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Fix Adobe Software You Are Using Is Not Genuine Error

Adobe has long been the go-to choice for a wide range of multimedia and creativity applications. Popular ones include Photoshop for photo editing, Premiere Pro for video editing, and Illustrator for vector graphics. The Adobe suite boasts over 50 applications, offering a comprehensive solution for creative individuals on both macOS and Windows, with some apps even available on mobile platforms. As of 2017, Adobe Creative Cloud had over 12 million active subscriptions, a number likely hindered by piracy.

To combat software misuse, Adobe incorporates the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity service. This service regularly validates the authenticity of installed Adobe applications. If it detects signs of software piracy, tampering, or invalid licensing, users receive the infamous message: ‘Adobe software you are using is not genuine.’ This error hinders access to the application, frustrating both counterfeit users and those with legitimate copies, often due to improper installations or corrupt files.

In this article, we will explore several effective methods to resolve the ‘Adobe software you are using is not genuine’ error so you can return to your creative pursuits.

Contents

  1. 4 Ways to Fix Adobe Software You Are Using Is Not Genuine Error
  2. Method 1: Terminate the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service
  3. Method 2: Delete Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Process and the AdobeGCIClient folder
  4. Method 3: Delete AAMUpdater Service
  5. Method 4: Reinstall the Adobe Software

4 Ways to Fix Adobe Software You Are Using Is Not Genuine Error

To resolve the ‘Adobe software you are using is not genuine’ error, users must first verify that the installed application is indeed legitimate. Here’s a quick checklist:

Step Description
1 Check the authenticity by visiting Adobe's official site and entering your product code.
2 If the code is invalid, uninstall the application immediately.
3 Ensure you've downloaded from the official Adobe site.
4 If the application is genuine but the error persists, proceed with the methods below.

Method 1: Terminate the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service

To bypass the integrity checks placed by Adobe Genuine Software Integrity, you can terminate this service via the Task Manager. Follow the steps below:

  1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager (or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
  2. Click on More Details to expand the Task Manager.
  3. Locate the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity process under the Processes tab.
  4. Right-click on the process and select Open File Location. Note the folder path, typically C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\AdobeGCClient.
  5. Switch back to Task Manager, right-click the process, and choose End task.
  6. Delete the AdobeGCIClient folder you found earlier, or consider renaming it for backup.
  7. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Method 2: Delete Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Process and the AdobeGCIClient Folder

If the issue is unresolved, you can delete the integrity process and folder via an elevated Command Prompt:

  1. Open the Command Prompt by searching for it and selecting Run As Administrator. Confirm any prompts.
  2. Type sc delete AGSService to remove the integrity service and press enter.
  3. Navigate to the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\AdobeGCClient directory and delete the AdobeGCIClient folder.

Related Read:

Method 3: Delete AAMUpdater Service

The Adobe Updater Startup Utility may also conflict with your installed applications. Follow these steps to delete it:

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\OOBE\PDApp\UWA.
  2. Delete the UWA folder from this directory.
  3. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
  4. Type sc delete AAMUpdater to remove the Update Utility service.
  5. Open the Task Scheduler and look for AdobeAAMUpdater task. Delete it from the Active Tasks.

Method 4: Reinstall the Adobe Software

If none of the methods work, the final step is to reinstall the software. Here’s how:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog and type Control Panel. Press enter.
  2. Select Programs and Features.
  3. Find the problematic Adobe application, right-click it, and choose Uninstall.
  4. Confirm any dialogs that appear.
  5. Visit the Adobe website to download and reinstall the software.

Recommended:

By following these steps, users can effectively resolve the ‘Adobe software you are using is not genuine’ error. We encourage you to report any additional solutions you've discovered. Always opt for the official versions of software to support developers and access the full range of features and security benefits.

(30) Comments

  1. Mary Jane -

    Can someone share their experiences with using cracked versions? Just curious if they faced this issue too.

  2. Hương KT -

    Thanks for the useful advice! I will definitely share this with my colleagues who might be facing the same issue

  3. Huyền Lizzie -

    I actually learned something new! Didn’t know there was a specific Adobe cleaner tool. Thanks for the info

  4. Lisa Smith -

    I appreciate the detailed steps you provided! It's really helpful for people like me who aren't tech-savvy. Keep up the great work!

  5. Linh mèo -

    After doing some research, I discovered that this error can be tied to third-party antivirus software. Anyone else experienced this

  6. Moonlight Cat -

    This really improved my week! I hate having issues with software I pay for, but you made the fix so simple.

  7. Penny -

    Is there any reason why Adobe keeps flagging my legit software as not genuine? I feel like I’m going in circles here

  8. Thùy Linh -

    You made my day! After following your steps, the error is gone! I don’t have to spend hours on tech support anymore

  9. Charlie C. -

    Ugh, I’ve been dealing with this error for weeks! I can’t believe I finally found a solution here. Thank you

  10. Mark L. -

    Such a useful article! I can't tell you how frustrating it was to see the "not genuine" message pop up. Cheers for the help!

  11. David -

    What a relief! I've been searching for a reliable fix for this "not genuine" error. This article gave me fresh hope. Thanks

  12. Andy -

    Feeling relieved! If only I had found this guide sooner. Glad I can get back to my design work stress-free now

  13. Jenny -

    I was skeptical at first, but this actually worked! Thanks for breaking it down step by step

  14. Phúc IT -

    If you're like me, and can't afford the expensive subscription, this error can be a real pain. But your solution helped, thank you

  15. Thành Phố -

    Can anyone tell me if this issue happens more frequently after updates? I just updated mine right before the error appeared

  16. John -

    Thanks for sharing this guide! I was really frustrated when I encountered the "not genuine" error while using Adobe. Your tips helped me fix it right away

  17. Bi Kawaii -

    I’m surprised more people aren’t talking about this issue! I’m glad you wrote about the fix. Sharing this everywhere

  18. Tom R. -

    What if all else fails? Should I contact Adobe directly? I’m just trying to figure out the best next step

  19. Sam R. -

    Funny how a little troubleshooting can save you from throwing your computer out the window! Thanks for this practical guide!

  20. Tommy 123 -

    My Adobe software was flagged last week. After applying your suggestions, everything is back to normal. You’re a lifesaver!

  21. Keira -

    What are the chances this error shows up after a system update? I wish software companies would make it easier to stay genuine

  22. Cathy B. -

    Is it just me, or do these Adobe errors appear at the worst times? I was working on an important project! Glad to find your fix

  23. Emma T. -

    Great guide! I followed all the steps and now my Adobe works perfectly! Highly recommend this to anyone having similar issues.

  24. Quang vn -

    Just checking in! Does this fix work for Adobe Reader too? I’m having the same "not genuine" notification there.

  25. Angela S. -

    Any tips for preventing this error from happening again? It seems to be a recurring issue for many

  26. Hương Đà Nẵng -

    I had no idea that simply reinstalling could solve the "not genuine" issue. It worked like a charm. Cheers!

  27. Brian W. -

    I encountered the same error last year and it drove me nuts! It’s nice to see a straightforward solution like yours!

  28. Julia M. -

    I tried your recommended solution, and it worked! Finally, I can focus on my projects without interruptions. So relieved

  29. Mèo con -

    I was just about to give up on my Adobe software. This fix really made my day! So happy to have it back

  30. Huyền -

    Wow, I was ready to give up on my Adobe software. This guide was a total game changer. Thanks a lot

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