Microsoft Store Build of Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021

[davidl65363492]

The Microsoft Store sells "Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021", but it is not the same build as Adobe's build of Photoshop Elements 2021 purchased from Adobe or other third party vendors. You don't get a serial key, you can't register it in your Adobe account. You can't get updates from Adobe, because the update utility has been removed and Microsoft hasn't posted any of the three updates on Adobe's site. There are numerous features missing through out the MS build. The file structure is very different. Tech support from Microsoft is limited to the download, installation, activation(it isn't visible) and updates(they aren't doing them). Since you don't get a serial key you can't sell it or give it away in the secondary market. The "Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021" from the Microsoft Store is significantly different than the Adobe build and therefore has diminished value. None of the differences were published. The buyer is being cheated...Adobe created the Microsoft build yet neither party is disclosing to the market that the Microsoft build has numerous differences and significantly diminished value. Adobe doesn't stand behind the Microsoft build...this is a big joke.

[Greg_S.]

I would be interested in knowing what the significant differences are between the builds.  I am aware of the updates issue. 

And while some would see the differences as a reduction in value, as I understand it, the Microsoft version can be installed on more than two computers, which some may see as an advantage.

And, just curious - are you voicing your complaints on any Microsoft forums?

[MichelBParis]

I have just had a look for the French version in Microsoft store. The price is the same. As stated by Greg, you are allowed to install (and use simultaneously) 10 copies on different Windows 10 computers.

The differences in the build are to meet Microsoft's own specifications, especially for installalation requirements.

You did not specify a very important difference: in the present forum I have never seen users of the Microsoft store version helping other users. So, practically no support except for rare recent posts from Adobe employees in this forum.

As I see it, Microsoft needs 'serious' softwares like Elements in its catalog. I don't see the advantage for Adobe considering they have to create a distinct product for a very small market.

[Phil Pickering]

Hi David,

The differences between the standard build and the Microsoft Store build of Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 are outlined in this article from Adobe:

Purchases through Microsoft Store FAQ

If you read this article you will see that the differences are restricted to the following areas:

- the download

- installation

- licensing

- updating

These areas are the responsibility of the Microsoft Store, as opposed to Adobe who normally handle all these areas, hence the slight differences between the two builds.

There is no difference between the two builds' feature sets. Furthermore, no new features have been added in either of the two Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 updates. The first update fixed a number of bugs and crashes (predominantly macOS-related, so not applicable to the Microsoft Store version) and the second update fixed a number of bugs and crashes which were inadvertently introduced in the first update.

The following page lists all the Release Notes for each Photoshop Elements update, so you can read about the issues each update address:

Updates for Photoshop Elements and Camera Raw

The Elements team is working on a Microsoft Store-specific update, but I don't know the timeline for when this will become available via the Microsoft Store.

There has also been a Photoshop Elements-specific Camera Raw plug-in update since Photoshop Elements 2021 was released - version 13.0. Again, this offers no new features, but does add support for new camera models that were released in the last quarter of 2021. Unless you are lucky enough to own one of these cameras, this update will not be of interest to you. (If you do own one of these cameras, there may be a workaround we can try - please get in touch if that is the case.)

The file structure between the two builds is exactly the same - I suspect you are referring to the directory (or folder) structure, which is governed by the installation method. As I've explained above, this is one of the areas that is the responsibility of Microsoft. This isn't really a big problem to overcome - you'll soon learn where all the major Photoshop Elements-related folders & files live and where this differs to the standard installation locations. You just have to bear this in mind if you are troubleshooting issues using information you've found on the internet. And if you're posting a question on this community, just let everyone know you have the Microsoft Store build installed on your computer so nobody is leading you on a wild goose chase hunting for a file or folder that lives in a different location 🙂

The convenience, security, immediacy and often lower prices that are advantages of nearly all electronic download stores, whether they are music albums, movies, ebooks or software applications, always comes at a cost, namely the lack of a physical product prevents you from reselling or, in most cases, gifting the product.

If it's any consolation, any users who have purchased the Microsoft Store version of Photoshop Elements are eligible for the discounted upgrade price for the latest version. See this article again for further details:

Purchases through Microsoft Store FAQ

Hope that helps 🙂

[davidl65363492]

The user mnuals for the Organizer identify several features that are not availalble in the "Windows Store Application", plus the program is not installed in the Program file folder. Using the Adobe build you can by pass the Home screen and go directly to the editor or organizer.

On the other hand, yes you can  instlal it on ten PCs. You can sell the product, if you give up your Microsoft account...

There are important differences, the lack of a serial key and product installtion details were not disclosed

[Mariano.61]

@davidl65363492 

Coincido absolutamente.

Adquirí el producto en Microsoft Store. 

No puedo guardar y/o compartir las proyecciones de diapositivas. 

[Mariano.61]

@Phil Pickering 

Eapero que pronto suceda lo que Usted dice : "El equipo de Elements está trabajando en una actualización específica de Microsoft Store, pero no conozco la escala de tiempo para cuándo estará disponible a través de Microsoft Store."

Que sea pronto!

Gracias

[Mariano.61]

@Phil Pickering 

Hola!

Los que adquirimos el producto en Microsoft Store merecemos el mismo trato. El editor responsable, dice la tienda de Microsoft es Adobe inc; quien no puede desconocer esa cuestión. Y ante el comprador son responsables ambos.Y he reclamado sin exito ante ambos. Nadie puede dudar de la excelencia de los productos de Adobe in.; ni de la seriedad de la tienda de Microsoft.

Pues me han decepcionado.