How to install Photoshop Elements

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Learn how you can download and install Photoshop Elements on Windows and macOS.

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.

Download and install from Adobe website

Before you begin

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.

Download Photoshop Elements

Open the Adobe Photoshop Elements download page in your web browser.
Sign in with your Adobe ID.

If you don't have an Adobe ID, you can create an Adobe ID.
Select the platform and language for download.
Select Download.

Install Photoshop Elements

Open the Adobe Photoshop Elements installer file that you downloaded from the Adobe website.
Sign in with your Adobe ID (usually your email) and password.
Select Continue on the next screen that appears.
On the Installation Options screen, do the following and click Continue:
- Select language
- Specify installation location
While the installation is in progress, you can click on the carousel of images that appear at the bottom of the installer to learn what's new in Photoshop Elements 2023.
In the screen that appears, click Photo Editor.
Sign in using your email address and password.
Select Activate now on the Welcome screen.
Enter the serial number in the next screen and select Next.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023 launches successfully.

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.

Install from DVD

Applicable for 2022 and earlier versions.

Before you begin

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.

Install Photoshop Elements

Insert the Adobe Photoshop Elements 2022 DVD in your computer.
In the Adobe Photoshop Elements 2022 dialog box, click Install Adobe Photoshop Elements 2022.

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 2022 folder. If any security warnings appear, click Yes.
Do one of the following:
- macOS: Navigate to Adobe Photoshop Elements 2022 > 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 2022 folder. If any security warnings appear, click Yes.
Sign in with your Adobe ID (usually your email) and password.
Select Continue on the next screen that appears.
On the Installation Options screen, do the following and click Continue:
- Select language
- Specify installation location
Installation options
In the screen that appears, click Photo Editor.

Install Photo Editor
Sign in using your Adobe ID and password.

Sign in using your Adobe ID
Click Activate now on the Welcome screen.

Click on Activate now
Enter the serial number in the next screen and click Next.

Enter the serial number

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2022 launches successfully.

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.

Convert a trial version into a full version

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.