How To Update Last Year's Security Software To This Year's

Martin Brinkmann
Sep 30, 2010
Updated • Aug 12, 2018
Security
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Many security software companies, like Kaspersky, Symantec or Bitdefender, release new products ever year.

The updated programs often come with additional security features, improved threat detection, engine updates, resource usage improvements and other features that make them more powerful when compared to the previous version.

If you have used a certain version of a security product for some time, you may continue to use it even after a more recent version of the product has been released.

Some companies provide automatic updates from last year's version to the current year's version while others won't update products automatically or only after a while.

Some customers believe that they would have to purchase a new license to use the new version of a security software, say continue using the 2017 version of Kaspersky or Bitdefender even though the 2018 updates have been released by the companies.

What many users don't know is that it is quite possible to update from last year's security software to the current year's release without additional costs. The only requirement is a valid license of the security software.

Lets exemplify the process: To update Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 to Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 a user would do the following.

  • Download the latest product version of the security software from the Kaspersky website which is the latest version of the software.
  • Install the product after the download. You can uninstall the old product but need to make sure that you have the product key as you may need to enter it again to activate the new version.
  • Reboot the PC to complete the installation.

Kaspersky automatically detects that last year's version was installed, and will take over the license. Licenses usually run for 365 days which means that customers can use the new version of the software for the remaining period without additional costs.

The same updating option is provided by software from other security software companies. It is for instance possible to update Norton Antivirus, Bitdefender, Avira, and other products to the newest version provided that you license is still valid and not expired.

Below are download links of the latest versions of popular security suites and programs:

  • Bitdefender: Antivirus Pro, Internet Security, TOTAL Security
  • Kaspersky: Kaspersky PURE, Kaspersky Internet Security, Kaspersky Anti-Virus
  • Symantec: # Norton 360, Norton Internet Security, Norton AntiVirus
  • Eset: ESET Smart Security, ESET NOD32 Antivirus
  • Avast: avast! Pro Antivirus, avast! Internet Security
  • AVG: AVG Internet Security, AVG Anti-Virus
  • Avira: Avira AntiVir Premium, Avira Premium Security Suite, Avira AntiVir Professional
  • Panda: Panda Global Protection, Panda Internet Security, Panda Antivirus Pro

Please note that we have not tested updating all software programs listed above. It is however very likely that updates to newer versions are supported by all of them considering that this increases the likelihood of the customer staying with the company for another year once the license runs out. If you are not sure, contact your company to get an official response before updating the software.

Summary
Article Name
How To Update Last Year's Security Software To This Year's
Description
The guide explains how you can update your antivirus solution to the new version the developer released for the coming year.
Author
Publisher
Ghacks Technology News
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Comments

  1. Erik said on October 2, 2010 at 7:27 am
    Reply

    Uninstalling the previous version of the software is a good valid idea IF you are not upgrading to the latest years version from your current valid key. Most AV/IS providers suggest you use special uninstall utilities that they provide to ensure the product is actually fully completely out of your system, off your drive, registry, etc.

    If you look at this page, they are saying that you can update your software for free IF you have a valid registration serial number. You will NOT be able to enter a valid registration code into a NEWER version of the software as it will be looking for a key compliant with the version. ;) Upgrading in this case is your only choice. You can always use Piriform CCleaner ( http://www.piriform.com ) to uninstall any invalid entries after you’ve upgraded, updated the definitions then rebooted.

    As for the freeware… While it may be relatively useful, you will not have the same quality as a company like Kaspersky as those companies do not have the resources to pay for quality security experts and programmers to be able to keep up with the current malware trends. I have to commend those companies on their efforts, but the bottom line is; if you are online and do anything more than checking your email and reading MSN news… You should spend the few dollars to protect yourself. Pay now, or pay later (a technician to do a proper job of writing zero’s to your hard drive and re-installing your OS)… Paying now is alway cheaper – mind you, the paying later customers have always kept me in business. ;)

  2. Will said on October 1, 2010 at 4:04 am
    Reply

    Personally I’d remove them all and install Microsoft Security Essentials along with Spybot Search & Destroy and Spyware Blaster.

    All kickass freeware!

  3. ilev said on September 30, 2010 at 8:05 pm
    Reply

    Wrong. It is highly recommended to uninstall previous security package completely using the vendor’s uninstall tool, and install the new security package.

    1. Ruchir Bansal said on September 30, 2010 at 9:25 pm
      Reply

      I have updated KIS 2010 from 2009 without problems.If the security company says it is better to uninstall and fresh install.Otherwise AVs are very intelligent and should not trouble you.Uninstall tool is to uninstall completely and safely.Uninstallation may remove your license if purchased one,otherwise just make changes.
      In any case,one is depending on the same company and by definition uninstallation by any means even by same AV or IS is dangerous.You now will carry two risks,complete system failure by uninstalling since it will need a reboot and installing an AV in an already installed firewall or another Anti-malaware aleady installed situation which can create havoc.
      I think Martin is as always perfectly logically and also since he must have tested it all stated above and nothing like Practical knowledge.At the most smaller ones like Antium AVL or The hacker or ClamAV can give you problems on software updations since they are comical things anyway.

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