From APK to AAB

I have an app that I uploaded as an *.apk forever and a day ago. I'd like to upload a new app and in order to do that, it has to be an *.aab. But when I tried to do that, I got this error message:

You uploaded an APK or Android App Bundle that is signed with a key that is also used to sign APKs that are delivered to users. Because you are enrolled in Play App Signing, you should sign your APK or Android App Bundle with a new key before you upload it.

So, I went back to my original app and tried to upload a new *.aab version and got this error message:

To upload an Android App Bundle you must be enrolled in Play App Signing.

At which point, I'm flailing. I can't find instructions that makes sense. I am lost.

I would like to keep updating my original app for my users.

No.

See also here: