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Jan 14, 2026 5:26 AM UTC
Answered

Creative Cloud not listening to my install preferences?

I was using Photoshop and encountered an error stating that my drive had run out of storage, which prevented me from using the move tool. I came to find out that I only had 1 GB left on my (C:) drive. I have my install preference set to a specific folder in my (D:) drive, but it ignores this and installs it into the pre-created Adobe folder on my (C:) drive where Creative Cloud is installed. I've been unable to find anyone with the same issue, please help!

gupta shivangi
gupta shivangiCorrect answer
Legend
Jan 14, 2026 1:17 PM UTC

Hi @donna_4984, 

I understand you do not wish to getting prevented from using the application mid-work. In a situation like this, even when you set apps to install on D:, Adobe still uses your C: drive for:
1. Photoshop uses “scratch disk” space to temporarily store data while you work. By default, this is always set to your system drive (C:), unless you manually change it.
2. Creative Cloud installs certain core services on the system drive regardless of your install location. 
3. Adobe apps generate large temp files, media cache, Creative Cloud cache to folders on C: drive.
 

I would suggest you to free up some space on your C: drive to make sure the software works in optimal condition. You may follow the steps listed here:

macOS: https://adobe.ly/4sKAOzi

Windows: https://adobe.ly/4buAq1p

I hope it helps.
^Shivangi

5 replies

Peru Bob
Community Expert
Community Expert
Jan 14, 2026 3:34 PM UTC

You may want to consider replacing the current C drive with a larger one, otherwise you won't have enough room for Windows updates, system files, or temp files and will likely have other computer issues.

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gupta shivangi
gupta shivangiCorrect answer
Legend
Jan 14, 2026 1:17 PM UTC

Hi @donna_4984, 

I understand you do not wish to getting prevented from using the application mid-work. In a situation like this, even when you set apps to install on D:, Adobe still uses your C: drive for:
1. Photoshop uses “scratch disk” space to temporarily store data while you work. By default, this is always set to your system drive (C:), unless you manually change it.
2. Creative Cloud installs certain core services on the system drive regardless of your install location. 
3. Adobe apps generate large temp files, media cache, Creative Cloud cache to folders on C: drive.
 

I would suggest you to free up some space on your C: drive to make sure the software works in optimal condition. You may follow the steps listed here:

macOS: https://adobe.ly/4sKAOzi

Windows: https://adobe.ly/4buAq1p

I hope it helps.
^Shivangi

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kglad
Community Expert
Community Expert
Jan 14, 2026 1:05 PM UTC

copy and paste a screenshot (into a post here) of the cc desktop app preferences page showing the install location.

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Jan 14, 2026 7:33 PM UTC
adobe.png
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kglad
Community Expert
Community Expert
Jan 14, 2026 10:18 PM UTC

copy and parse, don't attach screenshots.

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