I forgot to mention that I only want to transfer the PSE14 program proper and not any of it cataogs or photo files...so that I'll have a fresh program on the Surface. Does this make transferring any different?
I found this Adobe guide for downloading previous apps (https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/downloaded-older-app.html). Am I basically right (aside from not also downloading catalogs and photo files) with the following assumption on how to transfer to Surface without bothering to get Adobe's Creative Cloud
1. Sign out of PSE14 on desktop
2. On the Surface, follow instructions from above link.
Well, mission accomplished. PSE14 moved to Surface and NIK plugged in. Together with your help and my little chat with Adobe help, all went smoothly. However, one problem that I don't think can be remedied. Because the Surface has only a 12" screen, the NIK plug in is unbelieveably small. If I wasn't familiar with it, it probably couldn't used. In fact, even with familiarity, there is much that I can't use properly. Would love to make the NIK content menu and it's screens bigger, but doubt that it can be done. Well, maybe with a magnifying glass...ha, ha. Again, thanks for all your help.