How to Remove SketchUp from a Dead or Old Computer (2026)

Your old computer died and now SketchUp won't activate on the new one — "maximum number of activations reached". This happens because SketchUp's licence is tied to the machine, and you can't uninstall from a computer that no longer boots. Here's exactly how to release that seat and get back to work.

The Problem

Every SketchUp Pro or Studio subscription allows a limited number of active machines (typically 2 desktop activations). If a PC dies, gets wiped, or you replace it without deactivating SketchUp first, that seat stays "used" — and Trimble locks any new install until you free it.

Solution 1: Reset Your Activations via Trimble Account (Fastest)

1. Go to accounts.trimble.com and sign in with the email you used to buy SketchUp.
2. Open Applications > SketchUp.
3. You'll see a list of activated machines. Click Remove next to the dead computer.
4. Install SketchUp on the new machine and sign in — activation succeeds immediately.

This works for all SketchUp Go / Pro / Studio subscriptions from 2020 onwards.

Solution 2: Sign Out Everywhere (Nuclear Option)

If you can't identify the dead machine in the list, click Sign out all sessions from the Trimble account page. All your machines log out — sign back in on the ones you still use. This resets the activation count instantly.

Solution 3: Contact Trimble Support

For classic (perpetual) licences from SketchUp 2020 and earlier, self-service reset isn't always available. Open a ticket at help.sketchup.com with:

• Your serial number (from your original purchase email).
• Proof of purchase.
• A note that the previous PC is dead / decommissioned.

Trimble usually resets the seat within 1–2 business days.

Prevention: Always Sign Out Before Wiping a PC

Before you decommission any computer running SketchUp:

1. Open SketchUp.
2. Click your profile icon (top-right).
3. Choose Sign Out.

That returns the seat to your account so you never hit the activation limit.

What About SketchUp Make 2017?

SketchUp Make 2017 was free and had no activation limit — just reinstall it on any machine. If you still have a valid SketchUp Pro 2017 (or earlier) classic licence, the serial + auth number works on any machine; there's no online activation to reset.

FAQ: Removing SketchUp from a Dead Computer

How do I remove SketchUp from a dead computer?

Sign in to accounts.trimble.com, open Applications > SketchUp, and click Remove next to the dead machine. This frees the activation seat so you can install SketchUp on a replacement PC.

Why does SketchUp say "maximum activations reached"?

Because a previous machine still has your licence attached. Reset it via your Trimble account or click "Sign out all sessions" and log back in on the machines you actually use.

Can I transfer my SketchUp licence to a new computer?

Yes — sign out of SketchUp on the old computer first, then install and sign in on the new one. If the old machine is dead, use the Trimble account activation reset instead.

How many computers can I install SketchUp on?

SketchUp Go / Pro / Studio subscriptions typically allow two active desktop machines simultaneously. You can move between machines by signing out or via the Trimble account panel.

Do I need to contact SketchUp support to reset my licence?

Not for modern subscriptions — the Trimble account panel handles it in seconds. Contact support only for old perpetual (2020 and earlier) classic licences where self-service isn't available.