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Image banner for the February 2024 PFRE Photographer of the Month Winner Art Ibewuike, with a featured image of his winning photo titled "Living Room or Family Room""

Congratulations to Art Ibewuike, February 2024 PFRE Photographer of the Month! The theme this month was "Living Room or Family Room". Art Ibewuike - #895 Paul-Dan Dragoman - #898 Peter Wingfield - #900 Here's what Art has to say: Thank you so much for ...

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How to Transfer Photoshop from One Computer to Another

Published: 10/06/2023

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Whether you need to upgrade your systems or buy a new laptop, you'll need to transfer Photoshop Photoshop and other Adobe programs to use them. Here are simple steps to transfer Photoshop from one computer to another.

How to Transfer Photoshop from One Computer to Another

To transfer Photoshop from one computer to another, you first have to deactivate Photoshop from your old computer. After that, use your account to install Photoshop on the new computer. Lastly, use your product key to activate the program on your new computer.

Remember that Adobe’s terms and conditions allow two activations per subscription. While you can use Adobe Photoshop as a primary user on one device, you can also install it on one more device.

Step 1: Deactivate Photoshop From Old Computer

Unlike uninstallation, you can only deactivate after you sign out of your Adobe account. You must do so to allow you to use Photoshop with the same product key on another computer.

If you deactivate Photoshop and don't uninstall it, Adobe will require you to input your serial number the next time you open Photoshop on that device and start a free trial period. 

Signing out of Photoshop

Signing Out of an Inaccessible Device

The question arises here how can you sign out of a device that is no longer accessible? For example, a broken disk drive crashed a lost computer, or a laptop damaged beyond repair.

The solution to this problem is the Account Management section of the Creative Cloud Desktop app. You can continue the deactivation process from there or contact Adobe Customer Service to use your serial number and do it on their end.

Once the software is deactivated, run the system through the Adobe Cleaner Tool to entirely purge the software system.

Step 2: Install Photoshop on the New Computer

After deactivating the old system, it is now time to install and activate it on the new system. You'll need the installation file or link and the serial number here.

  1. The serial number is assigned to you when you purchase Adobe Photoshop. To view your serial number, log in to your online Adobe account. If you don't see the numbers, try registering your product and reloading the page.
  2. You can use Belarc Advisor (Windows) to retrieve your serial number. If you use a Mac OS, try using the Product Key Finder on Mac.
  3. Transfer Photoshop from one computer to another using the download file or link on the new computer. Once you enter the valid serial number, the free trial will become a permanent version. 
  4. You can alternatively use a CD/DVD or USB to reinstall Photoshop.

Step 3: Use the Product Key to Activate Photoshop on a New Computer

You must enter the serial key on the new computer after transferring Photoshop. This will run a copy of the software installed on the previous computer in the default location.  

  1. Ensure that your computer has an active internet connection.
  2. Open the app and sign in with your Adobe ID or the Adobe Creative Cloud ID. Alternatively, you can go to the Help option in Photoshop, where the option to Activate is present.
Adobe Photoshop installed on a computer

Frequently Asked Questions

What if My Old Computer is Not Accessible?

If your old device is no longer accessible, go to the Account Management page of Creative Cloud and deactivate Photoshop from other devices from there. Log in to your Creative Cloud account and check for the Activated Devices option.

On How Many Systems Can I Use Adobe Photoshop Simultaneously?

Adobe's policy states you can use Photoshop and other Creative Cloud software on two devices. This means it is impossible to run Photoshop on two devices with the same license key simultaneously.

What Happens If I Install Adobe Photoshop CC On a Third Computer?

If you try to install Adobe Photoshop CC on a third computer using the same product key, Adobe will ask you to deactivate the software from the other two devices. Depending upon your choice, you can click on Continue in the Maximum Activations Exceeded box.

What If I Run Into Any Problem Between Photoshop's Deactivation and Activation Process?

Don’t panic when encountering problems during Photoshop's deactivation and activation process. The software would run on free trial mode for a brief time, enough for you to contact Adobe Customer Support and find solutions.

Conclusion

If your workflow in Photoshop requires you to use the software on two devices, you don't need to pay for another subscription. Deactivate the program on one device, install Photoshop on a new device, and make sure to activate the program to complete the transfer.

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