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Install Photoshop on Windows 11 through Adobe Creative Cloud: start the download from Adobe Home or install Photoshop from the Creative Cloud desktop app. Before you begin, check that your Windows version and PC meet Adobe’s requirements for Photoshop 27.x and later, and have an Adobe account and internet connection ready.
Check that your Windows 11 PC meets Photoshop’s requirements
Adobe’s listed requirements below apply to Photoshop version 27.x and later. Windows 11 must be version 24H2 or 23H2. You can check your Windows version by opening Settings → System → About and looking under Windows specifications.
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| Component | Minimum or supported configuration | Adobe’s recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 version 24H2 or 23H2 | — |
| Processor | Multicore Intel, AMD, or WinARM processor. Intel and AMD processors must support AVX2 and SSE 4.2. | — |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB or more |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 GPU, feature level 12_0 or later, with 1.5 GB GPU memory. Adobe specifies a GPU newer than seven years and does not test GPUs older than that. | 4 GB GPU memory for 4K displays and higher; current manufacturer drivers |
| Display | 1280 × 800 at 100% scaling, or 1920 × 1080 at 150% scaling | 1920 × 1080 or higher |
| Storage | 10 GB available disk space | 100 GB available; a fast internal SSD for installation and a separate internal drive for scratch disks |
Photoshop also needs an internet connection and registration for activation, subscription validation, and online services. Adobe says it will not install on a volume using a case-sensitive file system. See Adobe’s Photoshop desktop technical requirements for the full current list.
Install Photoshop through Creative Cloud
Adobe’s current Windows installation route uses Creative Cloud; the Photoshop app is downloaded and managed there rather than through a permanent standalone Photoshop installer.
#1 Best Overall
- Battery-free Stylus - Only COMPATIBLE to Huion Inspiroy H640P/H950P/H1060P/H610Pro V2/HS610/HS64/H420X/H580X/H610X; Never worry about pen-charging, and eco-friendly of use; Without operating battery, the pen is only 16g in weight, and its front end is made of wearable silicone for soothing feel.
- NOT COMPATIBLE with iPad, other Graphics Tablet or Huion Graphics Monitor GT Series; Huion provides one year warranty.
- Two Customizable Pen Buttons - Set the function to your reference like eraser, fasten your working efficiency; Palm rejection design of dual keys on both sides of the pen helps reduce touch frequency and realize most effective creation.
- Long-lasting Lifespan - First of Huion's products features battery-free stylus, say goodbye to charging cables; Don't need to worry about the potential battery leakage and run-out.
- 8192 Levels of Pen Pressure Sensitivity - Enjoy the accuracy and precision when drawing; Having 233 PPS report rate, 5080LPI resolution, you can paint or draw or sketch smoothly on your Huion Inspiroy series Tablets.
Start from Adobe Home
- Go to Adobe’s Creative Cloud apps download page and follow the Adobe Home route: open the Apps tab, find Photoshop, and select Download.
- Allow the Creative Cloud desktop app to download and install when prompted. It manages Photoshop’s installation.
- Follow the prompts to sign in with your Adobe account if asked, then let Photoshop finish installing. Adobe says Photoshop opens automatically after installation.
If Creative Cloud is already installed
- Open the Creative Cloud desktop app and select Apps.
- Find Photoshop and select Install.
- Wait for the installation to complete; Photoshop opens automatically afterward.
Download Creative Cloud separately
If you need to install the desktop app first, use Adobe’s Creative Cloud desktop app download page. On Windows, the downloaded installer is named Creative_Cloud_Set-Up.exe. Double-click it and follow the on-screen instructions. If the download does not start, select Restart download on Adobe’s page. The Creative Cloud desktop app installs to its default location; Adobe does not offer a location choice during that app’s installation.
Install with a free trial
Adobe’s trial flow currently asks you to choose a plan and enter payment information. Adobe states that Creative Cloud app trials last 7 days, are free, and can be canceled online at any time without fees. Check the terms shown for your region before proceeding.
