Premiere Pro is a graphics-intensive software that usually requires a powerful computer to run correctly. However, if you're wondering how to run Premiere Pro on a low-end PC, you’re not alone. Editing on a low-end device can frustrate video creators due to issues such as frequent crashes, slow performance, or even the inability to launch Premiere.

We have put together a list of what professional video editors recommend for optimizing Premiere’s performance on any computer system! In this blog post, we reveal how to use Adobe Premiere Pro on a low-end PC even if you do not have access to the best computer. Many professionals in the film industry began their careers editing on low-end devices, and we have some tips to share with you today.

Photo by Hannah Wei on Unsplash

Adobe Premiere Pro System Requirements

The first thing we want to cover is the system requirements for running Premiere Pro. If your computer doesn’t meet the Adobe Premiere Pro minimum PC requirements, don’t panic! Keep reading to find out the workarounds. The 2023 Premiere Pro system requirements (recommended by Adobe) are:

Minimum Specifications For Mac:

• Intel® 6thGen or newer CPU

• macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) or later

• 8 GB of RAM

• 8 GB of available hard-disk space

• High-speed drive for media

• 1920 x 1080 display

• Gigabit Ethernet (HD only)

Minimum Specifications For PC:

• Intel® 6th Gen or newer CPU – or AMD Ryzen™ 1000 Series or newer CPU

• Windows 10 (64-bit) V20H2 or later

• 8 GB of RAM

• 2 GB of GPU memory

• 8 GB of available hard-disk space

• High-speed drive for media

• 1920 x 1080

• ASIO compatible or Microsoft Windows Driver Model sound card

• 1 Gigabit Ethernet (HD only)

Even though these specifications may seem intimidating, they outline the Adobe Premiere Pro minimum requirements for PC. But don’t worry—if you’re using Premiere Pro on a low-end PC, there are steps you can take to enhance its performance.

1. Invest in a Good External Hard Drive

Memory space is a crucial factor in determining how well Premiere Pro and other video editing applications run on your device. If you’re asking, “Can I run Premiere Pro on an external hard drive?”, the answer is yes! A high-performance external drive can significantly boost performance when your internal storage is limited. You can also find essential Premiere Pro tips that can help boost performance when working on a low-end device.

You can also check out our GPU Guide for tips to use GPU, along with speed up and acceleration tips for Adobe Premiere Pro.

2. Edit Using Proxy Files

This is one of the best tips from professional video editors for how to get Premiere to run more smoothly. If you're unfamiliar with proxy editing, check out how to create video proxies on Premiere Pro to simplify the process and improve your editing speed. Proxy files are particularly useful when dealing with Premiere slow performance on lower-end systems. If you’re looking to learn how to make Premiere Pro run faster, using proxy files is an essential step.

Another tip for speeding up playback during editing is to lower the resolution of the playback screen. This does not affect the final video product and it makes it easier for the computer to run the program.

3. Close Out Other Windows

Running Premiere Pro uses significant RAM on your device. If you’re working with Premiere Pro for low-end PCs, it’s crucial to allocate as much RAM as possible to the application. This can make a big difference, especially if your PC only meets the minimum specs for Premiere Pro. If you're encountering frequent crashes or performance issues, here's a guide on how to stop Premiere Pro from crashing that may help solve your problem.

Photo by Marcus Löfvenberg on Unsplash

4. Spring Clean Your Computer System

Make sure that your computer’s system is working to its maximum capabilities by giving it a good “spring cleaning.” Clearing unused applications and junk files can significantly improve your computer's performance when running programs like Premiere Pro. In addition to these tips, making sure your computer’s software is updated can improve overall performance. For those wondering which version of Adobe Premiere Pro is best for low-end PCs, it’s recommended to use older versions that consume fewer resources, such as Premiere Pro 2018 or earlier. New editors can also benefit from a beginner's complete guide to Premiere Pro, which covers the basics and more advanced features to get the most out of the software.

You might consider moving files that you do not want to delete to an external hard drive so they no longer take up space on the computer. Most professional video editors do all of their editing work on a dedicated external hard drive (make sure to always back up your files).

5. FX Mute Button

Using lots of SFX in Premiere Pro can slow down its performance, particularly on a low-end PC. If you’re unsure which version of Adobe Premiere Pro is best for low-end PCs, remember that selecting a lighter version, combined with the FX mute button, can make the software much more manageable.

One way to improve the efficiency of the editing process while still using your favorite effects is to make use of the FX mute button. This Premiere Pro feature allows you to playback footage and make edits with the effects turned off, but you can always turn them back on easily using the same button.

6. Other Resources

If you still cannot run Premiere Pro on a low-end device after using these tips, other resources can help. Upgrading to a better computer may not be an option for many intermediate and beginner video editors, but sometimes being successful in the industry is not about what resources you have, but about how resourceful you can be.

Vagon is one useful resource that video editors can take advantage of if their computer does not meet the minimum specifications for editing on Premiere Pro. Vagon is an in-browser supercomputer that allows you to access graphics-intensive software like Premiere without worrying about system requirements. By using Vagon’s in-browser supercomputer, you can learn Premiere Pro editing on any device before deciding to invest in a high-end computer system.

After optimizing your system and implementing these tips, you can still enhance your video editing experience further with Vagon’s high-performance cloud PCs. With Vagon, you can access Premiere Pro on any device, even low-end systems, without worrying about system requirements. Featuring powerful configurations like 48 cores, 4 x 24GB RTX-enabled Nvidia GPUs, and 192GB of RAM, Vagon gives you the freedom to focus on creativity while it handles the heavy lifting.
Start editing on Vagon today and experience a smoother, faster Premiere Pro workflow from your browser!

FAQs:

1. Can I run Premiere Pro on a low-end PC?

   • Yes, you can run Premiere Pro on a low-end PC by optimizing your system and using tips such as editing with proxy files, investing in a good external hard drive, and closing unnecessary programs to allocate more RAM to Premiere.

2. What are the minimum PC requirements for Adobe Premiere Pro?

   • The minimum PC requirements for Adobe Premiere Pro include an Intel 6th Gen or newer CPU, 8 GB of RAM, 2 GB of GPU memory, and 8 GB of available hard-disk space. These specs are essential for running Premiere Pro, though a more powerful system may be required for smoother performance.

3. How can I make Premiere Pro run faster on a low-end computer?

   • You can make Premiere Pro run faster by editing with proxy files, using an external hard drive to boost memory, lowering playback resolution, and keeping your system clean from unnecessary files and applications.

4. Which version of Premiere Pro is best for low-end PCs?

   • Older versions of Premiere Pro, such as Premiere Pro 2018, are often better suited for low-end PCs as they require fewer system resources than the latest versions.

5. Can I run Adobe Premiere Pro from an external hard drive?

   • Yes, you can run Adobe Premiere Pro using an external hard drive. A high-performance external drive can help with memory limitations on your computer, improving overall performance while editing.

6. Why is Premiere Pro slow on my PC?

   • Premiere Pro may be slow due to insufficient system resources, such as RAM or GPU power. Using proxy files, closing other applications, and updating your graphics drivers can help improve the software's speed.