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Participating Frequently
Apr 10, 2025 5:22 PM UTC
Question

Master Collection CS6 Max License Issue

I am one of the few remaining CS6 users.  Adobe has finally had enough of us CS6 users

 

Don't re-install, deactivate (with the attempts to reinstall) Master Collection CS6.  I was having an issue with exporting to H.264 after years of being able to do so without issue.  After searching the Forums, it was suggested to re-install.  I pulled out the CD's (remember those?), ran the installation, entered the serial number and off it went.  When launching one of the programs, I was presented with a dialog box that stated that I have exceeded the maximum computers for my license.  I selected the close button and was able to use the application.  I then did a Master Collection Update thinking that it might pick up that the machine it was installed (Mac address) would be recognised - nope.  After the update, I was now presented with a 27-day application stop due to the multiple computer installations.

 

Again, search these Forums.  The suggestion was to call.

 

I called.  Apparently, my license was installed on 4 or 5 computers.  This is untrue.  It is on 2.  But, 4 or 5 means that they don't know how many as it was not a specific number.  I was then told that the servers were gone and there was no way to make changes to allow me to have my rightfully valid license on my computer.  I was also informed not to deactivate my other license on my secondary computer as it would not allow me to reinstall on my intended computer.

 

But I was in luck!  They could sell me the latest and greatest package.

 

Moral of the story - Adobe is using the call home feature to force people to upgrade to the SAAS products.  The life-time license is no longer valid.

 

It is too bad that customers are treated like this.

 

19 replies

Participant
Nov 8, 2026 4:44 PM UTC

I do not think this is legal and it stands in contradiction to EU Courts rulling. I am facing similar situation, and facing similar situation I am looking for legal possibilities. No software bought in EU with perpetual license should be limited in any way to use or to resell. 

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kglad
Community Expert
Community Expert
Nov 8, 2026 11:11 PM UTC

​@jazzart 

 

what limitation do you think might be illegal?

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Participant
Nov 8, 2026 11:46 PM UTC

I am effectively stopped for using my Master Collection CS6 software. I have bought it, I have claimed technical issue with activation and Adobe Support failed to give me back my license within 30 days with still active support ticket pending any solution. I am running a software that greats me with pop up that I should pay for license I have already paid. What is more interesting, is that binding perpetual license to a user without possibility of selling it to another user has been already tried by EU court and found to be illegal. 

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Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Community Expert
Apr 11, 2025 8:51 PM UTC

I question why anyone would attempt to use 13-year-old software on a modern computer and NOT expect problems.

  • CS6 has been unsupported for more 10+ years.
  • It's way beyond its 3-5 year shelf-life.  
  • The longer you continue to use unsupported software, the closer you come to sudden failures.  It's just a matter of time until the wheels come off. 

I would argue that this is not an Adobe problem as much as unrealistic customer expectations.

 

Modern Creative Cloud apps work on these systems:

  • Windows 11 (64-bit) versions 24H2, 23H2; Windows 10 versions 22H2, 21H2;
  • MacOS 15 (Sequoia), 14.7 (Sonoma), 13.6.7 (Ventura).

- https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/system-requirements.html


Photoshop Elements or Premiere Elements (3 year license, no subscription needed).
https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

Creative Cloud Photography Plan (Annual & Monthly plans available)
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

Creative Cloud Bundles & Single App Plans for mobile, web & desktops
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

 

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Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Participating Frequently
Apr 11, 2025 9:20 PM UTC

Well @Nancy OShea , I did not expect problems because I was re-installing the Suite on the machine that it had previously been running on for years without issue.  I re-installed based on Adobe Forums like this that suggested that I re-install.  In hindsight, I should have just exported to MOV then to H.265 which was my original workaround for the issue. 

 

I use the Adobe Master Suite CS6 for volunteer work with my church and the local hockey teams.  I never needed anything more than CS6.  But thank you for your input on how stupid you think I am.

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kglad
Community Expert
Community Expert
Apr 11, 2025 9:30 PM UTC

@rbrennan55 

 

what problem are you having?

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kglad
Community Expert
Community Expert
Apr 10, 2025 6:01 PM UTC

you can still deactivate cs6, but you have to use a computer that has an activation and that meets adobe's security standards.

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Jeffrey_A_Wright
Legend
Apr 10, 2025 6:03 PM UTC

Rbrennan, I am sorry if you have exceeded the amount of activations that were included with your purchase for Creative Suite 6. Please see https://adobe.ly/4csdf6j for information on how to manage or maintain any activations you have for Creative Suite or other non-subscription based Adobe software. ^JW

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