Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
p.1 #1Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
Has anyone on the forum been successful in installing Photoshop CS6 on Windows 11 Pro?
Previously I had no issues with installing and running it on a different PC with Windows 10 Pro as the OS, but i'm seeing cautions with the Windows 11 Pro/Photoshop CS6 combination.
Any experiences based on personal experience or knowledge of others doing this would be appreciated.
Thanks
Previously I had no issues with installing and running it on a different PC with Windows 10 Pro as the OS, but i'm seeing cautions with the Windows 11 Pro/Photoshop CS6 combination.
Any experiences based on personal experience or knowledge of others doing this would be appreciated.
Thanks
Sep 20, 2026 at 03:50 PM
p.1 #2Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
What do you mean seeing cautions; is it just a warning or preventing something? Some older software may have dependencies on components no longer part of base OS installation, but can be addded, like versions of .NET.
EBH
EBH
Sep 20, 2026 at 04:30 PM
p.1 #3Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
Concerns regarding "...legacy components like older drivers...occasionally causing system instability or boot issues (and of course security issues, no patches).
I don't recall any specific issues with the Windows 10 install, but that was back in 2020.
It was a challenge to get it "Activated," so can't help but wonder if that is even possible here in 2026?
The Windows 11 Pro is a fresh install on a new computer, and I am anxious not to get off on a bad foot by corrupting the OS.
Thanks for your reply, Ron
I don't recall any specific issues with the Windows 10 install, but that was back in 2020.
It was a challenge to get it "Activated," so can't help but wonder if that is even possible here in 2026?
The Windows 11 Pro is a fresh install on a new computer, and I am anxious not to get off on a bad foot by corrupting the OS.
Thanks for your reply, Ron
Sep 20, 2026 at 04:55 PM
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p.1 #4Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
To quote Elsa..."let it go".
Sep 20, 2026 at 04:56 PM
p.1 #5Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
REMAC wrote:
Concerns regarding "...legacy components like older drivers...occasionally causing system instability or boot issues (and of course security issues, no patches).
I don't recall any specific issues with the Windows 10 install, but that was back in 2020.
It was a challenge to get it "Activated," so can't help but wonder if that is even possible here in 2026?
The Windows 11 Pro is a fresh install on a new computer, and I am anxious not to get off on a bad foot by corrupting the OS.
Thanks for your reply, Ron
I'm not sure of your experience level, but I sometimes use old software and am not seeing differences between W10 and W11 for the most part. I suggest disk imaging tools like Macrium or Acronis to creat/restore.
EBH
Concerns regarding "...legacy components like older drivers...occasionally causing system instability or boot issues (and of course security issues, no patches).
I don't recall any specific issues with the Windows 10 install, but that was back in 2020.
It was a challenge to get it "Activated," so can't help but wonder if that is even possible here in 2026?
The Windows 11 Pro is a fresh install on a new computer, and I am anxious not to get off on a bad foot by corrupting the OS.
Thanks for your reply, Ron
I'm not sure of your experience level, but I sometimes use old software and am not seeing differences between W10 and W11 for the most part. I suggest disk imaging tools like Macrium or Acronis to creat/restore.
EBH
Sep 20, 2026 at 05:51 PM
p.1 #6Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
Thanks EB-1, I appreciate your willingness to suggest things for my consideration. While I have some familiarity with Acronis and have used Macrium sparingly you made the comment "...not seeing differences between W10 and W11 for the most part."
As this is a new build, I am inclined to install Photoshop CS6 initially. Then if I experience issues, I can consider using "Restore Point," do an actual "Repair" or simply reinstall Windows 11 Pro.
I'm thinking "Activation" may be my biggest issue. Thanks again...
As this is a new build, I am inclined to install Photoshop CS6 initially. Then if I experience issues, I can consider using "Restore Point," do an actual "Repair" or simply reinstall Windows 11 Pro.
I'm thinking "Activation" may be my biggest issue. Thanks again...
Sep 20, 2026 at 06:27 PM
p.1 #7Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
I have Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6 installed on 2 laptops, and I have had no issues.
