Adobe Photoshop crashes or freezes on startup

Learn how to troubleshoot Photoshop crashes or freezes on startup by updating the app, resetting preferences, and checking GPU and plug-ins.

Photoshop can crash or freeze at launch due to outdated software, corrupted preferences, graphics processor issues, incompatible plug-ins or fonts, security software, or system permissions.

After launching Photoshop, you may see a splash screen before the app crashes, an "Adobe Photoshop has stopped working" message, a "Loading..." splash screen, a blank screen, or a macOS message that the app quit unexpectedly.

Start by checking the known issues in Photoshop to determine whether Adobe has already documented the problem and provided a solution.

The following solutions address common causes of startup crashes and freezes.

Photoshop is out of date

Cause

An outdated version of Photoshop may contain stability issues that have been fixed in newer releases.

Remedy

1. Open the Creative Cloud desktop app.
2. Select Updates.
3. Select Update for Photoshop if an update is available.
4. Wait for the update to finish, then restart Photoshop.

For supported versions and update guidance, use Keep Photoshop up to date.

Photoshop preferences are corrupted

Cause

Corrupted preference files can prevent Photoshop from starting correctly.

Remedy

1. Close Photoshop.
2. Press Alt + Ctrl + Shift (Windows) or Option + Command + Shift (macOS) while launching Photoshop.
3. Select Yes when prompted to delete the Adobe Photoshop Settings file.
4. Test Photoshop with a simple document.

For additional information about managing settings, use Adjust preferences in Photoshop.

The graphics processor or driver is causing crashes

Cause

A graphics processor or graphics driver issue can cause Photoshop to crash during startup.

Remedy

1. Open Photoshop if you can.
2. Select Edit > Preferences > Performance (Windows) or Photoshop > Settings > Performance (macOS).
3. Deselect Use Graphics Processor.
4. Select OK, then restart Photoshop.
5. If Photoshop launches, update your graphics driver and test again.

If the crash stops, turn on Use Graphics Processor after updating the driver to test whether the issue is resolved.

For additional graphics-related solutions, use GPU and graphics driver troubleshooting.

A plug-in is incompatible

Cause

An optional or third-party plug-in may be incompatible with your version of Photoshop or damaged.

Remedy

1. Close Photoshop.
2. Press and hold Shift while launching Photoshop.
3. Select Yes when prompted to skip optional and third-party plug-ins.
4. Launch Photoshop and test the problem again.

If Photoshop launches successfully, an optional or third-party plug-in may be causing the crash. Photoshop plug-ins troubleshooting provides steps for identifying the specific plug-in.

The font cache is corrupted

Cause

A corrupted font cache or damaged font can cause Photoshop to freeze or crash during startup.

Remedy

macOS

1. Quit Photoshop and the Creative Cloud desktop app.
2. Open /Users/<user name>/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop.
3. Delete the CT Font Cache folder.
4. Empty the Trash and restart your computer.

Windows

1. Exit Photoshop and the Creative Cloud desktop app.
2. Open \Users\<user name>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop <version>.
3. Delete the CT Font Cache folder.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin and restart your computer.

Photoshop rebuilds the font cache when it launches again. Troubleshoot fonts provides additional font troubleshooting steps.

Security software is blocking Photoshop

Cause

Anti-virus or security software may block Photoshop files or processes during startup.

Remedy

1. Temporarily turn off your anti-virus software according to the provider's instructions.
2. Launch Photoshop to test whether the crash is resolved.
3. If Photoshop launches, add Photoshop to the software's exceptions list.
4. Turn on your anti-virus protection immediately after testing.
5. Contact your security software provider for instructions on allowing Adobe applications.

Photoshop lacks full disk access on macOS

Cause

Photoshop may lack the required permissions to access files at startup on macOS.

Remedy

1. Open System Settings.
2. Select Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access.
3. Select the add button and select Adobe Photoshop from the Applications folder.
4. Turn on access for Adobe Photoshop.
5. Restart Photoshop and test the problem again.

The current Photoshop version is unstable

Cause

A bug in the current version of Photoshop may affect your system configuration.

Remedy

Before installing an earlier version, submit a crash report so Adobe can investigate the issue.

1. Open the Creative Cloud desktop app.
2. Select More actions for Photoshop.
3. Select Other versions.
4. Find the version you want, then select Install.
5. Launch the previous version and test whether the crash is resolved.

For the current installation steps, use Install previous versions of Creative Cloud apps.

If Photoshop still crashes after you try these solutions, submit a crash report with your email address and details about what you were doing when the crash occurred. This information can help Adobe investigate the issue and provide a solution.