Need advice upgrading my LR5.7.1 to LR6 (or higher) on a different PC

[Gracehoper]

Hello!

This is about upgrading both Lightroom and Windows and moving to a different PC for that.

Since buying a new Nikon D7500 I found I need to upgrade from LR5 to at least LR6 because that version can process the later Nikon RAW images (LR5 can't). And I am running LR5.7.1 on Windows 7 Professional SP 1 so it too needs to upgrade to Windows 10 since Win 7 cannot install higher than LR5.

BTW, I heard that I only need LR6 to handle my RAW files but I am seeing Lightroom is up to LR12 or higher. If a huge upgrade from LR5 to LR12 (or more) is feasible I might try that. But if not, LR6 would suffice.

I have got a PC running Windows 10 Home and just installed and registered my LR5 on it with the right product key. Now I am having trouble finding out how to upgrade that version of Lightroom to LR6 or higher. I THINK I need to register LR5 first at Adobe with the serial number (not product key), so I have accessed that number from "Lightroom 5.0 Registration.lrreg". 

At this stage I am looking for advice on how to proceed. Probably a link to where I can first register LR5, assuming that is necessary. And a link to accessing LR6 as an upgrade. 

And any other advice about a case like this would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Nick

[GoldingD]

Several issue. Let's start with the big one

1. Availability of old Lightroom pre subscription

Adobe no longer sells, provides, supports the old perpetual versions of Lightroom. Several years ago, Adobe decided to stop selling the software in the form of a CD, or a DVD, or even downloading an installer for the old perpetual software. Instead they went to subscription based.

see:

• https://robertreiser.photography/end-of-lightroom-as-we-know-it/
• https://www.dpreview.com/opinion/5431017013/rip-lightroom-6-death-by-subscription-model
• https://nikonrumors.com/2017/10/18/adobe-lightroom-cc-and-lightroom-classic-announced-d850-support-f...

At that time they produced Lightroom 6, ending in Lightroom 6.14. And at the same time Lightroom via subscription v6.14

They advertised that the old Lightroom would no longer be provided support, that the software was being sunseted.

Three years passed, after the sunset, and as such Adobe was able to legally stop all support.

Now as of the end of last month they have stopped providing a server for downloads of the old software.

see:

• https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/help/lightroom-6-end-of-support.html
• https://www.lightroomqueen.com/lightroom-6-downloads-ending/

2. Ability to install old Lightroom software on a computer

If you have the CD or DVD, or just a download (before Adobe killed that) Then you might be able to install the old software on the new computer. HOWEVER, if it needs to be registered at Adobe, that may be a big issue. I forget what versions required that (it is a bit muddy)

You can try to contact ADOBE, and ask for an adviser/tech (as opposed to a auto chat) and plead for a license registration. But that is doubtful. Stress this  is for licensing to bug issues.

3. Ability to upgrade from v5 to v6 (Windows)

The Adobe site for downloading the software in question is no longer available. Other sources may or may not exist. Perhaps some other member still has one. This might be a bit legally troublesome.

4. Install on MACOS

The old software will not load in the new non Intel MACs is not possible. On non Intel MACs, if the MACOS is Catalina or newer, then the install for Lr 6 is a no go (32 bit installer, MACOS refuses 32 bit apps), Older that v6 might be possible on Intel MAC, but questionable.

5. Updates, Upgrades

For the perpetual Lightroom, not going to happen

6. What will not work

If you do manage to get Lr v6.14 perpetual installed, some features will not work, and the list of failures will probably increase. Most of these are due to services/links/licenses  that Adobe paid for but no longer wants to pay for when they are getting no income stream for Lr 6.14 users. For example, Face Detection.

see:

• https://petapixel.com/2020/12/24/adobe-lightroom-v6-is-falling-apart/

7. If you decide to subscribe

If you decide to subscribe, be very very carefully of what Adobe Plan you subscribe to. Old version lightroom users often see the Lightroom Plan.. Yep, I want Lightroom. Big mistake, that would only provide what is now called Lightroom Ecosystem (Cloud Based) a/k/a Lr cloudy, or to us old farts Lr POS. What you are used to is now called Lightroom Classic, currently v 13.1, Typically via the Photography Plan.

see:

• https://www.lightroomqueen.com/lightroom-cc-vs-classic-features/
• https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom-classic/lightroom-cc-vs-lightroom-classic.html
• https://www.adorama.com/alc/lightroom-classic-vs-lightroom-cc-whats-the-difference/

8 Workaround

If you have a working but out of date copy of Lighroom that does not support your camera. An alterrnative is to use a DNG converter (as long as that works on yur system). Both afvailoable from Adobe, and perhaps from the camera mfg. Sucha as:

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/lightroom-6-downloads-ending/

9. Windows OS compatability

I am a bit confused, Windows 7 or 10, or is that two computers?

