Photoshop Elements 2018 and Windows 11 compatibility

[Gale12]

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions about installing Photoshop Elements 2018 on Windows 11. I am having no luck after many attempts. The latest attempt was by using the downloaded exe file rather than the DVD. Once downloaded, it claimed that it has to be unzipped but it doesn't seem to be zipped. It runs and goes nowhere. There was a suggestion to check that TLS 1.2 is enabled but I searched to see how that is done and it was no help at all. I am not a techy person and have run out of ideas. Is it actually possible to install that program on my new Windows 11 pc? Thanks for any help.

[Gale12]

It was suggested that the solution might be at https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/photoshop-elements/kb/update-required.html but I think that requires input from someone who knows a lot more about windows than I do. It seems a bit extreme. 😉

[Peru Bob · Accepted solution]

You may need to install the Creative Cloud application before installing Photoshop Elements:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/creative-cloud-desktop-app-download.html

I had to install it to be able to install PSE 2018 on Windows 10.

[Gale12]

Thanks. That might be the answer. I'll give it a try tomorrow. My brain is fried after looking at my computer screen all day. 🫣

[Peru Bob]

Let us know if it works.

[Gale12]

Yes! That worked! Now I just have to learn how to work with the much different version of Elements 2018. Another question: Can I cancel the subscription to Creative Cloud and still be able to use the program locally on my computer? I really don't want to upload to the cloud. Thanks so much 🙂

[Peru Bob]

@Gale12 

You can choose to not upload anything to the cloud.  You can also uninstall the Creative Cloud app and Photoshop Elements will continue to work.

[Greg_S.]

If Bob's suggestion doesn't work, I have the following comments:

@Gale12 said:  The latest attempt was by using the downloaded exe file rather than the DVD. Once downloaded, it claimed that it has to be unzipped but it doesn't seem to be zipped. It runs and goes nowhere. 

I just tried that myself.  The exe file is in fact a self-executing zip file.  When you double click on it, a dialog will pop up asking you where to unzip the file to.  Make your selection, click Next and the process will begin.  Be patient.  It took several minutes to unzip the files on my relatively powerful computer.

You are then given the option to start the installation or open the folder where the files were saved.  I suggest you do the latter and right-click on the Set-up.exe file and choose Run as Administrator from the context menu.

 Did you see any of the dialogs that I have shown in my screenshots?  If not, they may have been buried behind other open program windows or simply minimized on the taskbar.

[Gale12]

Thanks very much for the detailed explanation. I had performed all of the steps you mentioned except for the last step - Run as administrator. I will start the process again tomorrow and include the last step. I'll let you know how it goes. I think this might just do it. 🙂

[Gale12 · Accepted solution]

Hi Greg, I tried installing as you have suggested but still had the same problems. I then tried installing Creative Cloud and... success! The Photoshop program looks much different than it did on my old computer so there will be bit of a learning curve. Thanks very much for you help. 🙂

[Greg_S.]

The Creative Cloud desktop application is free to use.  Make sure that you did not sign up for a subscription.  If you did, I believe you can cancel it within 7 days, without charge.  Go to the Plans page of your Adobe account to find out if you have any subscriptions.

[Gale12]

Thank you for the information! Adobe does not make that obvious. I have found the location to cancel my subscription (purchased earlier today) and also the location where I can download the free version. I guess I'll just cancel paid version and then download the free version and hope that my Photoshop program still works. Does that sound right?

[Gale12]

It looks as if it will convert to the free version, but it's a bit confusing because it states: "You'll no longer be able to access most of your favourite apps." I assume that means apps that are only available as a download rather than old paid software with a serial number. I installed from a download because the DVD install wouldn't work.

[Peru Bob · Accepted solution]

 it states: "You'll no longer be able to access most of your favourite apps." I assume that means apps that are only available as a download rather than old paid software with a serial number.

By @Gale12

Correct. That only refers to Creative Cloud apps, not Photoshop Elements.

You can uninstall the Creative Cloud app and Photoshop Elements will continue to work.

[Gale12]

Thanks very much. 🙂

[Peru Bob]

You're welcome.