So I can't use Elements on my Mac [Big Sur]?

Report · Dec 16, 2023

Is there no way to install Photoshop Elements on my Mac?

I'm running Big Sur on a 2013 Mac. I have a trial version of Photoshop Elements 2023. It works beautifully.

I want to purchase a license. The link takes me to purchase for Photoshop Elements 2024. Can't find a way to purchase a license for 2023. Ok, so they don't sell it anymore.

I try to download a trial version of 2024, but it won't install on my Mac. Adobe says it won't allow me to install 2024 on a Big Sur. I'm back at the link to download 2013. Anyway my trial period is over.

Should I purchase a 2024 license? Can I use it on the 2023 program installed on my machine?
Does Adobe not want my money?

Report · Dec 16, 2023

Should I purchase a 2024 license?
No, your OS won't support PSE 2024.

Can I use it on the 2023 program installed on my machine?
No , you cannot. I'm assuming you mean a liscense from pse 2024-- that's not how liscensing works.

Does Adobe not want my money?
Yes, but your current OS does not support PSE 2024.
Your current OS has reached it's EOL date (End of life date) and is no longer supported by the manufacturer.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/system-requirements.html

Report · Dec 16, 2023

I'm running Big Sur on a 2013 Mac.

In today's terms, that's a very old Mac running the latest macOS with which it is compatible.

As you have discovered, Elements 2023 is not available for purchase any more and 2024 will not install on your Mac.

Elements 2024 is recently released but requires macOS Monterey or later. Keep in mind that Elements 2025 next year will probably drop support for Monterey.

In order to run Photoshop Elements, your only real option now is to upgrade your Mac.

Report · Dec 17, 2023

That is a shame, thank you for the info. I suppose I'll have to go without Photoshop, or borrow someone else's computer that already has Photoshop installed. I don't need the program that badly, at least not enough to throw out a perfectly functioning large screen computer and then pay close to $3k for an upgrade.