"Remove Background" not working after latest update – detects image layer incorrectly

Hi everyone,

I recently updated to the latest version of Photoshop (2026), and I’m encountering an issue with the Remove Background feature that was previously working perfectly.

Now, when I try to use the “Remove Background” quick action, Photoshop shows the following message:

“This action can only be applied to image layers. To try on a different layer, select the one you want from the Layers panel, then click Refresh.”

However, I am selecting a valid image (pixel) layer. As shown in the attached screenshot:

• The correct layer is selected in the Layers panel.

• It is clearly a pixel layer (not a smart object, adjustment layer, or locked background).

• The image is visible and editable.

Despite this, the Apply button remains disabled and the action fails with “Couldn't apply action.”

Steps to reproduce:

1. Open any image

2. Ensure a pixel layer is selected

3. Go to Discover panel → Remove Background

4. Try to apply the action

Expected result:
The background should be removed as before.

Actual result:
Photoshop incorrectly reports that no valid image layer is selected and does not allow the action to proceed.

Additional notes:

• This started immediately after updating Photoshop (today).

• I have already tried repeating the process multiple times with the same result.

• This feature worked perfectly before the update.

Could this be a bug introduced in the latest version?

Thanks in advance for any help or confirmation.