Sep 21, 2026 at 12:53 AM
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p.1 #8Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
This is good to know. Do you have to run Photoshop in "Compatibility Mode" (Windows 7). Any issues with "Activation"? The latter is my biggest concern as I recall the online activation not working and having to "call" Adobe which may or may not work at this point. At any rate, thanks for your reply.
Sep 21, 2026 at 08:17 AM
p.1 #9Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
REMAC wrote:
This is good to know. Do you have to run Photoshop in "Compatibility Mode" (Windows 7). Any issues with "Activation"? The latter is my biggest concern as I recall the online activation not working and having to "call" Adobe which may or may not work at this point. At any rate, thanks for your reply.
I have no idea what "Compatibility Mode" is, so I'm pretty sure I didn't run it.
Yes, with my years of upgrading with Adobe, some of my earlier purchases were under a different login or email. So yeah, it was confusing at first, but the Adobe rep who answered my email was very helpful and walked me through the different accounts, so I've been able to use previously purchased software without an issue.
This is good to know. Do you have to run Photoshop in "Compatibility Mode" (Windows 7). Any issues with "Activation"? The latter is my biggest concern as I recall the online activation not working and having to "call" Adobe which may or may not work at this point. At any rate, thanks for your reply.
I have no idea what "Compatibility Mode" is, so I'm pretty sure I didn't run it.
Yes, with my years of upgrading with Adobe, some of my earlier purchases were under a different login or email. So yeah, it was confusing at first, but the Adobe rep who answered my email was very helpful and walked me through the different accounts, so I've been able to use previously purchased software without an issue.
Sep 21, 2026 at 09:09 AM
p.1 #10Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
Thanks for your input shutterbug guy, I am going to go for it as it seems reasonable to do so based on your experience and that of others.
Sep 21, 2026 at 09:29 PM
p.1 #11Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
REMAC wrote:
Thanks for your input shutterbug guy, I am going to go for it as it seems reasonable to do so based on your experience and that of others.
As usual, your mileage may vary...
Thanks for your input shutterbug guy, I am going to go for it as it seems reasonable to do so based on your experience and that of others.
As usual, your mileage may vary...
Sep 21, 2026 at 11:49 PM
p.1 #12Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
I'm running CS6 on Win11 with no issues, no need for compatibility settings and absolutely no need for a newer version of PS. Since I don't have a high resolution monitor, I don't need to use high dpi adjustments either. The only speed bump you may run into is the activation servers. Last I checked they were still online but that won't last forever. I say install and activate ASAP and don't forget to first deactivate at least one previous install if you've reached the 2 install limit. Adobe support* can't reset activations as in the past so they will be of no help.
*FWIW, the amount of help re CS6 you receive from support depends on the agent involved. Some are sympathetic, others are hostile. It's the luck of the draw.
*FWIW, the amount of help re CS6 you receive from support depends on the agent involved. Some are sympathetic, others are hostile. It's the luck of the draw.
Sep 23, 2026 at 02:15 PM
p.1 #13Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
I'm curious when you installed it. I just found an unused CS6 sealed in the box. It probably was worth something a few years ago.
EBH
EBH
Sep 25, 2026 at 09:29 AM
p.1 #14Windows 11 Pro and Photoshop CS6
I installed CS6 on Win11 at the beginning of 2022 when I built my new box. Since then, I've periocically checked on the status of the activation servers. A quick look just now at the Adobe Community Forum returned this result:
kglad Community Expert
29 days ago
the activation and deactivation servers are still functioning.
https://community.adobe.com/questions-617/cs6-design-standard-activation-limit-reached-2-computers-but-activation-servers-are-closed-1638971
Your copy of CS6 might still be worth something to the right person.
kglad Community Expert
29 days ago
the activation and deactivation servers are still functioning.
https://community.adobe.com/questions-617/cs6-design-standard-activation-limit-reached-2-computers-but-activation-servers-are-closed-1638971
Your copy of CS6 might still be worth something to the right person.
Sep 25, 2026 at 02:28 PM