Alright, let's get Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 installed on your Windows 11 machine! It might seem a bit daunting at first, but if you follow these steps carefully, you'll be editing your photos in no time. Are you ready to dive in?
Getting Started: Is Your System Ready?
Before we jump into the installation process, let's quickly check if your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Adobe Photoshop CC 2018. While it's an older version, ensuring compatibility will save you potential headaches down the line.
Minimum System Requirements (Just a Quick Glance)
* Processor: Intel Core 2 or AMD Athlon 64 processor; 2 GHz or faster processor
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows
8, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 (While not officially listed for Windows 11, it often works. We'll proceed assuming it will.) - RAM: 2 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
- Hard-disk space: 2.5 GB of available hard-disk space for 32-bit installation; 3 GB of available hard-disk space for 64-bit installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot
install on removable flash storage devices) - Monitor resolution:
1024 x 768 display (1280 x 800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB of dedicated VRAM; 1 GB recommended - Graphics processor acceleration requirements: OpenGL 2.0-capable system
While these are the minimums, keep in mind that for a smoother experience, especially when working with large files or complex edits, having more RAM, a faster processor, and a dedicated graphics card is highly recommended.
Step 1: Obtaining the Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 Installer
This is a crucial first step. You'll need the installation files for Adobe Photoshop CC 2018. There are a couple of ways you might have these:
1.1 If You Have an Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription (Even if it's Lapsed)
If you previously had an active Adobe Creative Cloud subscription that included Photoshop CC 2018, you might still be able to access the installer through your Adobe account.
- Go to the Adobe Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Adobe website (
https://www.adobe.com/ - Sign In: Click on the "Sign In" button, usually located in the upper right corner, and enter your Adobe ID (email address) and password.
- Check Your Account: Once logged in, look for options related to your account, plans, or previous orders. You might find a section where you can download older versions of applications.
- Download the Installer: If you find Photoshop CC 2018 listed, proceed to download the installer for Windows.
1.2 If You Have a Purchased Perpetual License (Less Common for CC Versions)
It's less common for Creative Cloud versions like CC 2018 to have perpetual licenses. However, if you purchased one, you should have received installation media (like a DVD) or a download link and a product key.
- Using Installation Media: If you have a DVD, insert it into your computer's DVD drive. The installer should ideally start automatically. If not, open File Explorer, navigate to your DVD drive, and look for a setup file (usually named
setup.exeor similar). - Using a Downloaded File: If you have a downloaded installer file (likely a
.exefile), locate it on your computer.
Important Note on Unofficial Sources:
Be extremely cautious when downloading software from unofficial websites or torrents. These sources often contain malware, viruses, or incomplete software that can harm your computer and may not function correctly. It's always best to obtain software from legitimate sources.
Step 2: Initiating the Installation Process
Once you have the Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 installer file, it's time to begin the installation.
2.1 Locating and Running the Installer
- For Downloaded Files: Open File Explorer (Windows key + E), navigate to the folder where you saved the downloaded installer file (it might be in your "Downloads" folder), and double-click on the
.exefile to run it. - For DVD Installations: If the installation didn't start automatically after inserting the DVD, open File Explorer, go to your DVD drive, and double-click on the
setup.exeor similar executable file.
2.2 User Account Control (UAC) Prompt
Windows will likely display a User Account Control (UAC) prompt asking if you want to allow the application to make changes to your device. Click "Yes" to proceed with the installation.
Step 3: Following the On-Screen Installation Instructions
The Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 installer will now guide you through the rest of the process. The exact screens and options might vary slightly depending on how you obtained the installer.
3.1 Initial Setup Screens
- You'll likely see an initial setup screen that might ask you to choose a language for the installation. Select your preferred language and click "Continue" or "Next".
3.2 Sign In (If Required)
- If you are using an installer linked to your Adobe account, you might be prompted to sign in with your Adobe ID and password again. Enter your credentials and click "Sign In".
3.3 License Agreement
- You will be presented with the Adobe Software License Agreement. Read it carefully. If you agree to the terms, click "Accept" or "I Agree" to continue.
3.4 Installation Options
-
This is where you can customize your installation to some extent. You might see options like:
- Installation Location: You can usually choose where Photoshop CC 2018 will be installed on your computer. The default location is usually recommended unless you have a specific reason to change it. Click "Browse" if you want to select a different folder.
