[KB103] ESET Windows home products activation and registration FAQ

Solution

Are you a Mac user?

  1. I have a 3-computer subscription and receive an error during activation–what do I do?
    If you receive an error message (for example, "Activation failed") during activation, it is likely because you already used a retail code when you installed your first computer. After activating your first computer with a retail code, you should receive an email from ESET with your Activation Key, which should then be used to activate your remaining computers (reinstallations of ESET also require that you use your Activation Key).

    For instructions to install and activate on your second and third machines, see Register and install ESET Multi-Device Security.

  2. How do I activate my ESET product?
    If you purchased your ESET product from a third-party vendor, you must activate the software to receive a valid Activation Key.

  3. Do I need to activate my ESET product?
    If you received an Activation Key from ESET, you do not need to register your retail code or subscription key again. Ensure you enter your Activation Key into your ESET product. Without a properly entered Activation Key, you will not be able to receive the detection engine updates that are critical for maximum protection.

  4. What password should I use when completing the online form?
    You make up the password for the activation form, which is unrelated to any ESET Username and Password you receive via email.

  5. I received an error message telling me the serial number or Activation Key I entered was incorrect.

    • Ensure you type the retail code/Activation Key exactly as it appears
    • Your serial number/activation key is case-sensitive, and any hyphens are necessary. A big "0" is the number zero (0), a little "o" is the lowercase letter o

  6. How do I know if I have successfully completed the activation process?