Unable to install creative cloud (error code 206)

Report · Mar 17, 2023

I've been using Photoshop and Premiere Pro for a while now, and all of a sudden it stopped working. I tried restarting, reinstalling, but now I can't install it back because it says "Sever disconnection (error code 206). Does anyone know how to fix this? (It's on mac to be specific)

Report · Mar 17, 2023

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/licensing-errors.html

Report · Mar 28, 2023

Any other ideas? I'm having the same problem, also on a Mac, and this just started recently after years of having no problems. My installation is through a larger employer license, but it's on a personal computer. I tried disabling the firewall, turning off antivirus, rebooting the computer... nothing works.

While it it curious that the page linked to by kglad and the page https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/troubleshoot-download-install-logs.html?promoid=Z662FS34&m... offer completely different diagnoses and fixes for the 206 error, neither set works for me.

Report · Apr 02, 2023

Solution:

Remove /Library/Application Support/Adobe
Remove all files in /Library/Preferences that mention Adobe
Install the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool ( https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html ).
Run the Cleaner Tool (for everything that comes up - not sure if that's necessary, but it worked for me).
Reboot the computer.
Reinstall the Creative Cloud.

This problem cropped up for a large number of Mac computers at my workplace recently due to something Adobe messed up, apparently, and this was the fix our IT team came up with. Worked for me.

Report · Mar 28, 2023

contact your plan administrator

Report · Mar 29, 2023

Yeeeesssss... I've submitted a ticket, but since this is not an enterprise-administered machine and the login to my enterprise account does work, the only thing that would be an issue on my organization's end is if they cancelled the Adobe contract without telling us, right? (It is listed as active on their software site.)

Report · Mar 29, 2023

are you using an enterprise subscription or an individual subscription? ie, the subscription type used is what determines who can help you, not the computer owner nor the computer location.

Report · Apr 02, 2023

Enterprise subscription, but my workplace IT doesn't fix problems on personal computers, regardless of what software we're running. When we thought it was just me, they basically told me I was on my own. Fortunately(?) this problem then cropped up on a bunch of Macs here, including ones they do administer, so they had to figure out a solution. See what I posted above.

Report · Oct 27, 2024

Does anyone have the solution for Windows? I've been having this problem

Report · Oct 27, 2024

@vera_1727

are you using an enterprise subscription or an individual subscription?

Report · Nov 05, 2024

only if the previous suggestions fail:

follow all the steps on these pages to delete certificates and credentials: https://helpx.adobe.com/in/download-install/kb/adobe-license-issues-keychain-credential-mgr.html . I had a lot of "Adobe..." credentials to remove in the Credential Manager.
Close all Adobe related processes in Task Manager (Core sync, services for adobe desktop app, adobe desktop service, Adobe IPC broker, AAM updater)
Rename SLstore to SLstore.old at following location C:\ProgramData\Adobe
Rename SLcache to SLcache.old and OOBE to OOBE.old at following location C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe
Rename OOBE to OOBE.old at following location C:\Users\yschi\AppData\Local\Adobe
Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and open hosts file using Notepad. If you see any Adobe entry there please replace that hosts file with a new hosts file which does not have any Adobe entry. If there is no Adobe entry leave the hosts file as it is.
Download the alternative direct installer from to get the latest version of Creative Cloud Desktop https://helpx.adobe.com/in/download-install/kb/creative-cloud-desktop-app-download.html
Launch Creative Cloud Desktop App and sign in.

Report · Nov 05, 2024

Hi @vera_1727 ,

Thank you for reaching out. It appears that your Adobe Teams subscription is active with the Adobe ID used for this inquiry. To help resolve the issue, please follow these steps:

Verify Internet Connection: Confirm that you’re connected to the internet, then click "Retry."

Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Temporarily turn off your antivirus software, attempt the installation, and remember to re-enable it afterward.

Switch Networks: If possible, try using a different network and restart the installation.

Run Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool: Use this tool to remove any leftover files or settings from previous installations that may be causing the issue. Learn more about the Cleaner Tool here.

If the problem persists, please reach out to your system administrator to ensure that necessary endpoints for Adobe servers are whitelisted.

Regards,

A.N

Report · Jul 27, 2025

Are You Seeing Error 206 When Installing Adobe Creative Cloud Apps? Here’s How to Fix It

If you are encountering Error 206 during the installation of Creative Cloud apps, please follow the troubleshooting steps below. If you're using an office-provided device or are on an office network, please involve your IT team, as some actions may be restricted or require elevated permissions.

Step 1: Check Internet Connectivity
Ensure you have a stable internet connection. You need an active connection to download, install, and update Adobe apps. Try selecting "Retry" if prompted.
If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, and update it to the latest version.
If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Try a Different Network
Switch to another internet network if available to rule out network restrictions or firewall interference.
If the issue persists, continue troubleshooting.