- Components to Install: In some cases, you might be able to choose which components of Photoshop to install. Unless you have specific needs, it's generally best to install all the recommended components.
- Language Packs: You might be able to select additional language packs if needed.
-
Once you have reviewed and adjusted the installation options, click "Install" or "Next" to begin the main installation process.
3.5 The Installation Progress
- A progress bar will appear, showing you the status of the installation. This process can take some time, depending on your computer's speed and the size of the installation files. Do not interrupt the installation process by closing the installer or restarting your computer.
3.6 Completion of Installation
- Once the installation is complete, you should see a confirmation message or a screen indicating that Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 has been successfully installed. You might be prompted to restart your computer. It's generally a good idea to do so to ensure everything is set up correctly. Click "Finish" or "Close".
Step 4: Launching and Activating Adobe Photoshop CC 2018
After the installation is complete and you've restarted your computer (if prompted), you can now launch Photoshop CC 2018.
4.1 Finding Photoshop
- Click on the Start Menu (the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
- Look for "Adobe Photoshop CC 2018" in the list of installed applications. It might be under an "Adobe" folder.
- Click on the application name to launch it.
4.2 Activation
- The first time you launch Photoshop, you might be prompted to activate the software.
- If you have a valid Adobe Creative Cloud subscription: Sign in with your Adobe ID and password when prompted. Photoshop should automatically activate.
- If you have a perpetual license (less likely for CC 2018): You will likely be asked to enter your product key or serial number. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate the software.
Troubleshooting Activation Issues:
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection during the activation process.
- Double-check that you are using the correct Adobe ID and password or the correct product key.
- If you encounter persistent activation issues, consult the Adobe support website for troubleshooting steps specific to your situation.
Congratulations!
If you've followed these steps, you should now have Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 successfully installed and activated on your Windows 11 computer. You can now start exploring its powerful features and unleashing your creativity!
Frequently Asked Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 frequently asked questions related to installing and using Adobe Photoshop CC 2018:
How to check if my Windows 11 PC meets the minimum requirements for Photoshop CC 2018?
- Quick Answer: Press
Windows key + R, typedxdiag, and press Enter. This tool will show you information about your processor, RAM, and graphics card. Compare these details with the minimum requirements mentioned earlier.
How to find the Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 installer if I purchased it online?
- Quick Answer: Check your email inbox for a purchase confirmation or download link from Adobe. Also, log in to your Adobe account on the Adobe website and look for your order history or available downloads.
How to deal with a "setup.exe has stopped working" error during installation?
- Quick Answer: Try restarting your computer and running the installer again. Ensure your operating system is up to date with the latest updates. Temporarily disable any antivirus software during installation (remember to turn it back on afterward).
How to change the installation location of Photoshop CC 2018?
- Quick Answer: During the installation process, you'll usually see an option to specify the installation location. Click the "Browse" button and choose your desired folder.
How to know if Photoshop CC 2018 has been installed correctly?
- Quick Answer: After installation, check your Start Menu for "Adobe Photoshop CC 2018". If you can find and launch the application without errors, it's likely installed correctly.
How to activate Photoshop CC 2018 if I don't have an internet connection?
- Quick Answer: Activation usually requires an internet connection. If you have a perpetual license, Adobe might offer offline activation methods, but you'll need to contact their support for specific instructions.
How to uninstall Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 from Windows 11?
- Quick Answer: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find "Adobe Photoshop CC 2018" in the list, click the three dots (more options), and select "Uninstall". Follow the on-screen prompts.
How to get help if I encounter problems during the installation process?
- Quick Answer: Visit the official Adobe support website (
https://www.google.com/search?q=https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/photoshop-cc-2018-release-notes.html
How to check if my graphics card is compatible with Photoshop CC 2018?
- Quick Answer: Refer to the system requirements on the Adobe website. You can also use the
dxdiagtool (Windows key + R, typedxdiag) to find your graphics card model and then search online for its compatibility with OpenGL 2.0.
How to update Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 after installation?
- Quick Answer: Adobe Creative Cloud applications usually have a built-in update mechanism. Open the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app, go to the "Apps" section, and look for any available updates for Photoshop CC 2018.
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you get Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 up and running on your Windows 11 system! Let me know if you have any more questions.