Preferences Lost when Update to 2025

[ElGrecones]

It's in fact a Creativ e  Cloud trouble (not only on photoshop)

A Few days ago,  my CC instaled the new versions available (PS, AI, ID, AE, PP) and i had some issues:
1- The new versions got installed, but it didn't delete the older versions. 

2- All my in app preferences (workspace, plugins, etc) got lost in the new versions.

Had to uninstall the older versions manually through CC.

But the annoying part of the  preferences I couldn't solve.
And yes: in preferences > advanced preferences i have all the apps checked for "Remove older versions" and " import previous settings and preferences".

What could have been the problem here?

[D Fosse]

To answer your question:

• Turn off auto updates in the CC app
• Check remove old versions in the installer when it pops up
• Check to migrate settings from the old version

However, a word of caution: removing the old version during the install will likely also remove your file associations. These can usually be reassigned in Windows, but if you want to avoid the hassle, uninstall the old version before installing the new. This secures correct transfer of file associations. (edit - see you're on Mac, but the principle is the same).

Migrating preferences usually works, but there is a chance that your old preferences don't mean exactly the same thing in the new version. Preferences are also vulnerable to corruption because they are rewritten on every application exit (in contrast to read-only program files). Irregular shutdowns can corrupt them. Errors tend to accumulate. The preferences file contains the entire app configuration, not just your personal settings. Corrupt preferences can cause erratic and unpredictable behavior.

For this reason, I personally prefer to start a new version with fresh preferences. It's only a couple of minutes to set up.

[barbw17961776]

Sadly I read this after removing the old version during install and as you mentioned, I lost all my file associations. That wouldn't be too big a deal, but now when I go to settings to reset defaults by file type, and select 'choose an app on your PC', Photoshop doesn't show up as one of my program files. Creative Cloud is there but not Photoshop. The installed program itself is working fine but d#$*ed if I can figure out where it's stored on my PC. Any ideas? I've done a search in Explorer and it doesn't seem to exist.

[D Fosse]

OK, sometimes it gets stuck. Uninstall Photoshop from the Creative Cloud app, then reinstall. That should normally take care of it.

There is also the Creative Cloud cleaner tool, which aside from installation files also cleans the registry of any orphaned keys (which is why this happens). But that's rarely necessary.

With multiple Photshop versions, think of it as tennis balls in a plastic tube. To get out the ones at the bottom, you need to remove from the top.

[Khalilu]

Just Do This It's EASY AND EFFECTIVE 100%

01- type %appdata% in the address bar of your windows explorer

02- go to Adobe folder

03- open Adobe Illustrator 28.x Settings (for example you 28.4)

04- copy the en_AE folder

05- go back and open the new Adobe Illustrator 29 Settings folder

06- paste and replace all

07- open your new Illustrator and you will find everything like your old one

08- Enjoy

Note: this method works with any other and older versions too

[Khalilu]

Also when you delete the older version make sure to click on keep preferences so you can find the old folder of your adobe software

[D Fosse]

If you're determined to migrate settings, it's safer to do it as you install (just check the box).

But again, migrating preferences is always a bit risky for the reasons I mentioned above. The problem with corrupt preferences is that they usually won't be recognized as such. You just get slightly weird behavior and assume it's application bugs. That happens a lot.

I think the few minutes setting up fresh preferences is well worth it.

[barbw17961776]

Thanks for the input. I tried an uninstall and reinstall of Photoshop but that didn't work so I ended up using the repair option on the CreativeCloud uninstall tool and that did the trick. I can finally get back to work!