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animenigma
animenigma
Known Participant
January 20, 2025
Question

Installing Creative Suite CS6 on a new PC with Windows 11

  • January 20, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 10870 views

Hello, I got a new PC that doesn't have a disc slot and I was wondering what external optical drive to use in order to install my Adobe Creative Suite 6 I purchased years ago.

I have Windows 11 and I just want to use a cheap drive in order to install the software.

Has anyone tested out the drives that doesn't mention Windows 11 and could confirm if it would work or not? Like this one:

 

https://www.amazon.com/External-Enclosure-Optical-Computers-Compatible/dp/B0C8JNXY5S?crid=1OC9OFT1O4V6R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2uNwJg6-ahaGQM-q0wx82VLDQ8IWAGDzAeOetnq_tyRG3puy9kA7pQSir2eONa3whjosBsPqeMUUyOb3iKEWQb-AVhH34JYuismKMdgyVhMB796GieG_rljzZbJmmIFpHDdeqB5DjC3FcKBvDU1CzoDP6i3GQXBf5ewYUwRdM709fr_dw7AAbJUCZqu7B-Vxd2Lbzx4t7vEiPTOfLLjn9PTfuQSmkvewQHfpmV_wRUU.Mca16tlkKbPFElLQKOnriME4Ie2C-ewWztY0rnznwJE&dib_tag=se&keywords=pop+up+mobile+external&qid=1737398825&sprefix=pop-up+external+%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1

    3 replies

    kglad
    Community Expert
    kgladCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 21, 2025

    did you purchase from or register with adobe?

      Jeffrey_A_Wright
      Jeffrey_A_Wright
      Legend
      January 21, 2025

      Animeni, thanks for posting your question about using an external optical drive to access the Creative Suite installation files. The good news is that the software is already registered and available for download under your account. There is no need to buy an external optical drive.

       

      Please see https://adobe.ly/40GQGXl for more information on how to download the necessary files from your account.

       

      Beyond that, it is not a bad idea to get an external optical drive. I have been using one for over a decade, with a detachable USB cable, and it has been connected to Mac and Windows computers over the years. The data on CDs and DVDs will eventually degrade, so it is not a bad idea to back up any important documents or files to a more permanent solution. ^JW

        John Waller
        Community Expert
        John WallerCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        February 6, 2025

        Yes, but it's showing a dmg file , not for Windows. 


        Creative Suite licenses were sold on an operating system basis: Mac only or PC only.

        If you already have a Mac version registered then that suggests your CS6 is Mac only.

         

        To get a Windows version you would have had to pay separately for a Windows license (or apply for a cross-platform switch, a process which was discontinued many years ago).

         

        Can you confirm if you bought a Mac version of CS6? If so, you cannot install CS6 on your new PC.

          Peru Bob
          Community Expert
          Peru BobCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          January 21, 2025

          I think your link is to an enclosure only, and is meant to house a drive (not included):

           The USB 3.0 to Slimline SATA ODD enclosure is only compatible with 9.5mm optical drives.

           

          Any external optical drive should work, but I prefer one that doesn't use a built-in usb cable.

          Also check if it is a writable drive in case you want to write to a disk. And check what type(s) of discs the drive is compatible with.

          Take a look at this one:

          https://www.amazon.com/gingo-External-Portable-Transfer-BackItUp/dp/B0BQJ5J725/ref=sr_1_15?crid=149R3HTI4MGHL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qfG53Tbi-JbigQak1ZW7E2sXygywW0qrR700Zm22i8vo2iuuqu9dVlYYwtjvdHmeeuxpuHLOhGZSSXYc-aY8tEUp1Yjj-GIsxoR4OChtMpyjBSPSgCxO-vAGANXAjtNGaQeeW4gQcvLjA5YAJjsuOkmosCeBnS-6EsJR6caPjFWM7hmuObXr79nLuXWB7wUuIZdowF-NJG0B2PBnoc_CD99tJXY-5mWn3TO4sAX6bW4.EXnUSg-DOibF_Psfb9hSp8ODkQb5W7DXHh81QKsDSuY&dib_tag=se&keywords=external%2Bdisc%2Bdrive&qid=1737418007&sprefix=external%2Bdisc%2Bdrive%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-15&th=1

           

            animenigma
            animenigmaAuthor
            Known Participant
            February 5, 2025

            Thank you for the suggestion. 

            Nancy OShea
            Community Expert
            Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
            Community Expert
            January 20, 2025

            CS6 is way beyond its "replace me" date.  It's discontinued & unsupported software from 2012. 

             

            In 2025, nobody can guarantee success. There's a very high likelihood of failure because the aged-out activation servers are not fully functional anymore. Adobe can't help you.

             

            A better use of your money would be put toward modern software that's compatible with your new computer & OS.

             

            MODERN OPTIONS:
            ==============
            FREE Acrobat Reader -- view, comment, print & sign PDF.
            https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/pdf-reader.html

            Paid Acrobat Pro -- the complete solution for creating and saving PDF.
            https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/acrobat-pro.html

            Photoshop Elements or Premiere Elements (3 year license, no subscription needed).
            https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-elements.html

            Creative Cloud Photography Plan (approx $10/month for 12 months). Includes the following:
            - Photoshop CC and Photoshop on iPad
            - Camera Raw
            - Lightroom on desktop, mobile and the web
            - Lightroom Classic
            - Portfolio website + hosting
            - Adobe Express (free starter plan)
            - Bridge
            - 20 GB cloud storage (upgradable to 1 TB).
            https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

            Creative Cloud Bundles & Single App Plans for mobile, web & desktops
            https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/plans.html

             

            Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
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