License & Subscription Issues

How to Transfer Acrobat Pro 2017 to a New Computer & Activate Offline

Chanuka GeekiyanageChanuka Geekiyanage Oct 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to understand how to perform an offline activation, transfer an existing software license to a newly upgraded computer, and manage installations across multiple devices.

How to Transfer Acrobat Pro 2017 to a New Computer & Activate Offline
Product
Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Upgrading to a replacement computer and needing to transfer the PDF software license, including handling offline activation and managing multiple-computer usage rules.
Observed behavior
The user requires step-by-step guidance on properly deactivating the software on an old machine, reinstalling it on a new one, and navigating the offline activation procedures.
Before you start

Ensure you have your 24-digit Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 serial number ready and verify your current internet connectivity before starting the license transfer process.

Solution 1Recommended

Deactivate and Transfer Acrobat Pro 2017 to a New PC

Use this recommended procedure to safely remove your license from an old computer and activate it on a replacement machine.

Before installing the software on your new computer, you must first deactivate the license on your old computer. This ensures you do not exceed your licensed activation limits.

1
Deactivate on the old computer

Open Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 on your old machine. Click on the 'Help' menu at the top of the application window and select 'Sign Out' or 'Deactivate'. Follow the prompts to release the license.

2
Install on the replacement PC

On your new computer, insert your installation media or download the Acrobat Pro 2017 installer. Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

3
Activate the new installation

Launch Acrobat on the new computer. When prompted, sign in with your Adobe ID and enter your serial number to activate the software.

Deactivate and Transfer Acrobat Pro 2017 to a New PC
Transfer Complete: By properly deactivating the old machine first, your new installation will activate without triggering a 'maximum activations reached' error.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Acrobat Pro 2017 on multiple computers?

Yes, standard Adobe license agreements generally allow you to install and activate Acrobat Pro 2017 on up to two computers (such as a primary desktop and a secondary laptop), provided that the software is not used on both machines at the same time.

Is it possible to install Adobe Acrobat on a removable operating-system drive?

No, installing Adobe Acrobat on a removable flash drive or an external hard drive containing an operating system is not supported and can cause licensing errors or severe performance issues.

What should I do if my old computer is broken and I can't deactivate Acrobat?

If you cannot access the old computer to manually deactivate the software via the Help menu, you can usually manage your active devices by signing into your Adobe account online, or you can contact Adobe Customer Care to remotely reset your active licenses.