Adobe installing separate instances of apps

[sgearylen]

Adobe keeps installing different instances of applications (ex. Adobe Illustrator 2020). It's an entirely new program on my computer - I have to uninstall Adobe Illustrator 2019, 2018, etc every time this happens - for every application (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.) All of my presets/palettes/etc are removed in the process, and it's like I'm starting fresh each time. 

I tried contacting Support and had an absolutely absurd conversation where they basically told me this is how it's supposed to be. Can someone please help? There's absolutely no way this is right.

[Nancy OShea]

I strongly urge you to change your CC Desktop App Settings (gear icon) to turn off auto-updates. I never upgrade apps until I'm ready for them.  Sometimes I skip an upgrade entirely.

Under Advanced Options, you can change settings to Import previous settings and Remove older versions.  See screenshot.  But I prefer to keep older versions until I'm sure the new one works to my satisfaction.  Keeping old versions is a necessary precaution against interruptions to workflow.   CC Desktop App > Apps > Advanced Options

Whenever possible, sync custom settings and workspaces to the cloud or copy the folders containing them so you can import them into new release versions.

Post back if you have any questions.

[sgearylen]

Thanks for the response. I do have auto-update turned on, but what's weird is that I also had "import previous settings and preferences" checked. Shouldn't my palettes/presets have come over with each update?

If I uncheck auto-update and update manually, will it still create multiple instances of the application? That's been the part that's really frustrating. when it's another application, I have to redirect my computer every time and tell it to go to the new version of the app. Combined with losing all of my settings is really frustrating.

[Test Screen Name]

It's up to you whether to set "Remove old versions". If you are amazingly optimistic, you might do this.

[Nancy OShea]

"If I uncheck auto-update and update manually, will it still create multiple instances of the application?"

Yes unless you check the Advanced Options box to remove older versions. 

Keep in mind that Adobe removed access to pre-2019 versions.  So if you ever need to revert to an older version to support a deprecated feature or extension, you may be up the creek without a paddle.  Again, it's your choice what you want to do.

I have plenty of HD space so having multiple versions of Photoshop on my system poses no problems for me.   Your mileage may vary.