Knowledgebase

Licensing FAQ (Home Users)

ESET Licensing: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I purchase a license for my ESET security product?
    
2. How many licenses do I need to purchase?
   
3. What is a 3-computer pack?


4. Do I need to purchase a license for ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus if I would like to use both? 
    
5. How many licenses do I need if I use a dual-boot computer with two separate operating systems (e.g. Windows 7 and Windows XP)?
    
6. If I am using dual-boot software such as Mac Boot Camp, do I need separate licenses for my Mac operating system and for my Windows operating system?
    
7. I have multiple operating systems running simultaneously using a program such as VMWare, Citrix or Parallels, how many licenses do I need?
    
8. How do I renew my license for my ESET security product?
    
9. I just renewed with the same username and password, but my old expiration date is still displayed in the program. What's wrong?
    
10. I bought a new computer/I re-formatted my current computer/I lost my ESET security software. Do I need to purchase another license?
     
11. I already downloaded the 32-bit version, but my computer requires the 64-bit version. Can I re-download the software?
     
12. If I already installed the wrong product or version, what should I do?
     
13. What if I want to add, subtract or combine my previous license(s) before renewing?
     
14. Can I extend my license before the expiration date?
     

1. How do I purchase a license for my ESET security product? 
   
   • Click here to visit the purchase page



2. How many licenses do I need to purchase?

A single license will protect one operating system. If multiple people in your household use a computer with a single operating system (e.g. Windows 7), you will need a "1 PC" license. If you require protection for more than one computer, you will need to purchase an additional license for each desktop computer, laptop or netbook. For dual-boot systems, please see question 4.

3. What is a 3-computer pack?
   A 3-computer pack includes 1 year of antivirus protection for up to 3 separate computers. 
    
If, during activation,  you receive an error message (such as "Activation failed") , it is likely because you already activated your key when you installed on the first computer. After activating you should have received a username and password which should be used to activate all subsequent installations and reinstallations on all computers.


NOTE:

When installing and activating on your second and third machines, follow the steps below:
 

1. Insert your CD into the second machine to begin your second installation.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install your product.
3. When you reach the Product Activation window, be sure to select Activate using Username and Password and complete the installation using your ESET-issued username and password.
   
   • Can't find your credentials? Click here to visit the Lost License page.
    
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for your third installation.
4. Do I need to purchase a license for ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus if I would like to use both?
  
ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus should never be installed on the same system. If you require a personal firewall and antispam functionality in addition to the scanning and real-time protection of ESET NOD32 Antivirus, then you should purchase and install ESET Smart Security. 


NOTE:

If you purchase a license for ESET Smart Security, you may use that license to download/install ESET NOD32 Antivirus. However, purchasing a license for ESET NOD32 Antivirus does not allow you to download/install ESET Smart Security.



5. How many licenses do I need if I use a dual-boot computer with two separate operating systems (e.g. Windows 7 and Windows XP)?

You only need one (1) license, as you cannot use both operating systems simultaneously.

6. I am using dual-boot software such as Mac Boot Camp, do I need separate licenses for my Mac operating system and for my Windows operating system?

North American customers: Yes, you will need to purchase ESET Cybersecurity for Mac and an ESET security product for Windows. 
International customers: No, you do not need to purchase ESET Cybersecurity for Mac and an ESET security product for Windows. You can extend the protection of your ESET security product to a parallel operating system on the same computer. 
To purchase additional licenses, click here to visit the purchase page

7. I have multiple operating systems running simultaneously using virtual machine software such as VMWare, Citrix or Parallels. How many licenses do I need?

In situations where the operating systems are running simultaneously, one license per virtual machine is required.

8. How do I renew my license for my ESET security product?

To renew your license, please visit our Renewals page. For detailed instructions on renewing, and to make sure you are eligible for renewal pricing, click here. 

9. I just renewed with the same username and password, but my old expiration date is still displayed in the program.  What's wrong?

In some cases, users may experience a brief delay before the expiration date is updated and program updates are downloaded. Your virus protection will remain active and your computer will be secure during this time. If you renew before your expiration date, your new expiration date will not take effect until your original expiration date passes. 

10. I bought a new computer/re-formatted my current computer/lost my ESET security software. Do I need to purchase another license?

No, your license allows you to download our software as many times as necessary. Visit our download page to download your ESET security product again.


NOTE:

Your username and password can be found in the original email we sent when you purchased your ESET product. Click here if you would like us to re-send your username and password.



11. I already downloaded the 32-bit version, but my computer requires the 64-bit version. Can I re-download the software?

Yes, you can download our software as many times as necessary. Click here to determine which version your computer requires. Then, visit our download page to download the correct version of your ESET security product.

12. If I already installed the wrong product or version, what should I do? 
    

You will need to uninstall the incorrect product or version and then reinstall the correct product or version. For step-by-step instructions, please see the following Knowledgebase article:

• How do I uninstall or reinstall ESET Smart Security/ESET NOD32 Antivirus ? (5.x)

 

13. What if I want to add, subtract or combine my previous license(s) before renewing?

Our Sales Support team will be happy to assist you. License modifications are allowed within 30 days of your initial purchase or within 60 days of your renewal period. Please use our contact page for further assistance. 

14. Can I extend my license before the expiration date?

ESET does not currently offer a license extension program. You may renew up to 90 days before your license expires, and 60 days after your license expires. If you do decide to renew before your expiration date, your new expiration will not take effect until your original expiration date passes.