Hi @Druidul,
I understand your frustration. I am both an editor and worik inside at Adobe. I'm also in my sixth decade on the planet, so I am sensitive to the needs of older editors, as I am one myself.
You may be surprised that not everyone has issues on updating. I think the reason is that many editiors have a routine that works for them when faced with an update. Mine is based on conservative approaches regarding my version of Premiere Pro, the project file I am working on, and the media that I am handling.
If you are in the throes of a major project, avoid updating major projects to prevent project translation issues.
Consider creating a Production. so that updating projects goes smoother since the projects are smaller than one large "granddaddy" project.
If updating even a smaller project goes aswry, consider creating a new project and then import the contents of the previous project into it.
Empy all media cache from the old project before beginning or updating any project for best results.
Back up any workspaces, keyboard layouts, effects presets, etc., then reset preferences.
You can reset preferences and delete all media cache by pressing Shift at launch to get the Reset Options dialog box. There are a number of troubleshooting options for you there.
Make sure that your system is still meeting system requirements before updating. If not, update components to the "recommended" ones on the system requirements document.
Go slow with the decision to update. Update the software only after a majority of other users have already made the move, so that you know the pitfalls. It is often not necessary to update the software unless a workflow bug or other issue is preventing you from moving the project forward. You might be able to wait for a more opportune time to update.
Go slow also on the decision to update the OS. Again, wait unitl others have jumped into the new OS before you make that decision. When I find a good stable OS, I really don't like updating to a new OS unless forced. For example, I have not updated to macOS Sonoma yet on any of my personal Macs.
These conservative policies around updating go against the grain of the subscription ideal, that is, updating to a new version of the software right away is what you are paying for. I say, "bite the bullet," and go with what works best now. You are the one that must protect that project file from becoming corrupt or non-functional. Doing anything whch may prevent the project from getting to the finish line should be avoided.
These issues need to be considered for a smooth updating process, in my opinion. I learned many of these rules of thumb in Avid Boot Camp in the '90s. I continued them as an Apple employee and in teaching FCP. I brought these tips into the Premiere Pro realm and they work the same. The updating workflow I use has worked for me for a long while now.
Why do you have to consider all these things with this application? It's because NLE apps are some of the most complicated pieces of software on the planet, containing millions of lines of code; many more than other "simpler" apps, so issues may crop up as a result.
I could probably add more tips, but these are the major things on my mind when updating. Plus, I am on a day off! 🙂 I hope the advice helps.
Thanks, Kevin
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