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SabolitaStar797
Participant
December 19, 2023
Question

Compatibility Issues with Windows 11 and pre-2022 versions of Photoshop Elements

  • December 19, 2023
  • 6 replies
  • 11206 views

I just installed Adobe Photoshop Elements 2018 on my new Windows 11 laptop.

 

My first installation attempt, I got this message from Program Compatibility:

"This app can't run on this device

PX Engine

Unknown

This app can't run because it causes security or performance issues on Windows."

 

I tried installing again using Compatibility Mode with Windows 7. I got the same message from Program Compatibility. But I realized that the software was successfully installed (I am not certain whether it happened after the first or second installation attempt).

 

I've seen posts online from people saying they are successfully using pre-2022 Photoshop Elements software on Windows 11 devices. However, I've also seen posts from people who say their PC would no longer boot after installing pre-2022 Photoshop Elements software. They had to completely reinstall Windows.

 

I'm terrified that my PC won't reboot next time I restart. Is there anyone here who is familiar with this specific issue? Or anyone who is successfully using pre-2022 Photoshop Elements on their Windows 11 device *or* who has experienced this software causing their pc to no longer boot?

 

My PC is brand new and I haven't done any backups. I am going to download the Windows 11 media creation tool incase I need it after reboot 😓

 

One person said the problem is the file PxHlpa64.sys. I have my Folder Options set to show protected operating system files, but I can't find this file. Maybe that's a good sign?

    6 replies

    Greg_S.
    Community Expert
    Greg_S.Community Expert
    Community Expert
    May 8, 2025

    @malcolm_3742 try disconnecting completely from the internet and activate the program offline, using the instructions found in this Adobe HelpX article.

    M
    malcolm_3742
    Participating Frequently
    May 8, 2025

    Wow, there are workarounds and workarounds this is amasing!!! 

    Thank you very much I will certainly give this a go and let you know how i get on.

    Am currently installing the version downloaded today on a W10 machine to see if this also pops up the sign in tab.

    M
    malcolm_3742
    Participating Frequently
    May 8, 2025

    Same unuseable sign in tab received on W10 install of PE12.
    will now work through the workaround.

    M
    malcolm_3742
    Participating Frequently
    May 8, 2025

    Yesteday i installed PE12 onto new laptop, using compatabilty mode Windows 8, without any issue.

    The program loads fine and displays the intial selction screen.   However, once a selection is made of organiser or editor the following message is displayed.  Choosing to sign in does not lead to a registtration page, it goes to the Adobe stock images site.  Called Adobe and was told this is due in PE12 not being compatible with W11, you need to upgrade to PE25.

    Can anyone provide an insight into how the signup splash screen maybe removed as i am sure PE12 would run if this was not triggered??   I will check back later as unable to receive email notifications via Adobe account email, due to problems having if updated from a now old defunct email address to current.

    L
    LTAirPilot
    Participant
    January 25, 2025

    SabolitaStar797, I had the same issue with a new install of Windows 11 Pro. My new desltop came with Bitlocker running by default. I tried to install Photo Elements 9 from a CD and got the same message and locked me out. I rebooted, bitlocker then required code from my Microsoft account to unlock. Bitlocker indicated a successful unlock, but it really wasn't. I spent hours going through all of the options to repair and all failed. I finally connected with technical support at Dell. The only option was to do a complete reset, which deletes all loaded applications and do a fresh install of Windows 11. Since the initial attempt of loading Photo Elements failed with the same error message I believe my only option is to upgrade to a Windows 11 version or find an alternative to photo elements. Keep in mind my attempt NEVER completely loaded the software. As soon as Windows 11 and bitlocker identified the "px engine" drivers it locked me out. The desktop was a new delivery Jan 2025.

    L
    LTAirPilot
    Participant
    January 25, 2025

    I have since turned off the bitlocker and decrypted the drive. I may attempt again with "Greg S" instructions. An upgrade to the New Adobe Photo Elements subscription is too expensive for the limited times I use it. 

    R
    RodBod
    Participant
    March 7, 2025

    Same here. Photoshop Elements 7 in new Windows 11 Pro PC. Installed succesfully and needed a reboot. Killed the PC, into continual 'repairing PC' and 'unable to repair PC'. Got into safe mode but could not uninstall Elements 7. Used Windows 'refresh PC' but even then I lost almost everything and PC did not work properly. Loads of issues. Had to bite the bullet and do a complete fresh Windows install. What a waste of time.

    Greg_S.
    Community Expert
    Greg_S.Community Expert
    Community Expert
    December 30, 2024

    @danilo_3924 you have found the compatibility tab to run the raw plug-in installer, not the Elements Editor or Organizer programs. 

    But now that I have taken a closer look at your question, there should be absolutely no reason to run Elements 2023 in compatibility mode.  So what is the real problem that you are trying to solve?

    D
    danilo_3924
    Participating Frequently
    December 31, 2024

    non trova nulla mi sono stancato ?????????????????????????????????

    Greg_S.
    Community Expert
    Greg_S.Community Expert
    Community Expert
    December 29, 2024

    @danilo_3924, you are looking at the Properties of the program folder, not the exe file.  Double-click on the blue folder icon and it will open the contents of the folder.  There you will find the necessary file:  PhotoshopElementsEditor.exe.

     

    D
    danilo_3924
    Participating Frequently
    December 30, 2024

     

    TROVATO COMPATIBILITà OK POI ?????

    Greg_S.
    Community Expert
    Greg_S.Community Expert
    Community Expert
    December 19, 2023

    All I can tell you is that I have Elements versions 4 and 10 through 2024 working on a Windows 11 machine without issue.  Elements 2018 isn't even running in compatibility mode.

     

    I suggest you:

    • Open the C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 2018 folder
    • Right-click on the PhotoshopElementsEditor.exe file
    • Select Properties from the context menu
    • Go to the Compatibility tab
    • You can then run the Compatibility Troubleshooter or check the Compatibility Mode box and make a choice from the available options.

     

      S
      SabolitaStar797Author
      Participant
      December 19, 2023

      Greg - Thank you for sharing your experience!!! Also for the Compatibility Troubleshooter suggestion. I believe I did go through those steps earlier, but no harm in doing it again lol. I'm also going to make sure I am prepared for the possibility of my computer not booting properly before I restart 😅

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