ever since i updated creative cloud my external hard drive icons now default to creative cloud icon. how do i fix this

I had the same problem and Apple helped sort out the problem, found that Creative Cloud  File Provider extension was the problem. It does not affect a different user account. Creative Cloud is version 6.9.0.618.1. On M1 based Mac mini running macOS 26.4 Tahoe. Also this problem does not exist under macOS 15.7.5 Sequoia. What exactly or more to the point where exactly is this file. It seems to not be necessary at least for the two apps I use, PS and LrC. It’s only needed to access your files on Adobe Cloud:

The Adobe File Provider Creative Cloud extension is a component designed to integrate Adobe Creative Cloud files directly into the native file management systems of operating systems, primarily macOS, to facilitate seamless file synchronization, access, and management. It allows users to manage assets stored in the Creative Cloud, including cloud documents (PSDC, AIC, XD), directly within applications and finder windows, rather than relying solely on a web browser or the Creative Cloud desktop app. 

Key Aspects of the Extension:
macOS Integration: It works in conjunction with Apple's File Provider extension framework to present cloud-based files as if they were local files in Finder. 

Asset Management: It enables users to browse, search, and manage Creative Cloud Libraries and cloud documents within Adobe apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. 

Workflow Efficiency: It streamlines the process of accessing, opening, editing, and syncing files without having to constantly switch to the Creative Cloud desktop application. 

Supported Content: The extension facilitates the handling of various file formats, including Creative Cloud Libraries, shared assets, and Adobe Stock images. 

On macOS, this extension is crucial for enabling the "cloud-first" approach for files such as Photoshop Cloud Documents (PSDC), allowing them to appear in the file system for opening and saving while managing the syncing in the background.

Whoever thought this was a good idea is an absolute idiot.

Go to your settings > Login Items & Extensions, find the Adobe Creative Cloud, and if File Provider is enabled, disable it. That is for now, I hope it will be fixed someday.

google your os and how to fix the problem.