Should I upgrade my OS and Photoshop?

[LJ Light]

I am currently running Big Sur 11.7.7 and have uploaded screen shots you may need to give me the best possible answer. I am not tech savvy and have tried searching the fb group to find the answer on my own but think I left with more questions.

1) Should I upgrade my memory?

2) Should I upgrade my os?

3) I am running Photoshop CC 2020. I would like to upgrade to a newer version but I am always scared to do so bc I do not know what my computer can handle.

[Brian]

Short answer: No. 

Long Answer, I have a 2017 iMac with more RAM and a better GPU running PS 23 (and Big Sur) and I’m noticing lag in PS. DO NOT UPGRADE TO PS 24. Photoshop 22 should work fine and 23 to a certain degree…but it will make you think about buying a new computer. PS 24, you will be in here begging for help on how to un-do a OS and PS upgrade. (Hint: you will need to Nuke your HD and start completely over, so save yourself the stress.) 

[Brian]

Oh, you are in the same boat as me. Time to start saving for a new computer to purchase within the next 12-18 months. 

[LJ Light]

Thank you. That was why I had not done it before. I try to keep an eye on all of your suggested. I will join the saving train for sure and pass this one down to my daughter when the time comes.

[Brian]

I just was notified by the Adobe Mothership...

HEY!! YOU HAVE AN UPDATE!!!

Yep, I know.

See how Auto-Updates are disabled?

At this stage, many of our users get excited and have huge FOMO present in their minds. Then they blindly click "Update." Only to create frantic posts in a few hours because Photoshop isn't acting right on their 5+ year old computer. PS 2023 really started making older computers cranky, PS 2024 and beyond make people buy new computers. So if you don't have money set aside, your wallet will be bitching at you.

Like I said, unless you are hell-bent on the AI stuff that Adobe is pushing out, you really don't "Need" Photoshop 2024.