P: Information regarding Lightroom 6.x (Pre-LrClassic)

[Rikk Flohr: Photography]

This thread is for all posts concerning Lightroom 6.x, whose last update, 6.14, was released in December 2017.

Status of software version

This includes questions regarding:

• Downloading
• Installing
• Activation
• Updating
• General Operation

Any new threads created regarding these topics will be collected and merged into this thread.

[AxelMatt]

... But I don't recall seeing an option in LR6

By @Herm�s Honshappo

As far as I remember right (the last time I saw Lighttoom was almost 10 years ago), there's a menu point "Deactivate..."  or so in the Help menu.

[dj_paige]

It is my understanding that for Lr 6, there is no longer any activation or deactivation, as the server that did that is no longer running. This is why the offline activation procedure is necessary to install Lr 6. https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-discussions/p-information-regarding-lightroom-6-x-p...

[AxelMatt]

@dj_paige 

You're right.

[Stefan_Widmer5992]

Hallo ... Ich habe ein alte Lizenz für Lightroom 6.0: Habe nun einen neuen Compi und wollte Lightroom 6.0 neu installieren.Die Download Seite für ältere Produkte teilt mir jetzt mit, dass ich meine  Version nicht mehr downloaden kann.
Der Lizenz-Schlüssel stimmt aber.
Kann doch nicht sein, dass ich (obwohl eine lebenslange Lizenz vorhanden ist) das Produkt nicht mehr neu installieren kann.
Was mache ich denn nun mit meinen ganzen Lightroom Librarys? Habe über 20'000 Fotos in denen...
Danke für eure Antworten...

[Schmidtze]

Eine lebenslange Lizenz für die Nutzung entbindet Dich doch aber nicht der vielleicht nötigen Pflicht, das was Du mal installiert hast, selbst zu sichern. Also, neu installieren könntest Du, wenn Du eine Sicherung hättest. Zugegebenermaßen würde sich Adobe keinen Zacken aus der Krone brechen, wenn sie diese Software leicht findbar weiterhin zum Downlaod vorhalten würden. Irgendwo sind hier aber Links, wor Du die 6er-Version runterladen kannst...

[dj_paige]

@Stefan_Widmer5992 all of the information how to download and install Lr 6 is here: https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-discussions/p-information-regarding-lightroom-6-x-p...

[wobblepm]

HI! My Windows PC has developed a fault and so I replaced it today. My first job is to reinstall LR6 but the information here indicates the installer is no longer available.

Is there a workaround for this?

thanks for you help.

Paul M

[dj_paige]

@wobblepm 

https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-discussions/p-information-regarding-lightroom-6-x-p...

[hotrodder19]

During a period of illness and PC crash somehow I lost Lightroom 6 when repairs were done. I have the serial number which I got from the Adobe register. I have communicated with Adobe re this but they simply tell me all sorts of stuff that doesnt help me. The download link is now not available. I am a pensioner and so the newer subscription software is out of the question. Since hearing from Adobe I have found Lightroom 6 still exists on my laptop ( not used for some time), is there a way to get this across to my newly repaired desktop and have it running .. Help please.

Kind Regards Russell Hodder

[dj_paige]

Please read 

https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-discussions/p-information-regarding-lightroom-6-x-p...

[hotrodder19]

I lost Lightroom 6 on my desktop when my system crashed and repairs were made. No way now to re install but I have found the Lightroom 6 on my laptop , so can I transfer the files across to the desktop and have it working.

Hotrodder19

[dj_paige]

No, you cannot transfer software from one computer to another. You can reinstall Lr 6, the instructions are here:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-discussions/p-information-regarding-lightroom-6-x-p...

[AxelMatt]

@hotrodder19  In addition to @dj_paige post be note that Adobe has stooped supporting Lightroom 6 several years ago. Also the activation server are shut down. For activate your Lightroom 6 installation you have to do a offline activation as described as Solution 2 in the linked document.

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-suite/kb/serial-number-validation-launching-cs6.html

But be aware: if you have reached your activation limit and you don't have any chance to deactivate an older installation you're out of luck. Adobe has stopped the support of Lightroom 6 and the resetting of the actiovation counter isn't possible anymore.

[dj_paige]

I thought that with the offline activation, you weren't going to get checked to see if you have 2 active installations. Is that not true?

[Patricia Leeds]

Help. How do I restore my Lightroom app? I had Lightroom before it transitioned to a subscription model, and I would like to renew it now. When I click on the LR icon, this is what I get. I am on a new Mac mini

 

[Rob_Cullen]

A new Mac Mini will come with a recent operating system that is 64bit.

Your legacy Lightroom will not operate in a 64bit system as obsolete Lightroom relies on some 32bit components to install and operate.

Time for a subscription to a compatible version. See the "Lightroom Plan 1TB' at-

https://www.adobe.com/au/creativecloud/photography.html

[pawełr20996502]

Dear Adobe Support,

I am writing to formally request the restoration of access to my legally purchased perpetual license for Adobe Lightroom 6.

When I purchased Lightroom 6 in 2018, it was clearly advertised and sold as a perpetual license. This means I obtained the right to use the software indefinitely in the version I paid for. I understand and fully accept that perpetual licenses do not entitle me to free upgrades or ongoing support. However, I do retain the legal and contractual right to continue using the version I purchased, as long as my hardware and operating system support it.

Unfortunately, I am now prevented from using Lightroom 6 due to Adobe Creative Cloud and Application Manager actively blocking or disabling the product. This goes far beyond the simple discontinuation of support. The issue is not about receiving updates or assistance – it is about being cut off from a product that I paid for in full and that I have every right to use.

