Participant

Question

Compatibility Issue After macOS Update with PSE 2021

Forum|Forum|2 months ago
November 8, 2025
4 replies
504 views

Since I updated my MacBook Pro, I keep getting an error message stating that Adobe Photoshop can no longer be used on this computer because it requires at least MacOS 9.1 or Mac OS X 10.1. However, I have the latest update, macOS Tahoe Version 26.1. installed. Can someone help me with this? Thank you very much for your ideas. I cannot uninstall it because I purchased it in 2021 and no longer have an activation code.

[subject edited for clarity after moving post — was "Compatibility Issue After macOS Update with Older Photoshop Version"]

Mac

Jeff Arola

Community Expert

Yes, unfortunately, that's a known issue that Photoshop Elements versions 2022 and older won't start on macOS Tahoe 26 because, for whatever reason, the software thinks macOS Tahoe 26 is older than Mac OS X and even Mac OS 9.1, which was the Mac operating system before OS X more than 20 years ago.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-elements-discussions/p-photoshop-elements-on-macos-26-tahoe-does-not-launch/td-p/15510561

K

Kerstin_MatthewsAuthor

Participant

Thank you for your info`s,

I will test the new Version for 7 Day`s and then decide what to do .

philippev43187440

Participant

I have the same problems. Even the new version of PSE doesnot wrok yet on Tahoe. Probably within a month. But the disadvantage is that buying the new version is only valif for three years. Then you have to buy it again. I'm discovering now editing photos with the Photo app of the Mac. It helps beautiful. No need to buy a program that only lasts for 3 years. I think its a commercial reason of Adobe not to update the older versions of PSE..

Glenn 8675309

Legend

If you update to the latest mac OS (Tahoe) you can stop trying- the version won't work with Tahoe.

Here is a free trial link to the latest version:

https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements/free-trial.html

K

Kerstin_MatthewsAuthor

Participant

Thanks for the link, I`ll try this new version for 7 days.

K

Kerstin_MatthewsAuthor

Participant

I have Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021

jane-e

Community Expert

@Kerstin_Matthews

Here are the system requirements for Photoshop Elements 2021. When Apple updated macOS a few years ago, they closed the door to older applications. Note that the macOS version in System Requirements gives both the earliest and latest versions that can be used.

macOS

Intel 6th Generation or newer processor
macOS 10.14 through 10.15 or macOS 11
8GB of RAM
7.8GB of available hard-disk space to install applications; additional 3GB to download all optional content; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices)
1280x800 display resolution (at 100% scale factor)
DVD-ROM drive (for installation from DVD)
Internet connection required for product activation and content download*

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/system-requirements/older-versions.html

Jane

Jeff Arola

Community Expert

You have Photoshop 2021 or Photoshop Elements 2021?

Or maybe it's a different version than 2021?

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