How To Download Photoshop For Free On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 27, 2025

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Downloading and installing Adobe Photoshop for free on Windows 11 might seem like an impossible task, given its status as a premium software. However, there are legitimate ways to access Photoshop without spending money, particularly through trial versions and educational discounts. This guide will walk you through the steps to get Photoshop on your Windows 11 computer legally and explore alternative options if the free methods don’t quite meet your needs.

While a completely free, full, and perpetual version of Photoshop is not available, this guide will provide you with actionable steps to get access to the software without immediate cost. We’ll cover obtaining a trial version, utilizing educational discounts (if applicable), and exploring alternative free or low-cost image editing software that can fulfill similar needs.

How Can I Get Photoshop for Free on Windows 11?

Getting the Photoshop Free Trial

Adobe offers a free trial of Photoshop, allowing you to experience the full functionality of the software for a limited time. This is the most straightforward way to access Photoshop without paying upfront.

Visit the Adobe Website: Go to the official Adobe website.
Navigate to Photoshop: Find the Photoshop product page.
Start the Free Trial: Look for the “Free Trial” button and click it.
Choose a Plan: You might be presented with different subscription options. Select the plan that best suits your needs, even though you’re starting with a free trial. This is necessary to proceed.
Create an Adobe Account or Sign In: If you don’t have an Adobe account, you’ll need to create one. If you already have an account, sign in.
Download and Install: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install Photoshop on your Windows 11 computer.
Launch Photoshop: Once installed, launch Photoshop.
Start Your Trial: The software will prompt you to start your free trial. Activate it, and you’ll have access to Photoshop for the duration of the trial period.

Utilizing Educational Discounts

If you are a student or educator, you may be eligible for significant discounts on Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions, which include Photoshop.

Verify Eligibility: Check if your educational institution is eligible for Adobe’s education pricing.
Visit the Adobe Education Website: Go to the Adobe Education website.
Enter your School or University: Find your school or university in the list.
Confirm Your Student Status: You might need to provide proof of enrollment or employment.
Purchase a Subscription: Once verified, you can purchase a discounted Creative Cloud subscription that includes Photoshop.
Download and Install: Download and install Photoshop on your Windows 11 computer.
Activate Your Subscription: Launch Photoshop and sign in with your Adobe account to activate your educational subscription.

Exploring Free or Low-Cost Alternatives

While not Photoshop, several free or low-cost image editing software options offer similar functionality and can be excellent alternatives.

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): A powerful, open-source image editor that provides a wide range of tools and features.

Download GIMP from the official website.
Install GIMP on your Windows 11 computer.
Launch GIMP and start editing.

Photopea: A free, browser-based image editor that closely resembles Photoshop in terms of interface and functionality.

Open Photopea in your web browser.
Start editing images directly in your browser.

Paint.NET: A free image and photo editing software for PCs that run Windows.

Download Paint.NET from the official website.
Install Paint.NET on your Windows 11 computer.
Launch Paint.NET and start editing.

Tips for Maximizing Your Photoshop Experience

Explore Tutorials: Take advantage of the many free tutorials available online to learn how to use Photoshop effectively.
Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more proficient you’ll become with Photoshop’s tools and features.
Consider a Subscription: If you find Photoshop essential to your workflow, consider subscribing to Adobe Creative Cloud to access the latest features and updates.

Photoshop Access Simplified

By following these steps, you can access Photoshop for free on your Windows 11 computer through a trial or by exploring educational discounts. You can also consider free alternatives like GIMP or Photopea to fulfill your image editing needs.

FAQ

Is there a completely free version of Photoshop? No, there is no completely free, full, and perpetual version of Photoshop. However, Adobe offers a free trial, and educational discounts may be available.

How long does the Photoshop free trial last? The Photoshop free trial typically lasts for 7 days.

Can I use Photoshop on multiple computers with a single subscription? Adobe subscriptions usually allow you to install the software on up to two computers, but you can only use it on one computer at a time.

Are there any risks associated with downloading Photoshop from unofficial sources? Yes, downloading Photoshop from unofficial sources can expose your computer to malware and viruses. It is always recommended to download software from the official Adobe website.

What are the system requirements for running Photoshop on Windows 11? Photoshop requires a relatively powerful computer to run smoothly. Check the official Adobe website for the latest system requirements.

Alternative Image Editors Compared

Feature	Photoshop	GIMP	Photopea
Cost	Paid subscription	Free	Free (with ads) / Paid subscription
Interface	Industry-standard	Customizable	Similar to Photoshop
Features	Extensive, professional-grade	Wide range, customizable	Good range, browser-based
Learning Curve	Steep	Moderate	Moderate
File Compatibility	Broad, supports many file types	Supports many file types	Supports many file types
Platform	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux	Web browser

Final Thoughts

Obtaining Photoshop for free on Windows 11 involves utilizing trial versions, educational discounts, or exploring alternative software. Each method offers a pathway to image editing, catering to different needs and resources.