Working with two different versions of LR Classic on the same computer

[Tom Spencer]

Hey all,

I would like to know if there is any chance to work with two different versions of LR Classic on the same computer (Win 10 or Mac OSX) ?

Indeed, I'm working with LR version 8.4.1 on specifics projects/catalogs and would like to upgrade to the version 9.2 for others projects/catalogs without deleting my older version 8.4.1 !

Do you know if there are some possibilities to work with two LR Classic versions simultaneously on the same machine ?

Thanks for your feedback.

[Todd Shaner]

See the below article that explains how to change the default imstall settings to retain the older version. It will make an upgrade copy of your LR catalog file, but I believe you can select create new catalog. Reagrdless your current catalog(s) will not be removed or modified, but you will need to use a new or upgraded catalog.

https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/kb/keep-previous-versions.html

In the Creative Cloud desktop app, click the Update button corresponding to Lightroom Classic.

In the You're Updating To Lightroom Classic dialog, click Advanced Options.

Deselect Remove Old Versions.

Click Update.

The Creative Cloud desktop app installs Lightroom Classic while retaining the previous versions of Lightroom installed on your computer.

[Tom Spencer]

Thanks Todd for your feedback !

Unfortunately, I think it was possible with older versions (LR 6) as mentionned in this article. But not with these versions I mentionned (LR 8.4.1 -> LR 9).

Advanced Options are not available as before... 😕 

[Todd Shaner]

Sorry, you are correct. Used to be a number upgrade (i.e. 7>8>9) allowed the option to retain the older version. Apparently some full-digit updates are now treated as dot (.x) updates, which requires removing the previous version.

https://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/unable-to-change-lightroom-back-to-v8-4-1-aft...

[JP Hess]

What is so unique in 8.4.1 that you feel you would lose if you upgraded? Are you aware that when using Lightroom Classic 9.2.1 it is possible to choose older process versions, thereby enabling you to work with images that were edited with previous versions, and you will have access to the controls that were available to you in those previous versions? From my perspective, there doesn't seem to be a need to retain the older version. However, there might be something I'm missing.

[Tom Spencer]

Jim,

I well understanf your point of view.

Except I have some roundtrips with others applications out of Adobe that works great with LR 8.4.1 and not with 9.1 or 9.2. It's as simple as that ! ^^
I would love to take benefits from last versions ! But not by loosing what is efficient for me at this time.

[JP Hess]

Point well taken.

[Bob Somrak]

Why won't the roundtrips work in 9.2?  It would be rediculous to run 2 versions of Lr if you can fix the issue.

[Tom Spencer]

It could work with 9.2 version but with upgrades of all my apps... with what it includes (money, risks of uncompatibility, loss of time in upgrades, ...etc. I frankly don't want it !...) !
So, I don't want to take this risk at this moment and... as Premiere Pro or other Adobe CC Apps, we can run with two different versions at the same time. Why not with LR Classic ? That is the question !