Illustrator 29.7.1 freezes on launch
TL;DR: Illustrator 29.7.1 on Windows 11 freezes on launch or when opening/creating a file; works fine in Safe Mode — looking for guidance to pinpoint and fix it.
Hi everyone,
Since yesterday, Illustrator freezes every time I try to use it — sometimes immediately upon launch, sometimes right after opening or creating a file. The program shows “Not Responding” and never recovers.
The issue may be related to the recent Illustrator update (29.7.1), but I’m not certain if I’ve used it since updating.
Key detail: Illustrator works fine in Windows Safe Mode.
My system:
- HP ZBook Fury 15.6" G8 Mobile Workstation PC (64 GB RAM)
Windows 11 Enterprise – version 24H2
Illustrator version: 29.7.1
GPU drivers updated to latest version
What I’ve tried so far:
- Reset Illustrator preferences; didn't work.
- Uninstalled and reinstalled latest Illustrator version; didn't work.
- Uninstalled and installed a previous version; didn't work.
- Uninstalled Illustrator using Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool and reinstalled; didn't work.
- Started PC in safe mode; works fine but very impractical ...
Given that Illustrator works in Safe Mode but freezes immediately in normal mode, what would be the best next steps to identify and resolve the problem?
Thanks in advance for any insights.