As mentioned below, see the System Requirements for Lightroom Classic. Windows 10 OK, Windows 11 (if you can upgrade) better (semi pro tip, avoid being forced to use a MS account if you install Windows 11), but Windows 7, well that has issues.

see:

• https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/system-requirements.html

If you look at the above link, notice the ability to look at earlier releases. Lightroom Classic v 9 may run on Windows 7. Now to actually get v9 requires a chat and call with Adobe, It is not available normally on-line. They would hopefully provide a link. But it would really really be time to dump Windows 7.

[dj_paige]

There is NO upgrade from Lr 5 to Lr 6. There used to be, back when Adobe sold Lr 6, you would have to pay for the upgrade to Lr 6. But Adobe does not offer Lr 6 for sale any more, and hasn't for 6 or 7 years now. So the only upgrade you can do now is to subscribe to the current version of Lightroom Classic (which is version 13.1). Lightroom Classic is the direct successor to Lr 5, and your work in the Lr 5 catalog will be used by the LrC 13 catalog. To do this, you do not need your Lr 5 serial number, and there is no discount in the price of subscription to LrC because you have Lr 5.

[Rob_Cullen]

Upgrade to Version 6 (Perpetual) - You cannot... Not worth chasing!

Basically only one option is open to you and that is to subscribe to the Photography Plan (20GB) to install Lightroom-Classic v13.  Check your computer compatibility here- ! Lightroom-CLASSIC System requirements 

There might be the possibility of converting your NEF fies to the DNG raw format with the Adobe DNG Converter App to use with Lr v5., but the DNG Converter also requires a recent version of the Windows OS.

DNG LEGACY SUPPORT

https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/system-requirements/2021.html

[Gracehoper]

Thank you, GoldingD, dj and Rob -- I'll take a bit of time to work through your suggested reading.

Meanwhile, yes ditching Windows 7 seems timely. Right now, as well as the Windows 7 PC I happen to have an unused Win 10 gaming PC lying around to experiment with by swapping monitor, keyboard etc when I want to use it. But that sounds like not much help in the apparently futile search for standalone Lr6.

Oddly enough, I did find a place where I could download Lr5 yesterday to the Win 10 PC and the installation process seemed to accept my product key. So it is running on the Win 10 PC though I have not moved my catalogue across yet. I guess that doesn't mean it's legit and will work 100% but still. I wish I could find that site again but so far even using the same search terms I can't. (Being unaccustomed to using Win 10 and can't find it in search history on MS Bing. It does not seem to have a list of sites visited.) I wonder if Adobe sensed my download and removed that site?

Anyway, since I am phobic about paying even $9.99 per month I will try out DNG Converter.

Thanks again,

Nick

[dj_paige]

I did find a place where I could download Lr5 yesterday to the Win 10 PC and the installation process seemed to accept my product key. So it is running on the Win 10 PC though I have not moved my catalogue across yet. I guess that doesn't mean it's legit and will work 100% but still.

If you have a valid serial number (which it appears you do have), then this is legit and 100% kosher.

I wish I could find that site again but so far even using the same search terms I can't. (Being unaccustomed to using Win 10 and can't find it in search history on MS Bing. It does not seem to have a list of sites visited.) I wonder if Adobe sensed my download and removed that site?

Not what it means at all.

This might be the site you found: https://prodesigntools.com/lightroom-5-ddl-comparison-vs-lr4.html

[Gracehoper]

dj_paige,

Yes! That was the one. Thanks for taking the trouble to find it. 

I was half joking BTW when I suggested Adobe of closing that site.

I have just installed Adobe DNG Converter on the Win 10 PC and adjusted the default compatibility backward to Camera Raw 7.1 and later which says it is suitable for Lr4.1 and later. And have hit a snag. When I select a source folder that contains Nikon raw files aka NEF files, they do not show up.

Edit -  I just checked at Cameras supported by Camera Raw (adobe.com) and D7500 is supported with Minimum Camera Raw plug-in version required 9.12. I dont know what that means exactly but it would be relevant when I try to use Lr5 I guess.

[dj_paige]

The way to use the DNG converter is to select a FOLDER and then all RAW files in that folder will be converted. You do not open the folder and expect to see the individual files for you to select, that is not how it works.

[Gracehoper]

Great, thanks, I'll give that a try.

[dj_paige]

Edit -  I just checked at Cameras supported by Camera Raw (adobe.com) and D7500 is supported with Minimum Camera Raw plug-in version required 9.12. I dont know what that means exactly but it would be relevant when I try to use Lr5 I guess.

