Participant

Question

Illustrator won’t install on desktop, keeps directing to Creative Cloud

Forum|Forum|6 days ago
August 28, 2026
8 replies
39 views

I’ve downloaded Illustrator desktop and it doesn’t install, I’ve tried to run as administrator but when I do all it does is open creative cloud and doesn’t install. I’ve followed all the advice on here and in help but still nothing.

windows 11 pro version 25H2

Dave Creamer of IDEAS

Community Expert

I believe all the major Adobe products require the Creative Cloud app to be installed first. You can’t bypass it.

David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)

C

Charismatic_Star6c4cAuthor

Participant

I can get access Illustrator beta. It’s the desktop one I’m trying to install.

creative explorer

Community Expert

@Charismatic_Star6c4c Illustrator Beta runs only as a desktop application, not as a web app. So, I am a littl confused with you said:

I can get access Illustrator beta. It’s the desktop one I’m trying to install.

m

C

Charismatic_Star6c4cAuthor

Participant

Via Creative cloud it’s says for Illustrator beta. Open in browser, which opens a web browser

C

Charismatic_Star6c4cAuthor

Participant

I did the tool, but now I’m getting this, but my laptop has the minimum requirements.

creative explorer

Community Expert

@Charismatic_Star6c4c Are you trying to Install Illustrator Beta or Illustrator — Illustrator Beta does have certain system requirements, and if your computer doesn’t meet them, you can’t download it. Just meeting the minium isn’t enough. So, if you have 8 gigs of RAM, it will be vry slow, so 16Gigs of RAM or more would always be better

m

Ton Frederiks

Community Expert

@Charismatic_Star6c4c You cannot download a recent version of Illustrator, but need to install it from the Creative Cloud app.

Which version do you want to install?

creative explorer

Community Expert

@Charismatic_Star6c4cSounds like a looping issue with the downloaded Illustrator installer. I would suggest using Adobe Cleaner Tool as well? The Adobe Cleaner Tool is Adobe’s deep‑clean utility. It removes broken installs, leftover files, and corrupted components so you can reinstall your apps. https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/creative-cloud/apps/troubleshoot/diagnostics-repair-tools/run-creative-cloud-cleaner-tool.html

I would use this tool, especially if you keep on getting redirected, the tool will clear out bad preferences and caches that cause these fails. Remove Illustrator that you tried to use.

Once you use th Adobe Cleaner, make sure you empty your recycle or trash can. Also delete that Illustrator installer, maybe that was corrupted. Next, it wouldn’t hurt, but clear the history, cache and cookies of your browser. Go back to adobe.com, and log back into your Adobe account.

I prefer to us the Creative Cloud Desktop, because it would know that Adobe is more stable this way. But in your case, click on download from adobe.com this may be a better option for you especially if you are an adminstrator and doing this on sevral machines — and maybe avoid the loop to Creative Cloud Desktop

m

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