Eset Antivirus will be changing to Eset Home, Basically the same program, different name.
As king1 Said If you only want the Antivirus, just buy it as new, there is no difference now between new and renewal pricing. if downgrading, you'll have to uninstall what you have currently, then install the AV only. On dealers logins, theres no Downgrade option, only upgrade, BUT Chillisoft ( if you phoned them) will only tell you to buy a new package if you want the cheaper price ($49.98) Other wise the more expensive will also install the lesser Antivirus package, you would just be prompted as to which one you want to install, but why pay more.
As for Requiring your own account, Esets wording in the flyer is"
"ESET has released 'ESET Home' for consumer customers.
All ESET subscriptions must be connected to an ESET Home account with the customer’s email. Accounts must be updated with the customer's e-mail address by 31st August 2024."
Setting up the account is quite painless, just go to the site
https://login.eset.com/login Bottom right Create an account ( if you dont already have one) follow the prompts. You'll need to supply a legit Email Address and confirm you want to add your Computer Via email, and once done there will ne a confirm button open on the Antivirus, click that and away you go.
I've done quite a few lately when renewing or selling new products to customers. Once in there allows you to pick and add, remove, and alter many options.
Their New VPN is actually very good, got that included with the Ultimate Package, But I think you can get it separately if Wanted.
Upgrades = Old bugs replaced with new Bugs.