When you buy a program online, you usually receive a license key by email rather than a boxed copy. It is a unique combination of letters and numbers confirming that you have the right to use the program. Activation is not complicated, but each manufacturer handles it a little differently. In this guide you will find the general steps, tips for the most popular programs and solutions to the most common problems.
What you get after purchase
Once the order is paid, we send the license key and VAT invoice by email. In the email you will find:
- The license key or activation code
- The name of the purchased product, the number of devices and the validity period
- Instructions on where to download the program
- VAT invoice
Keep this email. You may need the key when reinstalling the program, changing computers or contacting manufacturer support.
General activation steps
Regardless of the manufacturer, activation usually goes like this:
- Download the program only from the manufacturer's official website or an app store.
- If another antivirus is already installed on the computer, uninstall it before installing the new one.
- Install the program and launch it.
- Choose license activation and enter the key you received. It is easiest to copy it from the email to avoid mistakes.
- If the program asks, sign in to your manufacturer account or create one.
- Check that the application shows the correct license expiry date.
- On other devices, install the app and sign in with the same account.
Activation by manufacturer
The main steps are similar, but account and menu names differ. Below are brief instructions for the most popular products.
Kaspersky
Download the program from the official Kaspersky website or an app store and install it. You can enter the key in the program itself or in your “My Kaspersky” account. From your account it is easy to connect other devices and see how many license seats have already been used.
ESET
Download the ESET app from the official website, or from Google Play for an Android phone. Enter the key in the app or in your ESET HOME account. In your account you will see all protected devices and the license validity.
Norton, McAfee and F-Secure
Products from these manufacturers are activated through an account: sign in to your Norton, McAfee or My F-Secure account and enter the key. Download the program from your account and install it on each device, signed in with the same account.
Microsoft 365 and Office
Microsoft apps require a Microsoft account. Sign in to it on the manufacturer's activation page and enter the key you received – the license will be assigned to your account. Then download and install the apps while signed in with the same account. If you already have a Microsoft 365 subscription, a new key on the same account will extend it.
ABBYY FineReader PDF
Download the program via the link in the email or from the official ABBYY website and install it. When launched, the program will ask you to enter the license key – after activation you can use all features. Business licenses for multiple workstations are installed on the workstations or on a server, depending on the license type.
VPN services
A VPN such as NordVPN is activated in your account: create an account or sign in to an existing one, enter the activation code, then install the app on your devices and sign in with the same account.
What to do if the key doesn't work
Most often the problem is not the key itself. Check the following:
- Whether the key was entered without spaces at the beginning and end, and letters were not confused with numbers, for example O and 0.
- Whether the installed product is exactly the one the key is for.
- Whether the program was downloaded from the manufacturer's official website and not from third-party pages.
- Whether the device is connected to the internet – it is required for activation.
- Whether all license seats are already taken, if you have already activated the key on other devices.
If the key still doesn't work after checking, email us and include your order number. We'll help find the cause.
License activation in a company
When several employees need the software, it's worth planning activation in advance. This saves time and helps avoid a situation where a license stays assigned to the account of an employee who has left.
- Activate licenses in the company account, not in employees' personal accounts.
- Write down which computer or employee each license seat is assigned to.
- When an employee leaves, remove their device from the account and reassign the license seat to someone else.
- Pass the VAT invoice with the company details to your accounting department along with the license details.
How to store a license key safely
The license key is proof of the rights you purchased, so keep it safe and organized:
- Move the email with the key to a separate email folder so you don't have to search for it when needed.
- You can save the key in a password manager together with your manufacturer account login details.
- Do not share your key publicly – a key posted on social media or forums can be used by others.
- Keep a list of licenses in your company: which program, how many seats and when it expires.
Keeping your keys organized saves time when you need to reinstall your operating system or renew a license.
How to renew a license
Before the license expires, the program usually reminds you to renew. After purchasing a new key for the same product, enter it in the program or in your manufacturer account. It is worth renewing in advance so that protection is not interrupted. How the new validity period is added depends on the manufacturer – you will find this information in the program or your account.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer the license to a new computer?
In most cases, yes. Uninstall the program from the old computer or remove it in the manufacturer’s account, then install the program on the new one and activate it with the same key.
Can the key be used on different types of devices?
Most multi-device license keys work on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. However, some products are Windows-only, so check compatibility in the product description before buying.
Is a manufacturer account required?
For many products it is required or recommended. In your account you will see the license validity and protected devices, and you can easily reinstall the program.
Do I need a payment card to activate the license?
Usually not, because the license is already paid for. Some manufacturers' websites may offer to turn on automatic renewal – that is your choice, not a condition of activation. For example, Norton 360 licenses in our shop are sold without automatic renewal, so no card is needed for activation.
I lost the email with my key. What should I do?
If you activated the key in your manufacturer account, you'll usually find it there. If not, write to us with your order details and we'll help you find it.
Conclusion
License activation consists of a few simple steps: download the program from the official website, enter the key and check its validity. Keep the email with the key in a safe place and create a manufacturer account – then transferring or renewing the license will be easy. If you have questions during activation, email us with your order number – we'll help you activate the license purchased in our shop.