Skip to main content
Neil31925047r9wn
Participant
March 4, 2026
Answered

Premiere Elements can't deactivate-old computer not available.

I have installed Premiere Elements and entered my serial number. I get an error that the software is already activated. I no longer have the computer that Premiere was installed on. I did not deactivate Premiere on the old computer before I disposed of it.
Is there a way to deactivate the old installation so that I can install Premiere on the new computer?

    John T Smith
    John T SmithCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    March 4, 2026

    Contacting support will not help… A year ago (maybe longer, I don’t remember) the Adobe policy changed to one of support not being able to adjust an activation count

     

    Activation limit reached for non-subscription Adobe desktop applications | Community

    View reply

    5 replies

    Community Expert
    Bill SpragueCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 4, 2026

    You did not state the age or version number of your Premiere Elements.  If it is a newer version you can initiate a support “chat” at the Adobe Help site:  https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html.   Click on the small circle with the text box inside at the lower right corner of the screen.  Ask for an agent.

    Translate
    Neil31925047r9wnAuthor
    Participant
    March 4, 2026

    Bill Sprague, thank you. I already did that - the “agent” directed me to post a message here!

    Translate
    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    John T SmithCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 4, 2026

    Sorry, no… until about a year ago support was allowed to change the activation count… that is no longer allowed, so if you [the user] can't deactivate there is nothing anyone can do

    Translate
      Neil31925047r9wnAuthor
      Participant
      March 4, 2026

      John T Smith, thank you. Another reason not to use Adobe software!

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