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davidd73911986
davidd73911986
Participant
February 12, 2026
Answered

Why is Photoshop 2026 suddenly failing to launch?

  • February 12, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 0 views

Prior to problem PS 2026 was working fine.  

Updated PS, updated OS to Tahoe 26.3, then uninstalled PH along with previous version, rebooted, and reinstalled. Same problem.

MacBook Pro, 2.4 GHz 8-Core Intel i9

Installed PS Beta with same result.

How do I fix?

    Correct answer davidd73911986

    ​@Sameer K 

    Thanks so much for the reply.  Yes, the previous closure was normal.  

    Late last night I figured out there was a remaining plug-in that was causing the problem, resulting from me having uninstalled an unused program from a few years back.  I did not realize it had created a plug-in.  Deleted that, and PS opened normally!  A relief for sure.

    Again, thanks!

    2 replies

    Sameer K
    Community Manager
    Sameer KCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    February 12, 2026

    Hey, ​@davidd73911986. Welcome to the Photoshop Community. I've moved your post to the Photoshop Discussions. I'll need more info to help you figure this out.

     

    Did Photoshop close normally the last time it worked?

    Try these steps on macOS to get Photoshop to launch:

    • Ensure Photoshop has the required permissions on macOS: https://adobe.ly/3DyUwsz

    • Ensure there are no stale preferences in your Photoshop. You can go to the location of the preference folder below and rename it to back it up. (https://adobe.ly/3u7u84j) This method is more effective compared to the in-app Reset Preferences at quit method. 

       

      macOS: Hold down the Option key in the Finder when using the Go menu. The library will appear below the current user's home directory.

      Library > Preferences > Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings

      Rename the Adobe Photoshop folder by adding a .old at the end. (Adobe Photoshop 2026 > Rename > Adobe Photoshop 2026.old)

       

    This will give Photoshop a fresh start as a new installation.

    Also, have you tried using Photoshop (beta)? Go to Creative Cloud > Apps section > Beta Apps tab.  

     

    Let me know how it goes. Thanks!
    Sameer K
    (Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

    davidd73911986
    davidd73911986AuthorCorrect answer
    Participant
    February 12, 2026

    ​@Sameer K 

    Thanks so much for the reply.  Yes, the previous closure was normal.  

    Late last night I figured out there was a remaining plug-in that was causing the problem, resulting from me having uninstalled an unused program from a few years back.  I did not realize it had created a plug-in.  Deleted that, and PS opened normally!  A relief for sure.

    Again, thanks!

      dj_paige
      dj_paige
      Legend
      February 12, 2026

      Please post in the Photoshop forum.

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