The same link indicates you need Lightroom 6.12 or later to open RAW files from a D7500 in the old perpetual license Lightroom.

[GoldingD]

 just checked at Cameras supported by Camera Raw (adobe.com) and D7500 is supported with Minimum Camera Raw plug-in version required 9.12. I dont know what that means exactly but it would be relevant when I try to use Lr5 I guess.

Ok, just checked and pasted the section on that above. Adobe Camera RAW v 9.12 is indeed required for that camera. V9.12 or newer.

Now, be aware that the Camera RAW Plugin is for Photoshop, not for Lightroom (of any form). The Camera RAW code for Lightroom is part of the Lightroom program. Downloading and installing the latest Adobe Camera RAW will not help you with an old copy of Lightroom.

If in Lightroom you click on About. The version of Camera RAW used in the programs coding will be shown. installing a newer version of Adobe Camera RAW will not change that.

[GoldingD]

Yes! That was the one. Thanks for taking the trouble to find it. 

I was half joking BTW when I suggested Adobe of closing that site.

Make sure that you keep a copy of that download. It is not a stretch to think that site may go away. It is not a stretch that Adobe may send them a cease and desist letter. Adobe may have to in order to protect legal wrights. Either that or come to an agreement, this to prevent others from doing so. NAturally we do not know about any cooperation between Adobe and Pro Design Tools, but assume it will go away.

[Keith Reeder]

Spam notified.

[GoldingD]

??? What reply has spam?

[dj_paige]

??? What reply has spam?

By @GoldingD

There was one here, both @Keith Reeder and I reported it (and maybe others did too). The moderator has removed it and you can't see it anymore.

[Gracehoper]

Thank you, everyone, for the detailed feedback.

Of course, I am trying not to kick myself too much for not obtaining Lr6 perpetual in December. It was still available!

Just now I am using the Win 7 PC for work. It's the comfortable chair after over ten years use. But I'll later shift to the bed of nails Windows 10 PC to test the limits of the DNG converter.

I may eventually have to "treat myself" to a monthly subscription to Adobe.

Cheers.

[dj_paige]

Having read a lot of comments from many people about how they will eventually give in and subscribe ... let me point out (just in case you are not aware) that there are soooooo many new features in Lightroom Classic 13.1 that I would never want to be without. These features allow you to produce much better images than you can get from Lr 6. To steal a line from Weird Al Yankovic, I would rather clean all the bathrooms in Grand Central Station with my tongue than go back to Lr 6.

The point is, don't look at upgrading to LrC 13.1 as something to be feared. Look at this as a great opportunity to do wonderful new things with your photography.

[Gracehoper]

In the meantime...

I see software for sale online e.g. a DVD of "Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6".

It seems a bit dated.

What would that be?

It does not have the familiar "Lr" logo, and says it runs on Windows 7, so it may not be quite the same as the-one-after-Lr5 which requires Windows 10.

[dj_paige]

It is a scam

[de Vilder Johannes]

Bonsoir,

je reprend la photographie après une longe période d'absence . 
j'avais installé Lr6 .

quelle sont les étapes afin de m'approcher vers la version la plus récente .

Ceci étape par étape vu que énormément de choses ont changes .

Merci pour votre aide 

[Rob_Cullen]

"What are the steps to get closer to the most recent version?"

The steps are-

First check your system is compatible with the 'latest' version of Lightroom-Classic.

! Lightroom-CLASSIC System requirements

Then

1) Buy a subscription to the Photography Plan 20GB   (A 12month contract that is paid Annually or Monthly)

@ BUY PHOTOGRAPHY PLANS

2) Install the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop App.

3) In the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop App  Install LIGHTROOM-CLASSIC

4) Open (Start) LIGHTROOM-CLASSIC  (from the Desktop App, or the computer Start Menu) and (if all is well) it will 'open' your LR6 catalog, and ask you to upgrade a copy that works with LIGHTROOM-CLASSIC v13.1

5) Carry on with your upgraded catalog and LIGHTROOM-CLASSIC

6) Ask more questions in the forum if you have concerns. Better to have advice before mistakes are made.

[Gracehoper]

Thanks Rob_Cullen, for a good clear summary of steps --

I'm still a bit spread out between two PCs, one on Windows 7 Pro the other on Windows 10 Home. If I install LrC 13.1 on the Win 10 PC, will I be able to later install it on the other PC once it has been upgraded to Win 10 Pro or Win 11 pro?

[dj_paige]

You can install LrC on as many computers as you want. Only two of them can be "activated" at any one time, and only one of your computers can actually be using LrC at any time.

[Gracehoper]

Thanks dj -- when I finally get properly organised, one PC will be enough!