Rank #2
- New upgraded version: Battery-free Stylus with 8192 Levels Pressure does not require charging, The report rate of the H420X graphic tablet has increased to 300 PPS, making lines quicker and smoother, and feel like a real pen. The pen also has 2 customizable buttons on the side that allow you to switch between right-clicking and the eraser etc instantly
- Graphic design tablet H420X is only 7mm in thickness and 167g in weight. A slim and compact design with a active area of 4.17x2.6 inches and dimension of 6.77x4.3 inches make it perfect for limited desktop space and easy to carry out when on a trip.
- H420X huion drawing tablet is compatible with Windows 7 or later, Mac OS 10.12 or later, and Android 6.0 or later. Huion H420X drawing pad has good compatibility with most drawing software including Adobe Photoshop, Paint tool sai, Corel Painter, Illustrator, Sketchbook, Manga Studio, Clip Studio Paint, Fireworks, Comic Studio, SAI, Krista, Infinite Stratos, Pixologic ZBrush and other major graphics applications, and more. H420X is NOT compatible with iOS.
- H420X computer graphics tablets also can be used for playing OSU games, signing documents, taking notes, and more. No need to install the driver. Just plug and play!
- The note taking tablet is also easier to handwrite write, edit, and annotate with a stylus for online education, e-learning, remote working, or web conference. HUION H420X also is compatible with XSplit, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and more
- In Adobe’s Creative Cloud apps catalog, find Photoshop and select Free trial.
- Select a plan, then select Continue.
- Enter your email address and select Continue if prompted.
- Select a payment method, enter the requested payment information, and select Agree and subscribe.
- Select Get Started to begin downloading, then complete the Creative Cloud installation steps.
Adobe’s detailed instructions are on its trial installation page.
Choose where Photoshop installs
Photoshop does not have to install on the C: drive. To change the destination for Creative Cloud apps, open the Creative Cloud desktop app and go to Account icon → Preferences → Apps. Select the edit icon beside Install location, choose a location, and select Done. Future Creative Cloud apps will use the selected location. This setting is separate from the Creative Cloud desktop app’s own installation location, which Adobe’s installer places in its default location. See Adobe’s instructions for changing Creative Cloud app install locations.
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- Work for both hands - Huion Artist Glove with two fingers; The package includes one unit of glove which can be used on both hand, free size; 20cm in length, 8cm in width.
- Anti-fouling design - It can prevent smudges from your hand on a Graphic Tablet, Graphics Monitor or some other items, leaving no more scratch. Note: The glove cannot prevent accidental touching from the touch screen, it just can reduce the friction between your hand and the tablet surface.
- Comfortable Material - Made from Soft Lycra and Nylon, extremely flexible, comfortable to work with; It can reduce friction between your hand and the surface.
- Classic color - The glove is black, peaceful and charming color; And the most important point is that this color is soiling resistant so you do not need to wash it frequently.
- Flexible using - Works perfectly for sketching, inking, coloring and digital drawing on graphics tablets.
Troubleshoot a slow or failed installation
Download does not start
If you are downloading the Creative Cloud desktop app and nothing happens, return to Adobe’s download page and select Restart download. If you are downloading Photoshop from Creative Cloud, check that the desktop app is signed in and connected to the internet.
Installation is stuck or incomplete
Adobe identifies weak Wi-Fi, antivirus software, software firewalls, corporate hardware firewalls, and proxy servers as possible causes. Check the connection and whether a firewall is blocking Creative Cloud. If a software firewall asks for permission, allow the Creative Cloud desktop app to access the internet. If there is no prompt or allowing access does not resolve the issue, consult the firewall’s documentation; Adobe also suggests temporarily disabling the firewall for testing. Restore your normal protection afterward. Corporate network controls may require help from your IT administrator. Adobe’s stuck Creative Cloud installation guidance has additional steps.
