Photoshop Elements is not working on macOS 26.0.1, says minimum version is required

Just wanted to add my experience here, because I’ve gone through the full Adobe support process over the last weeks and it matches what others are reporting.

I’m on macOS 26 (Tahoe) and the installer for Photoshop Elements 2026 (PhotoshopElements_2026_MacLBS.dmg) always fails with Error Code 1 right after language/path selection. The installer never downloads the actual PKG files.

Important:

I also tested Elements 2025 and even the Creative Cloud Desktop installer. Both fail with the same error. So this is not a user issue; it’s the Adobe LBS bootstrap installer, which is currently incompatible with macOS 26.

Adobe support confirmed this after escalation, but the promised senior callback never happened. After days of no response, I finally requested a refund, which is now being processed.

So if you’re seeing Error 1 on macOS 26:

It’s not your Mac. It’s a known installer incompatibility, and there is no fix from Adobe yet.

Until Adobe updates their installer framework, alternatives like Pixelmator Pro or Luminar Neo work without problems on macOS 26.

I did a little research for you (you can do this by simply asking Google if Photoshop Elements 2022 will run on Mac OS Tahoe) and the reply I got was no, your version of Elements (2022) is simply too old. You can blame Adobe for that one, so if you really need Adobe Elements then it's time to buy version 2025 or switch to another app, there are many available on the Mac App Store!!!

Adobe only supports the three current versions of macOS. So you would need Photoshop Elements 2025 as noted above. Works fine on Tahoe btw.

As of today, it does not work for me on Tahoe 26.0.1.

Neither Adobe installer works nor the applications installed.

Chat Support wrote, that it is currently not supported on Tahoe.

koenichfranz wrote:

Chat Support wrote, that it is currently not supported on Tahoe.

I really didn't wantt to reinstall PSE at this time, but I did. Apparently PSE 2026 is not compatible as yet. Which is interesting since PSE 2025 worked.

I've had a second remote session with Adobe support now trying and failing to find a work around. At the end of the second session, the Adobe rep tried to get me to create a new root user for him so he could tinker about. I declined and at that point he referred me back to Apple support. I then received a phone call to make an appointment to speak to a 'senior' representative. The appointment was not kept. At this point I have drawn the line - Chat GBP indicates that PSE 2026 is just not compatible and one should wait for a patch. Fortunately I purchased via Paypal who have just given me a refund - I'm going to try Pixelmator Pro.

I'm cross because I have used Photoshop since version 1 in 1989 when it was native on a Mac SE - then a Centris running the Motorola 68040 chip which was state of the art at the time (I'm an old dude). I had a design company and ran Macs using early Photoshop and then Creative Suite. They stopped doing upgrades after CS3 and then just stopped supporting it after it all went online. Having invested thousands in multiple copies, I was angry at the time. After I retired I just then took a subscription to Photoshop but then with no warning and without explanation they just hiked the subscription again recently by 50%. Fed up again I went back to my copy of PSE 2022 but then that stopped working when I upgraded to Tahoe 26.0.1 (as many here have discovered). Hence my purchase of PSE 2026 - just to find that is not compatible and doesn't work.

As a result at this point, I've had it with Adobe.

FYI, Adobe no longer sells Photoshop Elements as a "perpetual" application. Now it has a "3-year term license" – after 3 years, large parts of it stop working for good, whether it's still compatible with the latest macOS or not.

From the FAQ for Photoshop Elements 2026 (emphasis mine):

"The license enables you to use Photoshop Elements for a full 3-year term. It’s a one-time purchase with no additional fees. The license is non-renewing — it expires 3 years after redemption. When your 3-year term license expires, Photoshop Elements will no longer be accessible. However, you’ll still be able to access your media catalog in the Elements Organizer indefinitely."

Adobe – Photoshop Elements

Splain2Lucy wrote:

Also I wonder what happens with all the pictures from the Photoshop Elements program.

That depends on where the pictures are stored. If they’re stored on your Mac, they’ll stay right there. If you’re using Adobe’s cloud storage, check your Adobe account.

Also have been down to every rabbit hole. No PSE Version works on Tahoe on an encrypted drive. The installer won‘t run. Not in safe mode, not for 2025 or 2026. no chance.

I did have PSE 2025 on Tahoe and it worked just fine. However, I removed most everything Adobe except Reader. I just wasn't using it enough. I might consider PSE 2026 in the future. I'm certain it will work in Tahoe since PSE 2025 does.

Thanks for the info. I was just getting ready to pull the trigger on 2026, because I also heard 2025 was working with 26.0.1. Shame on Adobe and shame on them they no longer offer a one time license, instead the 3 year license.

zweare wrote:

Shame on Adobe

Have to agree with that, beta versions of Tahoe have been out for ample time and PSE 2026 just launched. The requirements state, "macOS 15 (15.5 or later)" so macOS 26 should run it. I'm glad that Photoshop CC runs fine for me on Tahoe but I can understand the frustration of those who buy PSE 2026 and find it doesn't work.

Having had a similar problem with Elements 2022 after upgrading to Tahoe, I purchased Elements 2026 on a three year license. It won't work - I have been on to Adobe customer support and they spent an hour or two remotely taking over my MacBook Pro but couldn't sort it either. I'm currently waiting for a telephone call from them.

Interested to see I'm not the only person having this problem.

You actually got a human being on the phone, that is way better than most of us. If they fix it, which I don't think they will, please, please let us know what they did to resolve the issue. I have been with out software since I updated to 26.0.1