Skip to main content
M
MonteMcFly
December 15, 2025
Answered

Prevent Freeware Self Service Installs

  • December 15, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 129 views

Please allow IT administrators to prevent creative cloud app users from being able to install freeware (currently, users without admin rights can install Adobe Express Photos, Bridge, and UXP developer tools).

 

I do NOT want to block user access to the self-service Apps pane, just their ability to install apps outside of managed control.

 

Some suggestions on how to achieve:

- Allow/disallow freeware global toggle

- User group-based enabling

- Available with All Apps Licensing

- Individual requests on freeware apps

Correct answer Bani Verma

Hi @2683467_creation3284,

 

Thanks for reaching out and sharing this feedback.
 
I understand your concern regarding users being able to install freeware applications, such as Adobe Express, Bridge, and UXP Developer Tools, through the Creative Cloud Desktop app, even without Administrative rights. To let you know, your request for more granular administrative control over freeware installations, while still allowing users to access the Apps panel, is entirely valid.
Currently, to prevent end users from installing additional Adobe freeware, you can create a managed package in the Admin Console and disable the 'Enable self-service install' feature. However, please note that disabling this option will hide both the Apps panel and the Discover panel for all users. More details can be found here: https://adobe.ly/4oZqy2J
 
If you want some users to retain full app access while others have restricted permissions, you can set up two separate product profiles:
  • One profile with self-service installation enabled (for users who need access to all apps)
  • Another profile with self-service disabled and restricted policies applied (for users who should not install additional apps)
Refer to this document for more information on configuring self-service policies: https://adobe.ly/44qr7eS
I've noted your feature request and will share it with the relevant product teams for consideration in future updates. We appreciate you taking the time to highlight this scenario, as it helps us improve the experience for enterprise and education administrators.
If you have any additional details about your environment or deployment needs, please feel free to share them with me. We're here to help you.

 

 

Thanks,
^BS

1 reply

Bani Verma
Bani VermaCorrect answer
Legend
December 15, 2025

Hi @2683467_creation3284,

 

Thanks for reaching out and sharing this feedback.
 
I understand your concern regarding users being able to install freeware applications, such as Adobe Express, Bridge, and UXP Developer Tools, through the Creative Cloud Desktop app, even without Administrative rights. To let you know, your request for more granular administrative control over freeware installations, while still allowing users to access the Apps panel, is entirely valid.
Currently, to prevent end users from installing additional Adobe freeware, you can create a managed package in the Admin Console and disable the 'Enable self-service install' feature. However, please note that disabling this option will hide both the Apps panel and the Discover panel for all users. More details can be found here: https://adobe.ly/4oZqy2J
 
If you want some users to retain full app access while others have restricted permissions, you can set up two separate product profiles:
  • One profile with self-service installation enabled (for users who need access to all apps)
  • Another profile with self-service disabled and restricted policies applied (for users who should not install additional apps)
Refer to this document for more information on configuring self-service policies: https://adobe.ly/44qr7eS
I've noted your feature request and will share it with the relevant product teams for consideration in future updates. We appreciate you taking the time to highlight this scenario, as it helps us improve the experience for enterprise and education administrators.
If you have any additional details about your environment or deployment needs, please feel free to share them with me. We're here to help you.

 

 

Thanks,
^BS

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices