Make sure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
Learn how to sign in to your Adobe apps to activate them. Also learn how to sign out of your Adobe apps to deactivate them and then use them on a new computer.
On how many computers can I activate my apps? You can install your apps on multiple computers but activate them on two computers at a time. See On how many computers can I install my apps?
Activation validates your software license by contacting Adobe servers periodically. The frequency depends on the app and your plan.
Deactivation disconnects your app from your computer. You can then activate the apps on another computer or later reactivate them on the same computer.
Make sure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
Open the app that you want to activate.
If prompted, sign in. Your app is now activated. Otherwise, choose one of the following options from the Help menu depending on your app:
Help > Sign in
Help > Activate
If you see Sign Out in the menu option, it means you are already signed in.
Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet.
Open the app that you want to deactivate, and sign in if prompted.
Choose one of the following options from the Help menu depending on your app:
Help > Sign out
Help > Deactivate
If you select Help > Deactivate choose one of the following options (when prompted):
Deactivate or Suspend Activation: Temporarily deactivates the app, but retains licensing information on your computer.
Deactivate permanently: Removes the licensing information from your computer and requires you enter a serial number to activate again.
If you still have issues in activating or deactivating your apps, see one of the following:
If you bought a new computer and want to transfer your apps to it, simply deactivate your apps from the old computer so that you can use them on the new computer.
Uninstalled or deleted your app?
Uninstalling or deleting the app from the old computer or formatting the computer does not deactivate the app.
Old computer no longer available?
If the computer on which you installed the product is no longer available (for example you have lost the computer or formatted the hard drive or the hard drive has crashed), you can deactivate your apps from the account management page. Then install the apps on the new computer and follow the onscreen instructions.
If you have more than one Adobe ID, check that you are logged into your account with the correct ID. If you are not logged in with the correct ID, sign out and then sign in to the Creative Cloud desktop app. For more details, see Stop Creative Cloud from showing trial mode after purchase.
Uninstalling an app from a computer does not deactivate its license. You may still install the app on the new computer. When prompted to sign in, follow the onscreen instructions to deactivate the app on the old computer.
Still facing problems? See Activation and deactivation troubleshooting.
Activation stores information about your license in encoded form on the system hard drive of your computer at the following locations:
Application version |
Storage location |
---|---|
Prior to Creative Cloud 2019 |
Adobe directory |
Creative Cloud 2019 or later |
Per-user OS secure storage using credential entries whose names start with Adobe at the following locations:
|
The following types of information may be sent to Adobe during activation:
Sign in to your account