Regain Adobe Photoshop Elements license after migration to new Mac

Question

Regain Adobe Photoshop Elements license after migration to new Mac

I migrated to new Mac with the help of regular Mac software. Next, I reformatted the two year old machine.

Now, my Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 displays an error message saying that I need to deactivate the license on the other computer - and that is natuarally not possible.

Adobe support cannot assist since it is a Element license and not one of their more costly subscriptions. This is naturally not a fullfilling response and hard to believe that there are no other ways to fix this issue.

Anyone here who as exoerienced the same and found a solution?

MacBook Air (M3, 2024)

Posted on Jul 31, 2024 1:54 AM

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Answer 1

Kurt Lang

Level 9

62,010 points

Jul 31, 2024 7:40 AM in response to Christian Sømme

I don't know if you can control PSE this way, but it can't hurt to look.

a) Login to your Adobe account.

b) Click on the blue icon at the top right and choose Manage account

c) Along the top, choose Plans and payments > Activated devices

d) Deactivate any listed.

Now try activating PSE on your new Mac.

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Answer 2

Kurt Lang

Level 9

62,010 points

Jul 31, 2024 8:59 AM in response to Christian Sømme

Yeah, I wasn't sure if that would work for a perpetual license. I thought it might because you can do that with both the subscription and perpetual licenses for MS Office.

The only way around it then that I can think of is - if you still have access to the older Mac - reinstall it there, deactivate PSE, and then uninstall.

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Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

124,751 points

Jul 31, 2024 8:08 AM in response to Christian Sømme

You're welcome.

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Answer 4

dialabrain

Level 10

124,751 points

Jul 31, 2024 4:08 AM in response to Christian Sømme

I'm not sure I understand. Unless Elements 2021 was different, I have Elements 2024 installed on three different Macs with the same license. Perhaps there is a compatibility issue and you need to upgrade your version.

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Answer 5

Jul 31, 2024 7:21 AM in response to dialabrain

Thanks for helping out.

After the migration, the error message says that the license is installed on a too high number of computers. So, it was okay before doing a standard migration with Apple tools, but is not anymore.

Adobe confirms that one must uninstall on the old computer…. which is formatted and in use by someone else. It is strange that Adobe did not make a support option for its support crew. I was hoping that someone has experienced this and found a solution since Adobe hasn’t.

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Answer 6

dialabrain

Level 10

124,751 points

Jul 31, 2024 7:29 AM in response to Christian Sømme

Well, I do know just being installed on two computers isn't the problem. It sounds like the copy you have has been installed on multiple computers. If Adobe doesn't have a solution, my guess is your only option is to purchase a new updated version.

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Answer 7

dialabrain

Level 10

124,751 points

Jul 31, 2024 7:48 AM in response to Kurt Lang

I learned something…

Activated devices

You can install Adobe applications on more than one computer, activate them (sign in) on two, but use them on only one computer at a time. To activate apps on a third machine, you’ll need to deactivate (sign out) on one of the two current computers first.

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Answer 8

Jul 31, 2024 8:01 AM in response to dialabrain

Thanks! Yes, Adobe support suggested signing out of computers that are reset and not in my ownership anymore.

I was hoping for other solutions. Bying a new license is of course always an opportunity, and I habe a feeling that this is what the intention behind all this.

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Answer 9

Jul 31, 2024 8:31 AM in response to Kurt Lang

Thank you, Kurt!

I tried that, but the option is only available for subscription licenses. Elements is a one time payment!

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Answer 10

Jul 31, 2024 12:02 PM in response to Kurt Lang

Thanks, maybe that will work! I gave my old machine to my son

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