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Participant
November 23, 2025
Answered

Move Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements from old Windows computer to new Mac

  • November 23, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 320 views

I've signed out of Elements on my Windows computer, and I've installed Elements on my Mac. But I'm promted to start a free trial, and I can't find a way to login and/or activate the license on the Mac. Any help available?

 

TIA, Dave

 

Correct answer Greg_S.

Each version of Elements is a separate program and you have to pay for each one.  In other words, having Elements 2020 on your Windows machine does not entitle you to a free copy of Elements 2025 on your Mac.  In fact, depending on whether you originally purchased a dual platform license, you may not even be able to download a free copy of Elements 2020 for your Mac.  The only way you can find out is to go to the Products page of your Adobe account and see whether there is a download link for a Mac.  That page will show a listing of Elements 18 for the program known as Elements 2020.

 

And even if you have a Mac license for Elements 2020, it may not work on a Mac with the latest Operating System.  (I only know enough about Macs to warn you of that possibility.)

 

Now, if your question includes how to get your Organizer catalog from Windows to Mac, take a look at this Adobe HelpX article.

3 replies

Greg_S.
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 24, 2025

Just to confirm that you don't have a Mac license, here is what a dual platform license will display in the Producs page of your Adobe account:

 

dpflynn59Author
Participant
November 24, 2025

My Products page lists only the Windows version for Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements. 

I guess I need to buy a new license. First I'll see what I can do with Apple Photos and iMovie. 

Greg_S.
Community Expert
Greg_S.Community ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
November 24, 2025

Each version of Elements is a separate program and you have to pay for each one.  In other words, having Elements 2020 on your Windows machine does not entitle you to a free copy of Elements 2025 on your Mac.  In fact, depending on whether you originally purchased a dual platform license, you may not even be able to download a free copy of Elements 2020 for your Mac.  The only way you can find out is to go to the Products page of your Adobe account and see whether there is a download link for a Mac.  That page will show a listing of Elements 18 for the program known as Elements 2020.

 

And even if you have a Mac license for Elements 2020, it may not work on a Mac with the latest Operating System.  (I only know enough about Macs to warn you of that possibility.)

 

Now, if your question includes how to get your Organizer catalog from Windows to Mac, take a look at this Adobe HelpX article.

dpflynn59Author
Participant
November 24, 2025

Well, that explains some things. The Products page lists the Windows licenses, serial #s, and download, but nothing for Mac. I didn't realize the software was not transferable. I appreciate your help.

jane-e
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 23, 2025

@dpflynn59 

What is your version number of Elements and what version of macOS are you using?

Jane

dpflynn59Author
Participant
November 23, 2025

2020 on Windows. I downloaded 2025 to the Mac from the Adobe website.