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Nerahye
Participant
October 16, 2025
Answered

CS6 physical copy key issue.

  • October 16, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 176 views

I installed again my own physical copy of CS6 Design and Web Premium and I can't use my key, because apparently it's used on two different computers.  Please, help. 😞

Correct answer Nancy OShea

Did you deactivate Creative Suite from your previously installed devices first?
That's critically important because your individual license has a strict 2 time activation limit. Remote deactivation of Creative Suite is not possible.
- https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/activate-deactivate-products.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/activation-deactivation-help.html

If the old devices are dead or no longer in your possession, you're stuck. You won't be allowed to activate CS6 on another device. Adobe can't reset an activation count for you. 

 

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

Creative Cloud Annual Photography plan. Includes the following:
- Photoshop CC and Photoshop on iPad
- Camera Raw
- Lightroom on desktop, mobile and the web
- Lightroom Classic
- Portfolio website + hosting
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

 

2 replies

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
October 17, 2025

Did you deactivate Creative Suite from your previously installed devices first?
That's critically important because your individual license has a strict 2 time activation limit. Remote deactivation of Creative Suite is not possible.
- https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/activate-deactivate-products.html
- https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/activation-deactivation-help.html

If the old devices are dead or no longer in your possession, you're stuck. You won't be allowed to activate CS6 on another device. Adobe can't reset an activation count for you. 

 

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

Creative Cloud Annual Photography plan. Includes the following:
- Photoshop CC and Photoshop on iPad
- Camera Raw
- Lightroom on desktop, mobile and the web
- Lightroom Classic
- Portfolio website + hosting
https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Peru Bob
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 17, 2025

You need to deactivate one of the other computers to install on a third computer.

Do you have access to them?

Nerahye
NerahyeAuthor
Participant
October 17, 2025

Sadly I don't have and to be real I thought I deactivated when I changed PC and reinstall the OS. 

jane-e
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 17, 2025

@Nerahye 

 

Adobe does not reset activations. If you don't have one available, then there is nothing that can be done.

 

Jane