We’re on the Adobe Help Forums every day and regularly see users posting queries like “CS6 doesn’t download” or “Can’t install Photoshop CC from the Creative Cloud,” or “my product updates aren’t downloading”… It could be for the 30-day free trials or for the full versions.
Often the issue is related to one or the other download managers (DLM) that Adobe uses to deliver its software installers. Over the years and for various tools, they have used the Akamai Download Manager, the Adobe Download Assistant (ADA), the Adobe Application Manager (AAM), and most recently the Creative Cloud (CC) Desktop App.
Adobe employs these helper utilities because their downloads are usually large – multiple gigabytes – and download managers can help correct for unreliable Internet connections, and resume a download after it has been paused or if the online connection was unexpectedly broken.
But it turns out there can be interactions between the DLM and some configuration on the user’s computer, web browser, anti-virus software, Internet connection, or something else which causes it not to work… So the first step is to try something different with those.
However instead of trying to troubleshoot the problem, typically it’s just easier to avoid the DLM altogether and download the applications you want without using it, so long as you have a reasonably good Internet connection.
Using Direct Download Links Instead
That’s where the “direct download links” (DDL) below come in… They link to the same original and authentic program installers on Adobe’s servers, but just without going through any of Adobe’s intermediary download managers.
You can use just click on the DDL in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, or IE) to download the applications, or you can use a DLM of your own choosing (installed locally on your machine).
We’ve curated a collection of these access points over the years and are providing them to you here: the direct links for current releases of all major Adobe products in dozens of languages… They are the free trial versions by default, but can be activated by entering your valid purchased serial number for perpetual licenses like CS6, or by logging in with your Adobe ID for CC subscriptions and Creative Cloud memberships. These links are also useful for downloading a backup of your software, burning to DVD, copying to flash drive, etc.
Whatever you do, make sure to carefully follow the download instructions given on each of these pages, which are required in order to activate the direct links:
Adobe Installers: Direct Download Links
All-New Adobe CC Direct Download Links
Creative Suite 6 Downloads: All Direct Links
Direct Download Links for Adobe Acrobat XI
Photoshop/Premiere Elements 12 Direct Links
Direct Download Links for Adobe Lightroom 5
Adobe Captivate 7 Direct Download Links
Updates to Installed Tools: Direct Links
If you’ve already got the programs installed but are just looking for the updates, we’ve got those for you too… If want the individual updates for any Creative Cloud tool, the direct download links are here:
Creative Cloud Direct Download Links: All Adobe CC Updates for Windows
Creative Cloud Direct Download Links: All Adobe CC Updates for Mac OS
For any Creative Suite (CS) application, or any other Adobe software including Acrobat, Lightroom, Elements, Captivate, and the rest, you’ll find direct links to the updates here.
See Also
Adobe’s new “CC” release (CS7): What you need to know
What are the differences between Adobe CC vs. CS6?
Creative Cloud vs. Adobe CS6: Which is best for you?
Don’t need full Cloud? Get PS + LR for $10/month
How to save 70% with the Student & Teacher Editions
How to join Adobe’s Creative Cloud for free
Any questions about the direct download links? Just ask below and we’ll get you answers fast!
Keep up with the latest on Adobe software — subscribe to our RSS feed or follow us on Twitter or Facebook… You can also enter your email and have new articles sent directly to your inbox.
Related Posts
ProDesignTools Greatest Hits: Best Adobe Articles & Tips of All Time
New Adobe “CC” Release Now Available – What You Need to Know
Acrobat & Lightroom: Impact of Creative Cloud and Upgrade Changes
Download New Adobe CC Trials: Direct Links (no Assistant/Manager)
Direct Download Links for Lightroom 3 and Photoshop Elements 8
Related Stories
Adobe Photoshop Elements 12 Direct Download Links, Premiere too
Adobe Ends Creative Cloud & Suite, Announces New ‘Creative Treat’
Photoshop CS6 Beta Release is Out! Free Download Now Available