Extension could not be loaded because it was not properly signed

Last updated on Oct 4, 2026

Learn how to resolve extension signature errors in Photoshop by reinstalling extensions, allowing quarantined files, or performing a clean installation in Adobe Photoshop.

When Photoshop starts, an extension signature verification error can prevent an installed extension from loading.

You may see the following error when Photoshop starts: "The extension could not be loaded because it was not properly signed."

Before troubleshooting, update Photoshop to the latest version. The latest version of Photoshop blocks extensions known to be unsafe.

Antivirus software blocks extension files

Cause

Antivirus software may quarantine or remove extension files, such as .js, .jsx, or .jsxbin files, causing extension signature verification to fail.

Remedy

Reinstall the extension and allow any extension files that your antivirus software has quarantined.

Download the extension installation file directly from the developer's website.

Extract the file on the same drive where Photoshop is installed using your operating system's built-in extraction tool.

On Windows, right-click the ZIP file and select Extract All.

On macOS, Control-click the ZIP file and select Open With > Archive Utility.

Allow any extension files quarantined by your antivirus software.

Install the extension according to the developer's instructions.

Launch Photoshop and verify that the extension loads without error.

Unsigned or altered files remain in extension folders

Cause

Extension file metadata may be altered by cloud or network drive synchronization or third-party extraction tools. Unexpected unsigned files may also be present in the extension folders.

Remedy

Uninstall Photoshop, remove any remaining extension folders, and reinstall Photoshop before reinstalling the extension.

Uninstall Photoshop completely from your system.

Delete the remaining Photoshop and Generator folders, if they still exist after uninstalling:

Windows

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop <version number>\

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Plug-Ins\CC\Generator\

MacOS

<Macintosh HD>/Applications/Adobe Photoshop <version number>/

<Macintosh HD>/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Plug-ins/CC/Generator/

Reinstall Photoshop from the Creative Cloud app.

Follow the previous procedure to download, extract, and reinstall the extension on a local drive instead of a cloud-synced or network location.

Launch Photoshop and verify that the extension loads without error.

Caution

Download extensions only from the developer's official website. Extensions from unofficial sources may have compromised signatures or contain malicious code.