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Creative Cloud Help

Creative Cloud desktop app stuck on launch screen

Last updated on Sep 2, 2025

Learn what to do if the Creative Cloud desktop app doesn't open or displays a spinning progress wheel.

When your Creative Cloud desktop app doesn't open, you may see one of these error messages:

  • “Your apps are taking longer than usual. Relaunch Creative Cloud or restart your computer and try again.”
  • “Loading applications seems to be taking longer than usual.”
  • “Creative Cloud seems to be taking longer than usual to initialize.”

Try these solutions in order to resolve this issue.

Temporary system issue prevents app launch

Quit the Creative Cloud desktop app in one of the following ways, depending on your operating system:
  • macOS: Select Creative Cloud > Quit Creative Cloud, or press command + Q.
  • Windows: Select the hamburger   menu in the upper-left and then select File > Quit Creative Cloud, or press Ctrl + W.

Close all open Creative Cloud apps.

Restart your computer and open the Creative Cloud desktop app again.

Installed file is damaged or corrupted

Uninstall the Creative Cloud desktop app using the Creative Cloud desktop app uninstaller.

Go to the Creative Cloud download page and select Download Creative Cloud.

Double-click the downloaded file to begin installation:

  • macOS: Creative_Cloud_Installer.dmg
  • Windows: Creative_Cloud_Set-Up.exe

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your installation.

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app.

Operating system isn't supported

If you’re using an older operating system, upgrade it to the latest version. The Creative Cloud desktop app supports only these operating systems:

  • Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1903 and later
  • macOS v10.12 and later

Go to the Creative Cloud download page and select Download Creative Cloud.

Double-click the downloaded file to begin installation:

  • macOS: Creative_Cloud_Installer.dmg
  • Windows: Creative_Cloud_Set-Up.exe

Follow the onscreen instructions to complete your installation.

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app.

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