Scenario
Last updated on
Nov 4, 2026
Use the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner tool to fix installation, update, launch, sign-in, and connection problems with Creative Cloud apps on a single managed device. To remove apps from many devices, use the Adobe uninstaller tool instead. See Bulk removal across multiple devices.
About the Creative Cloud Cleaner tool
The Cleaner tool removes files, folders, and registry keys (on Windows) that interfere with a new installation or update. It can fix most installation issues by clearing out corrupted installations, repairing or removing damaged files, and resolving permission problems.
Note
The Cleaner tool doesn’t uninstall apps or return licenses. To uninstall Creative Cloud apps, use the Adobe uninstaller tool. For more information, see Uninstall Creative Cloud products.
Use the following table to decide which tool fits your situation:
|
|
Recommended tool |
|---|---|
|
Fix a broken install, update, launch, or sign-in problem on one device. |
Creative Cloud Cleaner tool |
|
Remove Creative Cloud apps and return licenses on one device or many. |
Adobe uninstaller tool |
When to use the Creative Cloud Cleaner tool
Use the Cleaner tool after you’ve already tried repairing or uninstalling, and the problem persists. For the full list of scenarios, see Prepare to run the Creative Cloud Cleaner tool.
Prepare before you run the tool
Before you run the tool on a user’s device:
- Close all Creative Cloud apps and the Creative Cloud desktop app.
- Run the Log Collector tool so Adobe Support has logs if you need them.
- Back up the CoreSync folders, which hold locally synced library and cloud content, along with any third-party plug-ins and presets stored in Adobe folders.
- Close remaining Adobe background processes.
- If you’re removing older Adobe apps, make sure you have installers to reinstall them. Adobe provides downloads only for the two most recent versions.
For folder locations and the full process list, see Prepare to run the Creative Cloud Cleaner tool.
Run the Cleaner tool
For step-by-step instructions on Windows and macOS, see Download and run the Creative Cloud Cleaner tool.
Reinstall after cleanup
After the Cleaner tool completes successfully, reinstall the apps:
- Managed devices: Deploy a package from the Admin Console. See Deploy packages.
- Individual users: Download Creative Cloud apps.
The Cleaner tool is designed to troubleshoot one device at a time. For bulk removal, download the Adobe uninstall tool from the Admin Console > Packages > Tools and deploy it via your organization’s software distribution workflow. See Uninstall Creative Cloud apps for supported commands.
Before you deploy, keep in mind:
- The tool requires administrative privileges on each device.
- Don’t use operating system uninstall methods, such as Add or Remove Programs or moving apps to the Trash. They leave licensing information on the machine and in the Admin Console.
- The tool doesn’t remove plug-ins, and the Creative Cloud desktop app is removed only with the --all option.
If a device still has problems after the uninstall tool runs, use the Cleaner tool on that device.
