Multiple Photoshop Versions Not Uninstalling in Win 11

[ZAAAX]

Hello one and all,

Ok here goes. I have 4 different versions of Photoshop on my pc. See image attached.

I have tried many time to uninstall one by one, keeping the latest version being 23.4.1, however, none of these previous versions disappear/uninstall.

So I went to my WinDoctor, he said, it's an Adobe thing, I went to my AdobeDoctor, he said, it's a Microsoft thing, and so on and around and around we all went. I got dizzy, sat down and reliased, the pros know nuthin.

So here we are ... back to the community we're we all began.

May I have an answer from someone on how to fix/uninstall/make disapear Photoshop old versions pleeeeease?

[Mylenium]

Impossible to know without any install logs. Start by booting into safe mode and try to uninstall from there.

Mylenium

[D Fosse]

Use the CC desktop app to uninstall.

With Winows add/remove programs, I've seen on many occasions over the years that the uninstalled application appears to remain in the list for a while, but it is in fact uninstalled and will be gone from the list next time you open it.

Important: if you want to avoid breaking your file associations, always start with the newest PS version and work backwards. Then when they're all out, reinstall the one you want to keep.

[Ged_Traynor]

Have you tried the Adobe Cleaner Tool

[Alperian]

Yes. Because I have the same problem and the ACT uninstalled 'All' as I asked (except Acrobat curiously) However, Ps and Ps beta still linger. They are like a virulent rash in my registry. I have tried cleaning the registry and uning a proprietry uninstaller, but no success 🤷

[Srishti Bali]

Hi @Alperian 

Apologies for the delayed response. If I understand correctly, you're trying to uninstall both the Photoshop release and beta versions but haven’t been able to, even after using the Adobe Cleaner Tool.

That does sound unusual. To help us troubleshoot better, could you please clarify a few things?

• Which operating system are you using (Windows/macOS and version)?

• The screenshot you shared doesn’t look familiar—could you let us know which app you’re using in that screenshot, and where exactly you’re searching for those folders?

• Do you have multiple user accounts on your machine?

Looking forward to your response so we can help you further.

Regards,

Srishti

[Alperian]

Thanks for your reply Srishti

In answer to your questions:

1. Edition Windows 11 Pro, Version 24H2, OS build 26100.4202, Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.107.0
2.  The screenshot is just the bog-standard Windows "Installed Apps" app which replaced 'Add/Remove Programs' in Windows 10
3. There is only one user account that exists on my PC

I have taken another screenshot of the Installed Apps page showing, with a mouse rollover, that there is only one actual veerson of Photoshop installed (the latest one as it should be). all the other 7 links are greyed out. So, the other versions HAVE been uninstalled by the Adobe cleanup tool, but there are remnants in the registry. Strangely none of the utilities caught those remnants either, so I will just live with it until I wake up one morning and they will have mysteriously gone for good.

[Sameer K · Accepted solution]

Hey, @Alperian. Thanks for sharing the details and the screenshot. This issue is likely related to how the Add & Remove Programs list is managed by Windows.

I found this conversation in Microsoft Community that has a possible solution to this via registries: https://adobe.ly/3GOgM3s

Please note - If you're unsure about troubleshooting via registries, please seek assistance from Microsoft support. 

Let me know if this helps.

Thanks!

Sameer K

(Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

[Alperian]

Dear oh dear! It was going so well until that interjection. I actually thought I might find a solution until I was flooded with mediocrity, empty platitudes and failure to take the problem home to Adobe.

What should I do with the registry when I've got 7 versions of Photoshop in it PLUS ALL the other apps that have entries for it? You tell me!!!! Delete them ALL?

[edited by moderator]

[Park Street Printers]

I've had to perform exactly those kinds of registry edits in the past to be able to delete old instances of Photoshop. There's no magic bullet here. As long as you first back up your registry, then only delete keys that pertain to each version you want to be rid of, you should be fine. It isn't difficult. It's just a little time-consuming. You'll need to either preserve the file association entries for your latest version of Photoshop, or you'll have to just reinstall it after all is said and done. I have been editing Windows registries since they were first introduced, and I've never encountered any problems, except when I try to get rid of Edge. That said, just be methodical and back it up, first. While I've never corrupted my registry, it can happen.

Follow the Microsoft guidelines, of course, and don't make any edits if you don't feel comfortable. While it shouldn't be too hard to spot the registry entries that prevent uninstallation, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Godspeed!