How to Deactivate and Move Adobe Software to Another Device
Question details
The user needs to know how to deactivate an Adobe product on one computer to free up the activation slot for installing and using it on a new device.

- Product
- Adobe Software
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Transferring software to a new computer or managing device activation limits for an Adobe subscription.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to successfully deregister the license on their old machine and activate it on a new one without hitting device limit errors.
Ensure that your computer is connected to the internet before attempting to deactivate your Adobe software, as a network connection is required to communicate with Adobe's licensing servers.
Deactivate from within the Adobe Application
The most direct way to deactivate Adobe software is through the Help menu inside the application on the device you no longer wish to use.
This method requires you to still have access to the old computer and that the application is fully installed and able to launch.
Open the Adobe application (such as Acrobat, Photoshop, or Creative Cloud) that you wish to deactivate on your current computer.
Click on 'Help' located in the top application menu bar.
Select 'Sign Out' or 'Deactivate' from the dropdown menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the removal of the license from this device.

Deactivate through your Adobe Account Online
If you no longer have access to the old computer, you can deactivate devices directly from your Adobe account web page.
Looking for a Hassle-Free PDF and Office Suite?
Tired of strict activation limits and expensive subscriptions? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight alternative that includes a powerful PDF editor alongside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint compatible tools. Enjoy seamless editing without restrictive device limits.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install and sign in: Run the installer and sign in to sync your documents across devices easily.
- 3. Edit your documents: Open your PDFs or Office files and start editing without worrying about activation limits.

Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my old computer is broken and I can't deactivate it from the app?
You can log into your Adobe account online via a web browser, navigate to your active devices under your plan, and remotely deactivate the broken computer.
Can I keep Adobe software installed on my old device after deactivation?
Yes, the software can remain installed on your hard drive, but it will immediately prompt for an active subscription or serial number if you try to open it.
How many computers can I activate my Adobe subscription on at once?
Most Adobe subscriptions allow you to install the software on multiple computers, but you can only be signed in and actively using it on up to two devices at a time.




