Activate Bitdefender’s Free Antivirus?
Towards the end of May of 2021, the free version of Bitdefender’s Antivirus app for Windows started showing this message.
While it seems like you should simply be able to sign in to Bitdefender to continue using this free product, this is not the the whole story. The only part that works flawlessly is View offer, on the bottom right…
What is the best thing to do now?
As someone who loves Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition, I wish I could give you reliable steps to follow, to keep Bitdefender going… But, I could not find a workaround that does not involve upgrading your free product. I recommend moving on from Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition.
I you need a written procedure to uninstall software, then uninstall Bitdefender from your Windows computer may be rather disappointing for you. It does not cover uninstalling Bitdefender’s Free Antivirus Edition. It is almost as if Bitdefender does not want to support people who installed their free software in the first place.
However, the procedure (for both Windows 7 & 10) is as simple as explained below.
Uninstall your Bitdefender Antivirus
- Click on Start and just start typing Control Panel, then pick the Control Panel app.
- Click Uninstall a program or Programs and Features, depending on which view you have.
- Select Bitdefender Antivirus Free, then click the Uninstall button at the top of the list.
- Follow the necessary steps to uninstall Bitdefender from your computer…
- Return to the list of installed software, and also uninstall the Bitdefender Agent from your computer!
- Once both uninstall processes have completed, reboot your system.
Install ClamWin Free Antivirus
Obviously, you dare not operate a Windows computer without antivirus protection. That is why I would urge you to install ClamWin Free Antivirus — it is a free and open-source antivirus product for Windows.
If you are unfamiliar with open-source software, below is a blurb about the open source way.
Transparency. Whether we’re developing software or solving a business problem, we all have access to the information and materials necessary for doing our best work. And when these materials are accessible, we can build upon each other’s ideas and discoveries. We can make more effective decisions and understand how decisions affect us.
principles of the open source way
Collaboration. When we’re free to participate, we can enhance each other’s work in unanticipated ways. When we can modify what others have shared, we unlock new possibilities. By initiating new projects together, we can solve problems that no one can solve alone. And when we implement open standards, we enable others to contribute in the future.
Release early and often. Rapid prototypes can lead to rapid discoveries. An iterative approach leads to better solutions faster. When you’re free to experiment, you can look at problems in new ways and seek answers in new places. You can learn by doing.
Inclusive meritocracy. Good ideas can come from anywhere, and the best ideas should win. Only by including diverse perspectives in our conversations can we be certain we’ve identified the best ideas, and decision-makers continually seek those perspectives. We may not operate by consensus, but successful work determines which projects gather support and effort from the community.
Community. Communities form when different people unite around a common purpose. Shared values guide decision making, and community goals supersede individual interests and agendas.