To address possible arguments:

• End of Support: I do not require customer support or new features. I am requesting access to the software version I lawfully purchased.
• Compatibility: I am fully aware that newer operating systems may not be compatible, and I take full responsibility for running Lightroom 6 on my own system. Compatibility is not the issue here.
• Activation Servers: While Adobe may choose to retire old infrastructure, it has the responsibility to provide a working offline activation method (or equivalent) for perpetual licenses. Blocking activation entirely is equivalent to revoking a license that was sold as permanent.
• Transition to Subscription: While Adobe has the right to offer subscription models for new products, it cannot unilaterally invalidate existing perpetual licenses as a means of forcing customers into Creative Cloud. This constitutes a restriction of rights and a breach of consumer trust.

I therefore request that Adobe:

1. Restore my ability to use Lightroom 6 with my valid serial number, either by re-enabling activation or by providing an offline activation solution.
2. Confirm that I may continue to use my perpetual license without interference from Adobe Creative Cloud.

I purchased Lightroom 6 in good faith, with the understanding that “perpetual” means lifetime usage of the licensed version. Restricting or disabling access is not only unfair, but it also undermines confidence in Adobe’s licensing practices.

I kindly ask for a prompt and constructive resolution.

Sincerely

[dj_paige]

@pawełr20996502 

Please scroll backwards through this thread, there are many links to posts that describe how to install Lr 6 as of September 2025.

[pawełr20996502]

That's the role of developers to provide solutions for me in that situation. Not mine, nether your to digging forum in searching for alternatives. 

[dj_paige]

The developers won't do anything like that. There are plenty of discussions and links to solutions, just scroll backwards 5-10 messages.

[dj_paige]

@pawełr20996502 

You might want to read the actual License that comes with Lr 6. Nowhere does it say this is a perpetual license, and so the fact that many people call this a perpetual license is not any legal condition binding on Adobe, despite your claims above. In fact, in section 8.1, it is specifically stated that Adobe is not required to make the software "constantly available, uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free", and that the software is provided "AS-IS". 

Quote from the License document

8. Disclaimers of Warranties.

8.1 Unless stated in the Additional Terms, the Services and Software are provided “AS-IS.” To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties express or implied, including the implied warranties of non-infringement, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose. We make no commitments about the content within the Services. We further disclaim any warranty that (a) the Services or Software will meet your requirements or will be constantly available, uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free; (b) the results that may be obtained from the use of the Services or Software will be effective, accurate, or reliable; (c) the quality of the Services or Software will meet your expectations; or that (d) any errors or defects in the Services or Software will be corrected.

Now, having said all that, you can indeed install Lr 6 on a Windows PC today, the method has been explained here many times, all you have to do is scroll up 5-10 messages; but it seems that you are refusing to do so.

[pawełr20996502]

@dj_paige

It seems you are confusing two things: what Adobe wrote in their EULA and what actually applies under consumer protection law in the European Union.

In the EU, no matter how many times a corporation writes “AS-IS” in their fine print, those disclaimers cannot override statutory consumer rights. The EU law requires that a product sold as a one-time purchase (not a subscription) must remain usable for a “reasonable period of time,” and companies cannot deliberately disable or block access to it afterwards. That’s why even Microsoft has faced pressure in Europe regarding similar practices.

So while it might be convenient to wave the EULA around and pretend it’s the final word, it simply isn’t in this jurisdiction. Consumer protection laws stand above a company’s boilerplate license terms.

In short: Adobe marketed Lightroom 6 as a perpetual, non-subscription license. If they now block activation or make it impossible to use, that’s not a matter of “AS-IS,” that’s a matter of breaching consumer rights in the EU. Courts have been very clear on this point.

I know forum “legends” like to defend the company, but reality is a bit more complicated than copy-pasting section 8.1. 😉

[dj_paige]

Can your prove that Adobe marketed it as "perpetual license"? Or is that just something that people on the internet say.

By the way, people in the EU have always claimed in this forum that they can use EU laws (different than USA laws) to be compensated by Adobe, but as far as I know, that hasn't happened.

Now I really know nothing about EU laws, but Adobe lawyers can point to this thread and say you could find instructions to install Lr 6, but you haven't done so, which really makes me wonder how Adobe can be held liable, sounds to me like you are the one who is liable if you don't even try.

[pawełr20996502]

@dj_paige

Quick note: you’re not Adobe and you’re not the judge here — you’re just a bystander with a copy-paste of section 8.1. If the goal of this thread is to defend corporate boilerplate, fine — mission accomplished.

But if the point is actually to get Adobe to notice and fix a problem that affects paying customers, your performance as a corporate apologist is misplaced. This thread isn’t aimed at forum moderators or other users: it’s aimed at Adobe. Hint: Adobe reads this stuff.

A few facts for those who don’t want to scroll past the headlines: EU consumer law can and does limit how far contract “fine print” can go. A label saying “AS-IS” does not automatically trump statutory consumer protections that prevent suppliers from rendering a purchased product unusable. That’s why European regulators take these things seriously.

If you want to help, stop playing legal chicken with quotes from the license and point people to actual, verifiable workarounds or official Adobe contacts. Otherwise, relax — you’re not a party to this dispute, you’re a commentator. Let those affected make their case to Adobe and to the relevant consumer authorities.

[annette28876975fczd]

Dear Adobe Team,

On November 6th 2012, as forwarded, I purchased Lightroom 4 and used it happily. Since then, I paid for the upgrades to Literoom 5 and recently signed up for Lightroom Classic. My wife is the photographer and she has the Classic standard package and it is loaded on her Desktop and her portable NUC computer. I wanted to load the older version on my notebook, but when I registered the password below, it replied that this is not a valid registration number. 

How can I use this paid package?

My wifes registered Classic is on her email, <email redacted>. You will see that the payments are to my credit card, Daniel Price

Regards

Daniel Price.