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Question

Creative Cloud cannot install apps and Adobe Desktop Service does not register

Forum|Forum|5 months ago
August 13, 2025
2 replies
814 views

Hello,

I am experiencing serious issues with my Adobe Creative Cloud account. I began having problems with Acrobat and then it wouldn't let me update any of the apps. The only error code I got was 303, that basically was "retry".

So, I searched for solutions and it seemed the only solution would be uninstall and reinstall Adobe Creative Cloud. I did it, and I can't install any of the apps right now.

Creative Cloud opens, but does not allow installing any applications.

All installer “stubs” I have tried (3 MB and 350 MB) run, but do not install the Adobe Desktop Service, which is necessary for downloads to work.

I have completely uninstalled Creative Cloud, cleaned folders in Program Files, AppData, and the registry, and reinstalled, but the main service still does not appear.

I have followed all the official steps suggested in Adobe documentation and forums, including using the Adobe Cleaner Tool and restarting my computer, but the problem persists.

I am looking for guidance on how to:

Properly register Adobe Desktop Service on my system.
Install Creative Cloud and its applications successfully without relying on the “stub” installers.

Thank you in advance for any help or advice.

kglad

Community Expert

if you have win 11,

Open Settings: Press Windows + I or click the Start menu and select Settings.
Go to System → then click Storage.
Scroll down and select Advanced storage settings.
Click Where new content is saved.
Use the dropdown menus to choose the C: drive for:
- New apps
- New documents
- New music
- New photos and videos
- New movies and TV shows
Click Apply after making your selections.

and you may need to restart your computer for any changes to take effect. then try installing

Kanikas

Community Manager

Hi AlvaroGG,

We hear you!

As I understand you are unable to install Creative Cloud apps on your machine. Are you on Mac or Windows? What version of OS are you using? Did you try using a different internet method?

Thanks
^KS

AlvaroGGAuthor

Participating Frequently

Thanks Kanikas,

I use 64bit Windows 10 pro system.

This is my main PC and I use cable internet in here.

kglad

Community Expert

win 10:

reset the cc desktop app by making sure it's in the foreground, then press:

Win: Ctrl + Alt + R
Mac: Cmd + Opt + R

if that fails, repair per https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/creative-cloud-install-stuck.html

if that fails and you have windows, open your control panel > add/remove programs > cc desktop app > repair

if that fails, uninstall using the correct uninstaller from https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-creative-cloud-desktop-app.html#sa_src=web-messaging and then reinstall using*

if that fails, do a clean cc install carefully following each applicable step:

uninstall every cc app including preferences per https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-remove-app.html

then uninstall the cc desktop app, again using the correct uninstaller per https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-creative-cloud-desktop-app.html#sa_src=web-messaging

clean your computer of cc files per http://www.adobe.com/support/contact/cscleanertool.html

check for, and if available, update your os

if windows is your os, repair all ms visual c++ versions that can be repaired (use google if you don't know how to do this)

if windows is your os update your ms visual c++, if it can be updated (use google if you don't know how to do this)

restart your computer (don't skip this)

reinstall the cc desktop app using the "alternative download links" at the bottom of the page at https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/creative-cloud-desktop-app-download.html

use the desktop app to install your cc programs/trials>

if that fails, you probably have a corrupt user account. google your os and how to create a new one.

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