Open the File Explorer.
Last updated on
Oct 21, 2026
Learn how to restore read and write permissions for Adobe Illustrator preference folders when you receive a preferences folder read-only error.
Illustrator may become unresponsive or slow, or display an error stating that the Preferences folder is read-only.
Your user account doesn't have permission to write to one or more Adobe preference folders. As a result, Illustrator can't save preferences, temporary files, or application settings.
Follow the steps for your operating system to restore read and write permissions.
Fix permissions on Windows
For each folder listed below, complete the following steps.
- C:\Program Files\Adobe
- C:\ProgramData\Adobe
- C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe
- C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <version> Settings
In the folder paths, replace <user> with your account name and <version> with the version of Adobe Illustrator you are using.
Select the View tab, and then select Hidden items.
Navigate to the folder using the paths given above.
In File Explorer, right-click the folder and select Properties.
Select the Security tab, and then select Edit to set permissions.
In the Permissions dialog, select your user name. Deselect the Deny checkbox in the Permissions area.
Click OK twice.
Launch Adobe Illustrator.
Fix permissions on macOS
For each folder listed below, complete the following steps.
- /Users/<user>/Library/Preferences/
- /Users/<user>/Library/Application Support/Adobe/
Open Finder, and navigate to the path given above.
Control-click the folder and select Get Info.
If the item is locked, select the lock icon to enter an administrator name and password.
In the Sharing & Permissions section, select your name or a user profile in the Name column.
From the Privilege column, select Read & Write.
In any subsequent prompt, select the option to apply the permission to all subfolders.
Select the lock icon to save your preferences.
Launch Adobe Illustrator.
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