Creative Cloud apps crash on launch

Last updated on 16 October 2025

Learn how to fix issues when Creative Cloud apps fail to open or crash immediately when you try to open them.

If a Creative Cloud app briefly displays its window and exits without an error message, it's often due to a pending update. This issue usually occurs when either Creative Cloud apps or the Creative Cloud desktop app requires an update.

Creative Cloud desktop app is facing a temporary glitch

A temporary glitch may be preventing your app launch. To resolve this issue, sign out and then sign back in.

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app.

Select the Account icon in the upper-right corner, and then select Sign out.

The Creative Cloud desktop app home screen displays the Account drop-down menu with the option to Sign out. — Signing out of the Creative Cloud desktop app will also sign you out of other Creative Cloud apps.

Once you are signed out, sign back in to the Creative Cloud desktop app.

Open your Creative Cloud app again.

Creative Cloud desktop app version is outdated

Your Creative Cloud desktop app may be outdated. Update the app to resolve this issue.

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app and go to the Updates window.

In the Updates window, select Check for updates.

If you're not using the latest version of the Creative Cloud desktop app, you'll see a prompt to update. Select Update to install the latest version.

Once updated, open the Creative Cloud app again.

Creative Cloud app version is outdated

An outdated version of your Creative Cloud app might have caused the crash. Update your app to resolve this issue.

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app and go to the Updates screen.

Select Update for the Creative Cloud app that crashed.

The Updates window displays the available updates for installed apps, with options to update each app, update all apps, check for updates, and manage updates. — Your app will begin updating immediately.

Once updated, open your Creative Cloud app again.

Other Creative Cloud app versions are outdated

Outdated versions of other Creative Cloud apps may also cause this issue. Update your other Creative Cloud apps to resolve this issue.

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app and go to the Updates screen.

Select Update for other Creative Cloud apps that you are using.

For example, if Photoshop is crashing and you have already updated it, try updating other Creative Cloud apps that you use (such as InDesign and Premiere Pro).

The Updates window displays the available updates for your installed apps, with options to update each app, update all apps, check for updates, and manage updates. — Update multiple apps one by one or select Update all.

Once updated, open the Creative Cloud app where you were facing issues.

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