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September 29, 2025
Question

Illustrator installer not working

  • September 29, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 235 views

When I try downloading Illustrator and double click on the icon I get back to Creative Cloud. I can see that someone had the same problem as me but there is no reply to their post. 

You can also see from the screenwhot that if I search for the app I cannot see the download option (but I have started my free trial) and there is no app in the Installed app box. 

 

I think I have downloaded it 6 times now, and it always sends me back to Creative Cloud.
Can someone help me please? 

Thank you

2 replies

Peru Bob
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 29, 2025

Have you previously installed a trial of Illustrator?

Does your computer meet the minimum specs?

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/system-requirements.html#ai-on-the-desktop

 

Participant
September 30, 2025

Thanks for your reply.

I think I do. I have a Mac bought a couple of years ago with 500GB of space left. 

kglad
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 30, 2025

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.

kglad
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 29, 2025

are using the cc desktop app to install illustrator?

September 29, 2025

Thanks for your reply.

 

I am! That's what I am downloading (see photo attached)

kglad
Community Expert
Community Expert
September 29, 2025

restart your computer and retry.