After Effects CC 2026 Cached Frames Do Not Play Back

After Effects CC 2026 – Cached Frames Do Not Play Back

I’m experiencing an issue in After Effects CC 2026 (v26.0) where cached frames do not play back, even though caching itself appears to work correctly.

I confirmed that the same project plays cached frames normally in After Effects v25.6.

What’s happening:

• Frames can be cached via numpad preview or UI controls

• Disk cache is clearly working (green cache bar fills correctly in the timeline)

• However, once caching finishes and I attempt to play the preview, playback does not occur properly

• Cached frames simply do not play back as expected

What I’ve tried so far:

• Updating GPU drivers

• Launching After Effects in Safe Mode

• Changing audio hardware settings

• Disabling Disk Cache

• Switching renderers:

  • Default renderer

  • Advanced 3D renderer
    → Same issue occurs in all cases

Despite all of this, playback still fails in AE 2026, while everything works correctly in AE 25.6 on the same system.

Has anyone encountered a similar issue in AE 2026, or is this a known bug/regression?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.