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How to Download Adobe Photoshop Without Buying It Again on Microsoft Store

Natalie TaylorNatalie Taylor Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to reinstall Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Reader without being forced to repurchase the software through the Microsoft Store.

How to Download Adobe Photoshop Without Buying It Again on Microsoft Store
Product
Adobe Photoshop
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
Reinstalling Adobe software on a computer that may also have Microsoft 365, while ensuring an existing software license is properly recognized.
Observed behavior
The Microsoft Store lists the previously purchased Adobe products as requiring a new purchase, ignoring the user's existing Adobe license.
Before you start

Ensure you have the exact email address and password for the Adobe account you originally used to purchase your Photoshop or Adobe subscription.

Solution 1Recommended

Download Photoshop Using Your Existing Adobe Account

Bypass the Microsoft Store and download your software directly from Adobe's official website to utilize your existing active license.

Adobe products operate on their own licensing system tied to an Adobe ID. Even if you use Windows and the Microsoft Store displays the app, your previous purchases made directly through Adobe will not be recognized by the Microsoft Store.

1
Visit the Adobe Website

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Adobe website (adobe.com). Click the 'Sign In' button located in the top right corner.

2
Sign In to Your Account

Enter the email address and password that are associated with your original Adobe Photoshop purchase.

3
Access Your Products

Once logged in, click on your profile icon and navigate to 'Manage Account' or directly open the 'Creative Cloud' web portal to view your active plans.

4
Download the Software

Locate Adobe Photoshop (or Adobe Reader) in your list of licensed products and click the 'Download' button next to it.

5
Install the Application

Run the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation on your computer.

Download Photoshop Using Your Existing Adobe Account
Contacting Adobe Support: If your license is missing from your account dashboard or the installation fails repeatedly, contact Adobe Support directly at helpx.adobe.com/support.html for assistance.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Microsoft Store ask me to pay for Photoshop again?

The Microsoft Store uses your Microsoft account, which is entirely separate from your Adobe account. If you bought Photoshop directly from Adobe, the Microsoft Store cannot verify that license. You must download the software directly from Adobe's website to use your existing purchase.

Can I download Adobe Reader for free without an account?

Yes, Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free program. You can download it directly from the official Adobe website without needing to purchase anything from the Microsoft Store or strictly requiring a paid account.

What should I do if my Adobe license is missing from my account?

First, ensure you are signing in with the exact email address used for the original purchase. Many users accidentally create multiple accounts. If you still cannot find your license, contact Adobe Support to recover your purchase history.

Does having Microsoft 365 installed affect my Adobe installations?

No, Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud operate independently. Having Microsoft Office applications installed on your computer does not conflict with or prevent you from downloading and installing Adobe applications via your Adobe account.