How to retain preferences when updating or import from old version?

[FilGov]

Our Adobe CC program preferences are reset with each Adobe CC program update. How to avoid/fix?

[kglad · Accepted solution]

preferences are left unchanged by default.  users must select an option during updates to reset preferences.

if that doesn't seem to work for you, you can manually copy the preference file(s).

acrobat:  https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1595848?start=0&tstart=0

adobe media encoder: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1713540

after effects:  http://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/using/preferences.html

animate:  http://helpx.adobe.com/flash/kb/re-create-preferences-flash-professional.html

    (or remove Win:  C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Adobe\Animate CC <version>\ and

                                  C\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Animate\<version>\

                        Mac:   /Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Adobe/<Animate CC version>/ and

                                    /Users/<username>/Library/Preferences/Adobe/Animate/<version>/)

audition: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1079494

bridge:  https://helpx.adobe.com/bridge/kb/troubleshoot-errors-freezes-bridge-windows.html

captivate: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/975032

dreamweaver:  https://helpx.adobe.com/dreamweaver/kb/restore-preferences-dreamweaver-cs6-cc.html

fireworks:  https://helpx.adobe.com/fireworks/kb/restore-preferences-fireworks-cs5.html

illustrator:  http://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/setting-preferences.html

incopy:  https://forums.adobe.com/thread/526990

indesign:  https://forums.adobe.com/thread/526990

lightroom: https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom/help/setting-preferences-lightroom.html

muse: https://forums.adobe.com/thread/1127564 (message 7)

photoshop:  https://forums.adobe.com/thread/375776

photoshop elements:  https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/kb/preference-file-locations-photoshop-elements.html,  http://www.photokaboom.com/photography/learn/Photoshop_Elements/troubleshooting/1_delete_preferences...

prelude: https://helpx.adobe.com/prelude/using/prelude-set-preferences.html

premiere elements:  https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/kb/preference-file-locations-photoshop-elements.html

premiere pro: http://www.mediacollege.com/adobe/premiere/pro/troubleshooter/trash-preferences.html

[FilGov]

Thank you for your reply. According to the user, preferences were not left unchanged. We have never seen an option during updates to reset preferences. We have seen an option during upgrades to copy/keep preferences/settings. We always select this. According to the user, this never works. We will forward your suggestion to manually copy the preference file(s). Thank you for the 20 links explaining where they are (even though they unfortunately explain the opposite of what we want).

[kglad]

you're welcome.

[JeremyAndrewDavis]

Every time I update any of my Adobe apps, NONE of my preferences are transferred to the new app. I have always had to manually transfer them... still to this day in 2021.

[titusmac]

I have the same problem, only for the last few updates and when it updates it now deletes the old application so I can't even access the old preferences. I have to recreate all workspaces, keyboard shortcuts, export presets, recent projects, EVERYTHING across all apps! For the love of god PLEASE help, Adobe! Time is money.

[kglad]

that's an unusual problem and is, most likely, caused by a less commonly used programs on your computer (eg, av, antimalware, cleaners, defraggers etc).  you should check that first because it sounds like (ie, the problem's persisted beyond cc updates) fixing that problem would only be short-lived.

otherwise, you could try various cc app fixes and/or you could manually save your preferences for the various programs you use and customize.

you should try to fix your cc app first.  reset the cc desktop app: make sure it's in the foreground, then press:

Win: Ctrl + Alt + R
Mac: Cmd + Opt + R

if that fails, try to repair
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/creative-cloud-install-stuck.html

if that fails go ahead and uninstall using the correct uninstaller from https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-creative-cloud-desktop-app.html#sa_src=web-mes... and then reinstall

if that fails, do a clean cc install following each applicable step:

uninstall every cc app including preferences, https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-remove-app.html
then uninstall the cc desktop app, again using the correct uninstaller, https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-creative-cloud-desktop-app.html#sa_src=web-mes...
clean your computer of cc files per http://www.adobe.com/support/contact/cscleanertool.html
check for, and if available, update your os
repair all ms visual c++ versions that can be repaired.
update your ms visual c++, if it can be updated
restart your computer (don't skip this)
reinstall the cc desktop app, https://creativecloud.adobe.com/apps/all/desktop?action=install&source=apps&productId=creative-cloud
if you're unable to download the cc desktop app at this stage, use the link at the bottom of the page at https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/creative-cloud-desktop-app-download.html
use the desktop app to install your cc programs/trials

[davidb31845741]

This is not an 'unusual' problem.  It has happened to me often, and it is echoed on this post by many.  It is an adobe conflict.  I haven't seen anyone reply that says this is fixable, only that they continue in frustration. 

[kglad]

it's fixable if you backup your preferences.

[Palm Equipment]

Major version updates (eg 2023) do not import preferences from earlier app versions for me either. From colour profile settings to local file save preferences, there is a lot to remember to fix after each version update.  This could be handled a lot better by Adobe.

[kglad]

@Palm Equipment 

there's something wrong with your cc desktop app if you're not offered the option to retain preferences when installing a major version update.

do you have auto-update toggled off?

[jchidiac]

I have had this same problem for years. I have never been asked to import my preferences from a previous major version. Auto update is on and the option to import preferences and setting from previous version is checked. 

Additionally, my preferred workspace does not get saved when I quit. Every time I launch InDesign or Illustrator I have to reselect "Essentials Classic"

What is going on?

[kglad]

disable auto update and monitor the update installation to carefully see if you have the option to import previous preferences.

when you set up your preferred workspace, are you saving it before quitting?

[calebm12387881]

I also find it frustrating that preferences are reset on their own and I have to take time to search the internet to find whatever setting is driving me nuts.  I never opt to reset preferences on updates

[kglad]

@calebm12387881 

i've never had that happen to me.  if i were you, i would save my preference file(s) to make restoration quick and easy.