Skip to main content
G
Good Old Michael
Participant
August 14, 2026
Answered

I need help with remotely deactivating old devices that are currently using my serial number for CS6 production premium.

  • August 14, 2026
  • 5 replies
  • 18 views

Hi,

I just finished building a new pc, and I want to use my CS6 Production Premium on it.
But, after installing CS6 Production premium, it tells me that the serial number X is already in ue by the maximum of 2 computers.
You need to deactivate another computer within 30 days to use this product.

I do not have access to those computers that are currently using my serial number, so I need help with remotely deactivating those computers using the serial number.

And i was told that asking in here was the way to do it. :).

    Correct answer Jeff_A_Wright

    Thank you for reaching out, ​@Good Old Michael.

     

    I understand how frustrating it can be when you're ready to install CS6 on a new computer but have already reached the activation limit.

     

    Production Premium CS6 can be activated on up to two computers at a time for use by the same licensed user. Since all available activations are currently in use, you'll need to successfully deactivate at least two of the existing activations before you can activate the software on your new computer.

     

    If you still have access to any of the previously activated computers, launch an Adobe application and choose Help > Deactivate (or Sign Out, depending on the application) to free up that activation.

     

    For additional information about activation limits and managing activations for non-subscription Adobe products, please see: Activation limit reached for non-subscription Adobe desktop applications.

     

    If you don’t have access to any of the previous installations of Production Premium, ​@Good Old Michael, then you will need to find a new solution for your creative needs. Remote deactivations are not possible in 2026; the only way to recover an activation is to deactivate a previous copy.

     

    Please update this public discussion thread if you have any additional questions, ​@Good Old Michael.

    5 replies

    G
    Good Old MichaelAuthor
    Participant
    August 14, 2026

    Couldn’t they simply just reset the limit?
    Add a computer to the limit?

    Not gonna lie, I feel a bit scammed here. 

    leo.r
    Community Expert
    leo.rCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 14, 2026

    I don’t think you should feel “scammed”. CS6 is antique software that reached end of life many years ago. ”Simply just reset the limit” is not some kind of a magic incantation. For this, you need to keep complex infrastructure that must be constantly maintained, be upgraded with security fixes, debugged, checked for compatibility with the ever-changing landscape of available computer processors, address user support requests, and that’s just for starters. That’s a lot of effort for a piece of software that’s by now irrelevant.

    With all fairness, you also had your choices. You didn’t have to build a new PC. You could keep using your old hardware to run this old software. In any case, I believe you overall received good value for money over the years of using CS6.

    kglad
    Community Expert
    kgladCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 14, 2026

    no one can bypass the need for a computer with a current activation.  ie, it’s impossible for you to recover an activation.

     

    details, https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install-discussions/activation-limit-reached-for-non-subscription-adobe-desktop-applications/td-p/14804413?linkId=100000305463075 

      G
      Good Old MichaelAuthor
      Participant
      August 14, 2026

      I’m sure it’s not impossible, but simply a choise from Adobe side to not do it, if this is true.

      Jeff_A_Wright
      Community Manager
      Jeff_A_WrightCommunity ManagerCorrect answer
      Community Manager
      August 14, 2026

      Thank you for reaching out, ​@Good Old Michael.

       

      I understand how frustrating it can be when you're ready to install CS6 on a new computer but have already reached the activation limit.

       

      Production Premium CS6 can be activated on up to two computers at a time for use by the same licensed user. Since all available activations are currently in use, you'll need to successfully deactivate at least two of the existing activations before you can activate the software on your new computer.

       

      If you still have access to any of the previously activated computers, launch an Adobe application and choose Help > Deactivate (or Sign Out, depending on the application) to free up that activation.

       

      For additional information about activation limits and managing activations for non-subscription Adobe products, please see: Activation limit reached for non-subscription Adobe desktop applications.

       

      If you don’t have access to any of the previous installations of Production Premium, ​@Good Old Michael, then you will need to find a new solution for your creative needs. Remote deactivations are not possible in 2026; the only way to recover an activation is to deactivate a previous copy.

       

      Please update this public discussion thread if you have any additional questions, ​@Good Old Michael.

      Firefly Community Gallery
      Adobe Firefly

      Remix with Firefly Community Gallery

      Thousands of free creations to fall in love with and remix in Firefly.

      Explore now
      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices