How to Update Lightroom Classic on Windows & Mac in 2025? [Answered]

Q: What was the previous innovations of Lightroom Classic?

The previous innovations involved Generative Remove, Quick Actions Panel, and Adobe Adaptive Profile.

Adobe Lightroom Classic is a powerful tool with robust features for managing and editing images.

If you are a photographer or a casual editor, using Lightroom Classic would be a great charm for you.

However, your excitement may flew up, if you don’t prefer to update the version you have.

To update Lightroom Classic, there is a complete guide after which you will get new features and significant performance improvements.

Before you update Lightroom Classic on Windows or Mac, you have to check the system requirements for both devices.

Essential System Requirements to Update Lightroom Classic

Here are a few instructions that you should follow before upgrading to the new version of Lightroom Classic.

Name the Catalog and provide a precise location to it on your Computer.
Save the up-to-date backup of your data to your Catalog

How to Find Catalog on Mac?

The steps listed below will help you access your catalog location on a Mac;

Navigate your cursor to the top left screen on the Lightroom Classic.
Tap on Menu, click on Lightroom Classic, and scroll down the dropdown settings to click on the Catalog settings.

How to Find Catalog on Windows?

To find the Catalog location and settings on Windows, here a few points to follow.

Scroll down to the menu of Lightroom Classic, and find the Catalog Settings.
The highlighted section will show the location of your Catalog.
Note the path, and tap on the “Show” button. This will show a block section.
Now close the Window.

Step By Step Guide to Upgrade Lightroom Classic

Here is a step-by step guideline to upgrade Lightroom Classic to access the latest features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements.

Adobe Creative App

Open the Adobe Creative Cloud App on your PC.
Scroll your cursor to the Apps tab.
Tap on the three dots, and check for the updates if available.
In case, you don’t see the update, tap on Check for Updates button.

Lightroom Classic

You can use Lightroom Classic to update the recent version on your device.

Open the Lightroom Classic on your device.
Tap on Help>Check for Updates.
See the prompts, follow to download, and install.

Also Read: Effective Ways to Smooth Skin in Lightroom

Upgrade the Catalog (If Necessary)

You must update the catalog after installing the latest version and receiving all updates.

If you have more than one Catalogs on your device, the process become a little bit complex. Because, you have to upgrade each Catalog separately.

Open the new version of Lightroom Classic on your device and confirm the upgradation of your Catalog. The large Catalog takes time to upgrade, therefore you need to wait.

Finally, give your catalog a name, press the upgrade button, and wait. Remember that you will create a new catalog and the previous one will remain intact.

While upgrading, delete all the extra files, and find the older files that were left after upgrade. To find these files here are some instructions to follow;

Tap on menu and go to the Catalog Settings.
Click on General and tap on the “Show” Button.
Get the .lrcat separate files of old version and place them in a specific folder.

You can readily access these files anytime you need them. Don’t delete the files that end up in the name of new version.

Final Backup

Once all the files are upgraded and verified, create another backup of your Catalog and photos.

What’s New in Lightroom Classic?

After the 2025 update in Lightroom Classic version 14.2, several new features and improvements have been introduced. Let us have a look over them;

Adaptive Profiles
Enhanced Response and Improved Performance
Focus Point Selection
Catalog Backup Management
Support for new Cameras and Lenses

New Features for Lightroom Classic (June 2025 Release)

Feature	Benefits
Distraction Removal	Clean up photos with minimal effort
Adaptive Profiles	AI-tailored Images Tones & Colors
AI Edit Status	Central Control of Small Edits
Performance Boosts	Fast and Smooth Editing Experience

The latest version has a better catalog backup control where you can choose a backup folder and schedule directly in the catalog settings.

Besides, the latest release has improved duplicate detection, XMP writing efficiency, smart preview warnings, and dual-monitor support.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main feature for the latest update was Adaptive Profiles and it came in February 2025. It adjust the tones and colors of your images.

The earlier advancements involved Generative Remove, Quick Actions Panel, and Adobe Adaptive Profile.

Last Words

To update Lightroom Classic on Mac or Windows, you have to simply check up the system requirements. Besides, backing up your data in the form of Catalog gives a great chance to access the older files. Upgrade Lightroom Classic’s version on your device now and enjoy the enhanced improvements.

How to Update Lightroom Classic on Windows & Mac in 2025? [Answered]