How to Fix 'This Unlicensed Adobe App Will Be Disabled' on Windows and Mac

As an Adobe user, you might have encountered the frustrating "Non-Genuine Adobe App Will Be Disabled Soon" pop-up. This annoying alert can interrupt your workflow, especially if you're using a pre-activated version of Adobe software like Photoshop. For those of us who rely on the internet frequently during our creative sessions, this issue can be quite a hassle. But don't worry—I've found a simple and effective solution to block these interruptions without disrupting your internet usage for other applications.

The Problem

You've installed a pre-activated version of Photoshop, and it works perfectly fine—until you connect to the internet. That's when the dreaded non-genuine pop-up appears, causing frustration and breaking your concentration. The alert is a nagging reminder that Adobe's servers are constantly trying to verify the authenticity of your software.

The Solution

The key to avoiding this pop-up is to block internet access for Photoshop specifically, without affecting your entire system's connectivity. This can be done by creating a firewall rule on your computer that prevents Photoshop from accessing the internet. Here’s how you can achieve this on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

How to Create a Firewall Rule on Windows

1. Open Windows Firewall:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type wf.msc and press Enter to open the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.
2. Create an Outbound Rule:
   • In the left pane, click on Outbound Rules.
   • In the right pane, click on New Rule....
   • Select Program and click Next.
   • Select This program path and browse to the executable file (.exe) of the application you want to block.
   • Click Next.
   • Select Block the connection and click Next.
   • Ensure all profiles (Domain, Private, Public) are selected and click Next.
   • Give the rule a name (e.g., Block [Application Name]) and click Finish.
3. Create an Inbound Rule (Optional):
   • Follow the same steps as above but select Inbound Rules instead of Outbound Rules to block incoming connections if necessary.

Using Third-Party Software

For more control over application-level internet access, you can use third-party software like NetLimiter or Windows Firewall Control. Here’s how to use NetLimiter:

1. Install NetLimiter:
   • Download and install NetLimiter from the official website.
2. Configure NetLimiter:
   • Open NetLimiter.
   • Find the application you want to block in the list.
   • Click on the application to expand its settings.
   • Set the download and upload limits to 0 or disable the application’s internet access entirely by clicking on the block icon.

Using NetLimiter

1. Install NetLimiter:
   • Download and install NetLimiter from the official website.
2. Block Internet Access:
   • Open NetLimiter.
   • In the list of applications, find the one you want to block.
   • Click the "X" button next to the application's name to block all traffic for that application.
   • Alternatively, you can right-click the application and choose "Block All Traffic".

Using Windows Group Policy (For Advanced Users)

1. Open Group Policy Editor:
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to Policies:
   • Go to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Windows Firewall with Advanced Security > Outbound Rules.
3. Create a New Rule:
   • Right-click on Outbound Rules and select New Rule....
   • Follow the same steps as for the Windows Firewall method described above to create a rule that blocks the specific application.

How to Create a Firewall Rule on Mac

1. Enable Firewall:
   • Open System Preferences.
   • Go to Security & Privacy.
   • Click on the Firewall tab.
   • If the firewall is not already enabled, click Turn On Firewall.
2. Block Specific Application:
   • Click on Firewall Options or Advanced.
   • Click the + button to add an application.
   • Navigate to the application you want to block and select it.
   • Change the setting to Block incoming connections for that application.
   • Note: This method primarily blocks incoming connections and might not be fully effective for outgoing connections.

Using a Third-Party Application

For more control, including blocking outgoing connections, you can use third-party software like Little Snitch or Radio Silence.

by using Radio Silence

1. Install Radio Silence:
   • Download and install Radio Silence from the official website.
   • Follow the installation instructions.
2. Configure Radio Silence:
   • Open Radio Silence.
   • Click on Block Applications.
   • Click the + button to add the application you want to block.
   • Select the application and it will be added to the block list.

Benefits of Blocking Internet Access

• Avoid Interruptions: No more annoying pop-ups disrupting your workflow.
• Maintain Security: Your system remains secure as other applications still have internet access.
• Efficiency: You can continue to use Google and other online resources while working on your projects without hassle.

Conclusion

By creating a firewall rule to block internet access for Photoshop, you can bypass the non-genuine Adobe pop-up and maintain a smooth workflow. This method ensures that you can stay productive and connected to the internet for other tasks without any interruptions. Give it a try and enjoy a seamless creative experience!