HT204655: Updating from iPhoto to Photos for OS X

Learn about Updating from iPhoto to Photos for OS X
MelPL

Q: iPhoto is not upgrading automatically to Photos

My iPhoto icon has a circle with a line through it and is not upgrading automatically to Photos.  I went to the App store and Photos is not showing up there either.  How do I complete this upgrade?  I'm running on Yosemite 10.10.2.

iMac (27-inch Mid 2010), OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Apr 27, 2015 2:08 PM

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Q: iPhoto is not upgrading automatically to Photos

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  • by Terence Devlin,Helpful

    Terence Devlin Terence Devlin Apr 27, 2015 2:23 PM in response to MelPL
    Level 10 (139,597 points)
    iLife
    Apr 27, 2015 2:23 PM in response to MelPL

    You need to be on 10.10.3 for a start.

     

    Go to the App Store and check out the Purchases List. If iPhoto is there then it will be v9.6.1

     

    If it is there, then drag your existing iPhoto app (not the library, just the app) to the trash

     

    Install the App from the App Store.

     

    Sometimes iPhoto is not visible on the Purchases List. it may be hidden. See this article for details on how to unhide it.

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4928

     

    One question often asked: Will I lose my Photos if I reinstall?

     

    iPhoto the application and the iPhoto Library are two different parts of the iPhoto programme. So, reinstalling the app should not affect the Library. BUT you should always have a back up before doing this kind of work. Always.

  • by K Shaffer,Helpful

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Apr 27, 2015 2:24 PM in response to MelPL
    Level 6 (14,582 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 27, 2015 2:24 PM in response to MelPL

    Can't Update iPhoto because it is not available in the App Store

     

    There are a few other considerations, if you want to keep iPhoto and

    also use the new Photos app.

     

    Good luck!

  • by MelPL,

    MelPL MelPL Apr 27, 2015 2:30 PM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 27, 2015 2:30 PM in response to K Shaffer

    I'm one of those users that did not purchase iPhoto 9.x.  I have been working with the version that my computer came with in 2010.  I know...ugh.  Honestly, it never gave me any trouble, so I just stuck with it.  So are people like me just out of luck?  I do have a back up of all my photos.