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October 8, 2026
Answered

Photoshop Elements 13 – How can I release an old activation from a computer I no longer have?

  • October 8, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 16 views

Hello,

I am the original owner of a physical copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements 13.

I purchased the software years ago and activated it on an old computer. I no longer have access to that computer, and unfortunately I don't remember which Adobe account/email address was used for the original activation.

I have recently sold the original physical copy (including the DVD and packaging) to another person. The buyer is now trying to activate Photoshop Elements 13, but the serial number appears to already be associated with an existing activation, so they cannot activate the software on their computer.

I believe the old activation may still be associated with my previous computer.

Could someone please advise me on how I can deactivate/release the old activation, even though I no longer have access to the original computer and don't remember the Adobe account that was used?

I am not trying to use the software myself anymore. I simply want to make sure that the legitimate buyer of my original copy can activate it.

I still have the original DVD, packaging and documentation as proof of ownership.

Thank you very much for any advice.

    Correct answer Jeff Arola

    I believe you need to use the Transfer of License form in order to renew the activations for a new owner:

    https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/transfer-product-license.html

    2 replies

    Greg_S.
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    October 8, 2026

    … and if you ever activated the program on more than one computer, or upgraded the Operating System on that computer, your buyer may not be able to activate it.

    Jeff Arola
    Community Expert
    Jeff ArolaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    October 8, 2026

    I believe you need to use the Transfer of License form in order to renew the activations for a new owner:

    https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/transfer-product-license.html