Could not initialize Photoshop because of program error.”

Forum|Forum|5 days ago
August 21, 2026
7 replies
52 views

I have read the AI response to my question (Adobe Community - AI Answers) and been persistent and thorough but with no positive results. I have been promised a connection with an Advisor but Adobe just disconnects the AI Chat after saying that they looked for an advisor.

I know my problem is common from the Internet traffic on this issue. I effectively cannot use Adobe Photoshop Elements 2026 because I get the following message when I try to open the app: “Could not initialize Photoshop because of program error.” This is computer speak for you can’t open the app so you can’t use it. I have used versions of Elements successfully for decades but I would like my money back and have no way to get it.

R

Robert B.1966Author

Participant

In my second attempt to talk with an Adobe Advisor, I was able to get thru the Digital Assistant much faster but it took a lot of persistence. The problem is that although I have reached that level twice, the Digital Assistant puts the chat on hold, comes back with the “canned” phrase, “we are much busier than usual” in a few minutes. Then the DA ultimately disconnects me from the chat and cheerily says that I can always come back if I need more help.

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Robert B.1966Author

Participant

I’ve responded to the kglad. Phinney provided useful info but I would like Adobe to help fix the problem. I need a working copy of PSE 2026.

Phinny

Legend

My AI search suggests that the following may help someone in a situation like this.

“Most likely Photoshop Elements is failing at its Visual C++ runtime. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps, repair every Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64) entry, then restart.”

Phinny

Legend

If you bought Photoshop Elements 2026 directly from Adobe GO HERE. If you bought it anywhere else you’ll need to contact the seller you bought it from.

kglad

Community Expert

you can use chat to bypass the bot, but this issue is best handled in the download & install forum.

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Robert B.1966Author

Participant

I have done that twice but chat hasn’t connected me to an Advisor in either case. On the categorization issue, I’m a newbie and didn’t realize that I needed to post under a subject. Perhaps download & install would be better.

Glenn 8675309

Legend

Type in AGENT, no more, no less, just AGENT

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