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September 19, 2025
Answered

Moving LRC catalog to new computer

  • September 19, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 478 views

I have LRC on Win 10 that can't upgrade to 11

I have installed Creative Cloud on new Win 11 computer & put images on D drive.

How do I install LRC catalog in Pictures in C drive?

Thanks

Correct answer JohanElzenga

The same site has a special page about moving Lightroom to a new computer. You will also want to move your presets, for example. 

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/how-move-lightroom-to-new-computer/

 

1 reply

Per Berntsen
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 19, 2025

Copy the folder containing the catalog from the old computer to the new computer.

Double-click the catalog file (with the extension .LRCAT) to launch LrC.

The catalog folder doesn't have to be in the Pictures folder – it can be anywhere on your computer.

For instance, it could be directly under C:  like this – C:\Lightroom catalog.

If your images were on the D drive on the old computer, this is where LrC expects to find them, and you're good to go.

If not, LrC will report them as missing, and you'll have to rename the drive to the letter it was on the old computer, or relink the images.

Note that drive C cannot be renamed.

See also https://www.lightroomqueen.com/moving-lightroom-free-ebook/

and https://www.lightroomqueen.com/lightroom-photos-missing-fix/

JohanElzenga
Community Expert
JohanElzengaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
September 20, 2025

The same site has a special page about moving Lightroom to a new computer. You will also want to move your presets, for example. 

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/how-move-lightroom-to-new-computer/

 

-- Johan W. Elzenga
Per Berntsen
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 20, 2025

Thank you Johan, I couldn't find that page.