Many software companies offer a try-before-you-buy option to allow potential customers time to evaluate whether they like the product enough to buy it. Kaspersky provides a 30-day trial to home PC users of its Anti-Virus, Internet Security and Pure Total Security software. For users of Windows XP and above who need more time to decide, you'll be able to extend your trial period another 30 days until you're ready to make a decision on whether Kaspersky's product is right for you.

Click the "Start" button at the bottom left corner of your computer screen. Successfully resetting your trial after it ends depends on which edition of Windows you're using.

Select "Settings," then "Control Panel" and "System" if you're using the classic "Start" menu. If you're using the modern "Start" menu, click "Control Panel," then "Performance or System and Maintenance" and "System."

  • Many software companies offer a try-before-you-buy option to allow potential customers time to evaluate whether they like the product enough to buy it.
  • Select "Settings," then "Control Panel" and "System" if you're using the classic "Start" menu.

Take note of your Windows edition and the last 2 digits after the "x" in your computer name. XP users can find the computer name underneath where it says "Registered to."

Disconnect from the Internet and open your Kaspersky security program. Click the "License" link at the bottom, delete the expired license and click "Close."

  • Take note of your Windows edition and the last 2 digits after the "x" in your computer name.
  • Click the "License" link at the bottom, delete the expired license and click "Close."

Click "Settings" in the top right corner, then "Self-Defense" in the left column. Uncheck "Enable Self-Defense" on the right. Depending on which Kaspersky product you're using, you may have to click the "Advance Settings" tab first to see the Self-Defense options. Click "Apply" and "OK."

Close the Kaspersky window, right-click the Kaspersky icon in the system tray at the bottom right of the screen and click "Exit."

  • Close the Kaspersky window, right-click the Kaspersky icon in the system tray at the bottom right of the screen and click "Exit."

Click the "Start" button at the bottom left corner of your computer screen and click "Run." Type "regedit" in the "Open" field and click "OK."

Follow this path if the last 2 digits in your computer name are 86:


              Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\KasperskyLab\protected\AVP11\environment
            

Follow this path if the last 2 digits in your computer name are 64:


              Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\KasperskyLab\protected\AVP11\environment
            

Double-click "PCID" on the right-hand side under "Name" and a small window will appear. In the "Value Data" field, replace the last four characters before the curly bracket with any combination of all caps alphanumeric characters and click "OK."

Close the Registry Editor window and reconnect to the Internet.

Open Kaspersky and select the "Activate trial version" button. Click "Next." Once activation has completed successfully, click "Finish."

Double-click the Kaspersky icon in the system tray to open the main window and you'll see 30 days remaining on your license. Follow the previous steps to re-enable Self-Defense.

WARNING

Beware of using trial resetter programs or activating key files found online. Many of them are malware and contain viruses or can disable the usage and protection of Kaspersky software, which leaves your computer unsecure and vulnerable to threats.