PhotoShop CS5 transfer to new computer

[RaceMedic]

Years ago I bought a new MAC desktop computer from Apple with an installed PhotoShop CS5.  I've been using it for years.

I have now bought I higher end windows laptop and Adobe is saying the registration # on my MAC version of the software is invalid and won't even help .. of course their suggestion is to sign up for the monthly subscription  but I don't use it enough.

I want to keep using CS5 as it is what I'm use to using.

Am I snookered ... hopefully someone here can help.

Thanks.

[kglad]

what os is on the computer you're trying to install cs5?

[RaceMedic]

Windows 11

[Peru Bob]

Bundled software usually can not be used on a different computer.

[Jeff Arola]

When one originally bought CS5 you either got a license for Mac or Windows, but not both unless you

bought a license for each.

If one wanted to switch from say Mac to Windows, Adobe could do what they called a

Platform Exchange, however, since CS5 is long out of support Adobe no longer offers it.

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/exchange-product-language-os.html

Other than signing up for a Photography subscription that includes both Photoshop and

Lightroom for around $10 a month you could try Adobe Photoshop Elements.

https://www.adobe.com/products/elements-family.html

[RaceMedic]

Ohhh .. I thought it was a lot more than $10 a month ...thanks 

[Jeff Arola]

Here are the details of the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan:

https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography.html

[kglad · Accepted solution]

@RaceMedic 

you would need a windows (not mac) serial number to install cs5 on a win 11 computer.

[Ben M]

As others have mentioned the old licenses were specific to the OS. But even if stayed on the Mac platform, the CS5 version was 32-bit and wouldn't work on the newer Mac and the same would be for Windows that was released almost 14 years ago now so it is likely not going to work. Your best bet is to subscribe to the photography plan or consider other alternatives depending on your needs.

[Lumigraphics]

Apple never bundled CS5 with new computers. So someone may have installed a pirated version way back when.

Regardless, CS5 is on life support and you are likely going to need to switch to the subscription anyway.