If you’re permanently uninstalling Adobe software from a computer, then deactivate it first to ensure its license is freed up. In other words, it’s basically a convenience factor to store your SN.ĭeactivation is different from uninstallation. However there is no harm in choosing the second (“permanently”) option, because you can always later reactivate the same product on the same machine by just retyping the license key. But the first (“suspend”) will keep your serial number stored in the Windows registry just in case you ever want to quickly reactivate the same software on the same computer later, without having to reenter it. Deactivate Permanently? The answer is that both will properly deactivate your product on that computer. Note: For CS tools, you may see two choices on the Deactivation screen – if so, then what’s the difference between Suspend Activation vs. If you have a suite edition or Creative Cloud, then deactivating any single application on your machine will deactivate them all.

In the program, click Help > Sign Out (for CS, it’s Help > Deactivate), and then follow the instructions to deactivate the software. So if you’re already at your limit of two computers and want to transfer your license over to a new or different system, then first you should deactivate the software from the old computer. Deactivating Your Old System FirstĪdobe uses software activation to control how many of your computers are able to run their apps like CC and CS6. So right off the bat, you might be good to go with installing the software on a second computer, although you may wish to double-check the licensing agreement for your product to be sure. OK, so your old computer is running out of gas, you’re upgrading or changing systems, adding a new machine, or switching from a PC to a Mac, or vice versa - and you want to move over your copy of Creative Cloud or CS6 (or CS5 or CS4) Adobe software - what do you do, and how do you do it? Just follow our complete guide below, which also works for other Adobe desktop products such as Acrobat, Elements, Lightroom, Captivate, and more.Īs we’ve covered previously here, you are generally allowed to install and activate most Adobe software on up to two computers, with the restriction that the software can not used on both systems at the same time.

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