Avast version that supported supported even Windows XP was 18.8.xxxx - https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=220639.0 - is later than yours.
So this now begs the question what Operating System are you using ?
I am also having the same problem. my details are as follows
You don’t appear to have the same problem !
You do have the means to close the window, avoiding clicking Continue With Upgrade button.
Also in your first image it is saying Connection not established, so I don’t know if this has anything to do with your problem.
Your 4th image isn’t relevant as it refers to Avast Version 7 or older, so you couldn’t use that.
With such an old version of Avast much has changed. Is these a particular reason with continuing with an Avast version over 5 years old ?
I confirm that the subscription renewal for 18.8 does not work.
Probably the servers are not working as expected and the developers are bullying users with ads for the paid version.
A month ago, the only way to renew your subscription was to reinstall avast. Now there is no subscription renewal, only a trial period for a month.
If there is no desire to support the activation of older versions, it was possible to make an indefinite serial number, as previously practiced. But why do this low mockery - it’s not solid.