Step 4: Configure Your Software Firewall
Temporarily disable your firewall to check if it is causing the issue. Refer to the following links:

Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/firewall-and-network-protection-in-the-windows-security-...
macOS: https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/mac-help/mh11783/mac
If the issue persists, move on to the next step.

Step 5: Update Your Operating System
Install any pending system updates, as outdated systems may block internet access for security reasons.
If the issue persists, continue.

Step 6: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software
Your antivirus may be blocking the installation. Temporarily disable it and retry.
If the issue persists, continue troubleshooting.

Step 7: Allow Adobe Apps Access Through Firewall
If prompted, allow Creative Cloud apps through the firewall. If not prompted, temporarily disable the firewall to test.
If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

Step 8: Troubleshoot Common Network Issues
Follow this Adobe guide for fixing download and connectivity problems:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/download-failure/common-network-connectiv...
If the issue persists, continue.

Step 9: Verify TLS 1.2 Browser Support
Make sure your default browser supports TLS 1.2:
https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/multi/eol-tls-support.html
If the issue persists, move to the next check.

Step 10: Test Secure Server Connectivity
Ensure you can connect to Adobe’s secure servers:
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/activation-network-issues.html
If the issue persists, reset the hosts file.

Step 11: Reset Hosts File
Use this Adobe guide to reset the hosts file:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/licensing-activation-issues/reset-hosts-f...
If the issue persists, update your Adobe certificates.

Step 12: Update Adobe Intermediate and Content Certificates
Outdated certificates may block activation. Follow this guide:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/licensing-activation-issues/user-license-...
If the issue persists, reset internet settings.

Step 13: Reset Internet Options (Windows Only)

Go to "Internet Options" from the Start menu
Select the "Advanced" tab
Click "Restore advanced settings" and then click "Apply"
If the issue persists, ensure required domains are allowed.

Step 14: Allow Required Adobe Domains
Verify that all required Adobe network domains are allowed:
https://helpx.adobe.com/enterprise/kb/network-endpoints.html
Please note: If you are using an office-owned device, kindly reach out to your IT team.
If the issue persists, test using a new user profile.

Step 15: Create a New Administrator Account
Create a new local admin account and try installation there:

Windows: https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/create-local-administrator-account-windows.html
macOS: https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/mac-help/mtusr001/mac
If the issue persists, use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool.

Step 16: Use Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool
This tool can remove corrupted installations and fix registry/permission issues:
https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html
If the issue persists, check for system file corruption.

Step 17: Repair System Files
Use system tools to fix missing or damaged files:

Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/use-the-system-file-checker-tool-to-repair-missing-or-corr...
macOS: https://support.apple.com/en-in/102611

If the issue persists, try reinstalling with a fresh installer.

Please note: Download a Fresh Installer
Get a fresh copy of the Creative Cloud desktop installer:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/download-install-apps/creative-cloud-apps/download-cre...

Hope this helps with your issue.

If the issue persists after completing all these steps, please reach out with details. We will be glad to assist you further.

Report · Jul 19, 2025

Just FYI, for anyone running into this problem, i tried everything, to no result. I also got any website with an ssl cert to go bad in Safari, which indicated a certificate problem. I just restarted my trust daemon on mac, and now it installs without problem.

sudo killall -HUP trustd

Report · Nov 21, 2025

for everyone else that couldn't resolve the issue with the top-answer, try this: https://community.adobe.com/t5/creative-cloud-desktop-discussions/error-206-server-connection-error-...

Report · Nov 21, 2025

@lemmiix

that post includes clearing the hosts file.

Report · Nov 20, 2025

Adobe error: 206 "Server disconnection" fix

This article explains HOW to fix this and WHY this error occurs. The fix is aimed at Windows (Win10) users, which tried ALL official- and community troubleshootings but none of them worked.

Issue: Adobe is NOT able to connect to its' servers, either in the creative cloud, during log-in or log-out, during startup of an Adobe product.

Result: You are not able to open, un-/install products, sign in/out.

Cause: (according to official Adobe troubleshooting) faulty firewall settings - but this is almost never the case. Real causes m̀ight be: Adobe-IP addresses blocked by network, proxy-settings that block Adobe access, Adobe-IP addresses on a local host blacklist.

You can read the TL;DR directly, or head over to the "Identify the issue" section.

TL;DR

the quick fix:

Open the "hosts" file on Windows10 with a text editor (like windows notepad, microsoft word, etc.) under this path:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

If the file is empty, this troubleshooting is most likely not the correct one for you, or you opened the wrong file.
Inside the file, delete ALL lines that contian "adobe" in their name. Save the file, now we have to do some hacker-magic, open up the Windows terminal by doing the following:

1. press windows key and type in "powershell" (if it's not installed, you can install it from the microsoft store)
2. right click on the search result and choose "open as administrator"
3. type in the command

Clear-DnsClientCache

and press return
4. type in the command

ipconfig /flushdns

and press return
5. restart your PC
6. open an adobe product and log in

You should be done now and you can move on.
If you still get this error, tell chatgpt/claude/gemini what you did and ask for further assistance, as your issue might lie even deeper.