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- Ultra thin tablet: Active Area 4 x 3 inches. Fully utilizing our 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity―Providing you with groundbreaking control and fluidity to expand your creative output. Please note: The 4 x 3 inches is very small, please confirm that it will meet your needs before you purchase it
- OSU game: Designed for OSU! gameplay, drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures etc. No need to install drivers for OSU! It's also designed for both right and left hand users
- Accurate Pen Performance: StarG430S computer graphics tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
- Compact and Portable: The G430S art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it’s as slim as all primary level graphic tablets,Ultra-thin and portable, allowing you hold it in one hand and carry it on the go. This graphic drawing tablet supports Mac. However, since the product interface is micro USB to USB-A, if your computer is a Mac and does not have a USB-A port, you will need to purchase an OTG transfer adapter to ensure compatibility with your Mac. So please confirm your computer port before you purchase it
- PLEASE NOTE: The XPPen StarG 430 is compatible with the Windows system 11/10/8/7(32/64 bit), and the Mac OS X version 10.10 or later, but it is incompatible with iOS and iPad OS. If your computer is a Mac, you need to grant permission to the Mac preferences first. Please go to our official website, and according to the guide: XPPen>Support>FAQ, find out the Star G430 and click, then click the question according to your Mac system. There are detailed guidelines for installing the driver so your tablet will work correctly. It's possible incompatible with the customer's own EMR system or other signature system. Please feel free to contact us to confirm the compatibility before your purchase
Repair a damaged Creative Cloud desktop app
On Windows, Adobe’s repair process uses its Creative Cloud uninstaller. Repair signs you out, so have your Adobe ID and password ready.
- Download and extract Adobe’s Windows uninstaller using the instructions on the Creative Cloud installation troubleshooting page.
- Run
C:Program Files (x86)AdobeAdobe Creative CloudUtilsCreative Cloud Uninstaller.exe. - Select Repair, then relaunch Creative Cloud and sign in.
- If repair fails, run the uninstaller again and select Uninstall, then reinstall Creative Cloud.
If persistent problems stem from corrupt files or installation records, Adobe says its Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool may be needed. Use Adobe’s guidance before resorting to that cleanup utility.
Best Value
- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
- Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
- Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
- Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey
Resolve trial, activation, or account problems
A paid plan still looks like a trial
After a purchase, Adobe says processing can take up to one hour. During that time Photoshop may still show free-membership or trial options. If the plan continues to appear as a trial, open the Creative Cloud desktop app and select Account icon → Sign out → Continue, then sign in again. Check your Adobe account for an expired plan or payment issue. You can also update Photoshop from Apps tab → Installed apps → More actions icon → Check for updates. See Adobe’s guidance for apps incorrectly showing as trials.
Device activation limit reached
An individual Creative Cloud plan can be signed in on up to two devices at once, even though the apps can be installed on more computers. If Photoshop reports an activation limit when you sign in on another device, select Sign out beside a listed device, then select Continue. To deactivate one remotely, go to account.adobe.com → Plans and payment → Activated devices. Adobe’s device activation limit instructions explain the options.
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Uninstall Photoshop if needed
Save active projects and close Photoshop first. In Creative Cloud, go to Apps → All Apps, select the More actions icon for Photoshop, and choose Uninstall. At the confirmation prompt:
- Keep retains notifications, alerts, interface settings, plugins, and other preferences.
- Remove deletes those preferences.
- Cancel stops the uninstall.
Adobe’s Creative Cloud app uninstall instructions cover the process. If you also plan to remove Creative Cloud desktop, first uninstall all Creative Cloud apps, including Photoshop. Synchronize Creative Cloud files before using its uninstaller because unsynchronized files could be lost. Enterprise users without administrator privileges may need to ask their administrator to uninstall it; see Adobe’s Creative Cloud desktop app uninstall guidance.
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