Elements 2024 throws an error on startup about too many activations

Report · Aug 27, 2025

"The serial number xxxx-xxxx.... is already in use by the maximum number of computers. You need to deactivate the other computer or provide another serial number to use Photoshop Elements 2024 again."

I have only used Elements on two computers, mine and my wife's. I had only used it on my PC and when it died and I waited for it to be repaired I used my wifes for a week. When my PC was repaired by replacing the motherboard it would no longer work. I deactived my wifes install, but it still won't activate. Adobe support says so sorry, buy a three year license for 2025.
On the Adobe site it says I have no activated computers. I need my software back, I can't access my catalog much less work with the product.

Report · Aug 27, 2025

Try removing your computer from the internet completely, then activate the program offline, using the instructions found in this article. This article is from Archive.org and may take several seconds to load. I have asked Adobe to clarify whether this article is still valid and for clarification of the issue you have. Please let us know if the offline activation works for you. Also, what OS is your computer?

If you are unable to resolve the activation, I will try to get you some additional help.

Report · Aug 30, 2025

It looks like they removed the offline activation from Elements 2024. It just insists on connecting to the internet. .Adobe are masters at enshittification. ;(

Report · Aug 28, 2025

Prepare to be upset.

Adobe basically counts new motherboards as a new computer. According to Adobe's software activation system, replacing your motherboard is essentially considered a new computer. The activation system flags major hardware changes—particularly the motherboard—as a new machine because the software licensing is tied to specific hardware components.

What's killin' ya here is not signing out (deactivating) of your old computer.
Do I have a reason for your wifes non activation, no.

Adobe will not reset your activation count.
The activated devices thing you spoke about: That's for creative cloud things: like subscribing to photoshop.

I predict you will be SOL and can forget about using pse 2024.

Report · Aug 30, 2025

Thank you for the update. I'm not giving up. I don't think the license agreement says you can only use it on one computer ever. It says you can only use it on one computer at a time. You can install on two computers, but only use one at a time. I pushed pretty hard when they first came back with "just buy a 3 year 2025 license." Last I heard, they called to say they were working on getting me a new 2024 license key. I'll believe it when I see it but that is promising.

Report · Aug 28, 2025

Hi there,

same here, I had a chat with the Adobe Robot, asked me the same question several times, no help in any way.

I built a new computer with a new motherboard and tried to activate, as I'm using pse and premiere elements also on my laptop the ammount of activations is too much now.

As I officially paid for this software just a year ago, I think the support here is less than not satisfying. Nevertheless I finaly had a chat with a friendly guy of Adobe, but he couldn't help me and promissed to give my case to the colleagues. The result: a mail few minutes later, my case is closed! No explanation, no result no nothing.

My workaround will be to allways deactivate my one account that is left over now... what a mess.

So for you, deactivate your wifes laptop to work with your new computer. If there will be any other sollution I will come back with news.

Report · Aug 28, 2025

Deactivating just means you log out of the program. Not much to it.

Nice, easy work around.

Report · Aug 30, 2025

Easy if you can access the computer holding the license. In my case, my laptop just suddenly went black. DELL replaced the MB to fix it.

Report · Aug 30, 2025

I did deactivate on her computer. What's really irritating is they website says I don't have any activated computers.

Report · Aug 30, 2025

That activated computer thing only referes to Adobe creative cloud subscriptions, Photoshop for example.

PSE is not a plan, it is a product.

I have a ton of versions of PSE showing in my products page

Report · Aug 30, 2025

@YourNameHere222 said:

I did deactivate on her computer. What's really irritating is they website says I don't have any activated computers.

As Glenn said earlier, if you are looking at your Adobe account, that only displays activations for a Creative Cloud license, not for Elements.

Please let us know what happens with the promise of a new 2024 license. I have raised these issues with Adobe and feel reasonably confident that they will follow through with getting you an activated license again.