Why does Creative Cloud create multiple versions of the same app? Can I remove older versions without losing any of my saved projects?

[anthonym31755758]

I have noticed that over time I have 3 versions of Premiere Pro (13.1, V12.1.2 and CS6 V6.0), After Effects (V16.1.1 andV15..2).  All these APPs get updates.  Do I need them all or should I only have the latest version? If I only need the latest version, how do I remove the older versions without losing any projects or data?  I would appreciate your input.

[Guest · Accepted solution]

Hi

You can uninstall them using the creative cloud desktop app if you're happy that the most recent version is running fine, some people keep older versions as a backup

[Walter Bosello]

Hi
Keeping backup versions of programp does not make much sense and it should not be the default setting in CC. Additionally, it also leads to serious problems of communications betweens programs in this same ecosystem.
Is there any way the CC app can by default "clean" previous versions of programs automatically? I ask because it currently does install programs automatically so it would make sense it automatically cleans previous versions.

[kglad]

@Walter Bosello 

keeping older versions makes sense to many users.  eg, they may have plugins that may not work with newer versions.  they may have a workflow that may not be supported by a newer version.  there may be a bug that affects users of newer versions. etc.

[Walter Bosello]

If the majority of users need more versions of the same program, then I guess it would make sense to keep it as a default, otherwise it should be optional. 

[kglad]

it is optional.  i think you're suggesting the default should be to remove previous versions, though.  i disagree, but my opinion counts no more than yours. ie, if you want to make that suggestion to adobe, post it at the cc desktop ideas forum.

[Walter Bosello]

Ah I'm sorry, I was under the impression it wasn't optional, since I did have some older versions of apps on my hard drive but I never turned on the feature. Then again these extra versions might have been the result of inappropriate cleaning on my computer's part.
No need for a suggestion to Adobe, I'll just keep in mind that sometimes I have to manually clean the hard drive.

[kglad]

if you don't rush through the update (and you're not allowing automatic updates) and you're make a major (not minor) version update, you'll see the option to keep the older version, or not.

[Jeffrey_A_Wright]

@Walter Bosello please make sure to provide the feedback to your organization's Creative Cloud plan administrator. I don't see an individual or team membership under the account you used to post to this public discussion forum, but this discussion is related to individual memberships, not ones that are controlled by an organization or company.

[kglad]

for others, if you don't want to keep older versions, select that option when updating.