With Photoshop Elements, you can create magic with your photos. You can have more than one version of Photoshop Elements installed on your computer. So, there’s no need to uninstall earlier versions.
- Make sure that you have administrative privileges for the account you are using.
- Use the latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari.
- Ensure that you have a DVD drive (not CD drive) connected to your computer before you begin installation. Insert the DVD into the drive and follow the instructions.
Note: If your computer does not have a DVD drive, you can download Photoshop Elements from Adobe website and then install it. For more information, see Download and install from Adobe website.
- Temporarily disable firewalls, antivirus software, and third-party security software. Disabling them speeds up the installation process.
- Locate the serial number. The serial number is located at the bottom of the DVD sleeve. For more information on finding the serial number, see Find the serial number of your Elements products. If you have a redemption code, convert the redemption code to a serial number. For more information, see Help with redemption codes.
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Install Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021
Note:
If you close the dialog box or if the security settings on your computer do not permit AutoPlay, browse to the DVD using Windows Explorer and double-click Setup.exe from the Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 folder. If any security warnings appear, click Yes.
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Do one of the following:
- macOS: Navigate to Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 > Install.app and launch the installer. Enter your system's password if prompted.
- Windows: (Optional) If you close the dialog box or if the security settings on your computer do not permit AutoPlay, browse to the DVD using Windows Explorer and double-click Setup.exe from the Adobe Photoshop Elements 2021 folder. If any security warnings appear, click Yes.
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Enter the serial number
Note:
Can't find your serial number? See Find the serial number of your Elements product to know more.
Received a redemption code? Use your redemption code to get your serial number. See Help with redemption codes to know more.
- Make sure that you have administrative privileges for the account you are using.
- Use the latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari.
- Make sure that you have a valid Adobe ID.
- Disable pop-up blockers in your web browser.
- Temporarily disable firewalls, antivirus software, and third-party security software. Disabling them speeds up the installation process.
- Make sure that you have a valid serial number for Photoshop Elements.
- Make sure that you are connected to the Internet until the installation is complete.
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Open the Adobe Photoshop Elements download page in your web browser.
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Sign in with your Adobe ID.
If you don't have an Adobe ID, you can create an Adobe ID.
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Enter the serial number
Note:
Can't find your serial number? See Find the serial number of your Elements product to know more.
Received a redemption code? Use your redemption code to get your serial number. See Help with redemption codes to know more.
When you launch Photoshop Elements, a screen shows the number of days remaining for the trial to expire.

Click Buy now and then follow onscreen instructions to convert your trial to full version.
Use the serial number you have received to convert the trial version to a full version. The serial number starts with the number 1057. You receive the serial number depending on the type of purchase:
- From Adobe website: When you purchase Photoshop Elements, you receive the serial number in an email from Adobe. Look for the subject line "Your Serial Number" or "Your Serial Numbers" in your mailbox.
- DVD: You can locate the serial number on the back of the DVD case. If you have an envelope for your software, the serial number can be on the envelope instead.
Note:
A serial number has 24 digits, and is different from a redemption code which is alphanumeric. You can use your redemption code to get your serial number.