Participant

Question

Photoshop won’t run, says I need to upgrade the operating system

Forum|Forum|29 days ago
August 3, 2026
14 replies
257 views

I have an Apple 27 inch Intel iMac running Mac OS 13.7.8 which is the latest version that will run on it. I was using photoshop version 27.8 and for the most part it worked fine. There were a few new features that required a newer operating system but for they were things I needed. Yesterday, it upgraded to version 27.9 and now when I launch it I receive a message that I need to upgrade the operating system to use it. I would have expected that the update would only have installed if it would run on my machine, which is what happened with Lightroom

I tried to uninstall photoshop and reinstall both 27.8 and 27.7 and now I still get the message that I need to upgrade my operating system to use it. upgrading my OS isn’t an option until I can buy new hardware and that isn’t going to happen until Apple announces a new mini.
is there anyway to get photoshop working again?

thatks for your help,

Jim

B

brilliant_Wonderland3104

Participating Frequently

Once I unplugged the new Photoshop app , my previous programs started working again. But yes, I’m starting the search!

J

Jim_OBAuthor

Participant

I’m sorry that I am late to see this and reply but happy that Jane saved that day and answered for me. My mac is a little newer and I was able to run MacOS version 13 and with that I was able to get go back to version 26 of photoshop and it is working fine now. Like you, I am going to be in the market for a new Mac

jane-e

Community Expert

@Jim_OB and @brilliant_Wonderland3104,

I replaced my 27” iMac over a year ago for the exact same reasons!

Jane

B

brilliant_Wonderland3104

Participating Frequently

I just bought and will be charged for the next full year, monthly, the latest PS. so the first time I tried to use it, it said I did not have a new enough version and would not work on my iMac because mine will only go up to macOS Montery Version 12.7.6 Therefore it stop the other programs. that I had plugged in. I’m in a bind because I’m working on a project that has 366 shot that I have to work on. I was told that Adobe would be able to switch my to an earlier version of Photoshop and that I would have to unplug get rid of the current version the I just got yesterday. I don’t really know how to go about this and could really use some help!! I’m 71 years old and not quite as savvy as most.

[PII removed for your protection on a public forum]

I would appreciate a quick response because of the deadline that I am under Thanks

B

brilliant_Wonderland3104

Participating Frequently

I apologize for jumping in here on top of someone else, I didn’t realize I did until I saw the name at the top of the message I sent, But I have not been able to get ahold of anyone to help me trade out my new PS for an earlier version

jane-e

Community Expert

@brilliant_Wonderland3104

You told us your macOS version but not your PS version. Adobe offers the current and one previous version of their apps. You can download the previous version from the CC app.

Here are the system requirements:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/desktop/get-started/technical-requirements-installation/adobe-photoshop-on-desktop-technical-requirements.html

By default, Windows in displaying, so be sure to click the macOS tab.
Specs for 27.x are at the top; scroll down to 26.x.

Also, when you purchase a subscription, you have 14 days to get a full refund. Otherwise it rolls into an annual commitment.

Jane

Srishti Bali

Community Manager

Hi @Jim_OB

Sorry you're running into this and I totally understand how frustrating it is. Photoshop 27.8 running on Ventura may have been more of an exception than the expected behavior, and the update to 27.9 appears to have caused it to stop launching. According to the official system requirements, Photoshop 27.x is supported on macOS 14 (Sonoma) and later, so Ventura (macOS 13) isn't officially supported. https://adobe.ly/3U9DIAt

Since your iMac can't be upgraded beyond Ventura, I'd suggest installing a Photoshop 26.x version instead, as that release is supported on macOS 13. You can install it from the Creative Cloud desktop app. Also, I'D suggest turning of Auto updates.

Thanks, Srishti Bali | Community & Engagement Strategist, Digital Imaging | Adobe

J

Jim_OBAuthor

Participant

Thanks for helping me, Srishti. Going back to the last 26 release worked and photoshop will now launch and work. I have also taken your suggestion and turned off the auto updates so this doesn’t happen again. Up until now I hadn’t worried about the updates because I assumed that they wouldn’t install when the operating system didn’t meet the requirements as happened with Lightroom. In any case, thanks to your help I now have a version of photoshop that i can use until Apple gets their hardware offerings straightened out and I can get new hardware.
have a great day,

Jim

jane-e

Community Expert

@Jim_OB

Adobe offers the current and one previous version of their applications. Typically they release a new version in the Fall. When that happens, 26.x will no longer be available for download, so be sure to keep automatic updates disabled.

Jane

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