Identify the issue

If you use pi-hole as your DNS, first continue to the "Pi-hole" section.
If you don't know what "pi-hole" is, ignore everything about it as you are probably not using it. (It's a great tool though, google about it ;))

We need some hacker-magic to be able to identify the issue efficiently, open up the Windows terminal by doing the following:

1. press windows key and type in "powershell" (if it's not installed, you can install it from the microsoft store)
2. right click on the search result and choose "open as administrator"

Frist, we check if your firewall is blocking adobe. Type in this command

Get-NetFirewallRule | Where-Object {$_.DisplayName -like "*Adobe*"}

and press return.
If nothing is happening and you get 0 output from this command, this means there are no firewall rules for adobe, which is ok. Otherwise you might see something like this:

...
Name : {F8E3AE21-9A17-45A2-9718-90636743FF4C}
DisplayName : Adobe Notification Client
Description : Adobe Notification Client
DisplayGroup : Adobe Notification Client
Group : Adobe Notification Client
Enabled : True
Profile : Domain, Private, Public
Platform : {6.2+}
Direction : Outbound
Action : Allow
...

Notice the "Enabled: True" and "Action: Allow" entry - this is good as it means there are firewall settings for adobe and they are enabled, but the rule says that adobe is allowed to communicate with the internet.

If you see "Action: Block" type this in powershell and hit return:

Set-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "XXX" -Action Allow

but insert the actual value of the "DisplayName" you see from the output to the XXX, so in the example it might look like:

Set-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Adobe Notification Client" -Action Allow

Next, we check our proxy settings. In powershell type in this command and hit return:

Get-ItemProperty ... | Select-Object ProxyEnable, ProxyServer

ideally this should return only:

ProxyEnable ProxyServer
----------- -----------

If there's more than that, head over to windows settings, search for "proxy" and disable all switches there.

Now we get to the real deal and the fix that is discribed in the TL;DR as well.

Recap: we now know that out firewall is correctly set and we have no proxy running. This means there is only one point of failure left: windows and your machine itself.

Windows uses a "host" file in which IPs are stored, so Adobe was blocked by your PC before it even had a chance of hitting the firewall or proxy, or anything from the internet.

Still in powershell, type in:

notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

and hit return. Your PC now has opened a text file which we need to edit, this demands a little manual labour but this should most definitely fix your issue.

In the text editor, on your keyboard hit the shourtcut "Control + F", or in the header menu click on "edit > search", this brings up the text search window.

Now click on the box to DISABLE capitalization and ENABLE to begin the search at the beginning when the end of the file was reached. In the textbox type in "adobe". Now you MUST DELETE EVERY line which contains "adobe" in it.

This might take take some time. At the end, make sure you removed all adobe lines.

Click on "save", exit the text editor and head back over to powershell.

Type in the following:

Clear-DnsClientCache

hit return and then type in

ipconfig /flushdns

and hit return.

Now restart your PC and try to sign in to adobe again. The issue should now be fixed.

Pi-hole

IGNORE THIS SECTION IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT PIHOLE IS
(more technical because I assume you set up the pihole and know what you are doing)

You obviously have to whitelist all domains for adobe to be able to access its' servers.
Check in terminal with `Resolve-DnsName "genuine.adobe.com"` if this returns an IPAddress: 0.0.0.0, check with a bypass: `Resolve-DnsName "genuine.adobe.com" -Server 8.8.8.8` as this uses the default DNS.
If this also returns IPAddress 0.0.0.0 we know it's not pihole blocking the traffic, because if even Google can't resolve the IP then you are NOT the issue.
You can continue checking these IPs which probably all return 0.0.0.0:

Resolve-DnsName "genuine.adobe.com"
Resolve-DnsName "lcs-cops.adobe.io"
Resolve-DnsName "cc-api-data.adobe.io"
Resolve-DnsName "prod.adobegenuine.com"

An official list from adobe can be found here: https://helpx.adobe.com/enterprise/kb/network-endpoints.html and here: https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/experience-platform/sources/ip-address-allow-list

I think I only whitelisted the basic IPs from the first link.

Report · Nov 20, 2025

If a moderator sees this, please edit the post to fix the following typos:

1. In the text editor, on your keyboard hot the shourtcut

> In the text editor, on your keyboard hit the shourtcut

2. Not click on the bock to DISABLE

> Now click on the bock to DISABLE

thanks 🙂

Report · Nov 20, 2025

done

Report · Nov 21, 2025

just saw another mistake,

"Now click on the bock" -> box

^^

thank you

Report · Nov 21, 2025

done. (and you're welcome.)

Report · Nov 21, 2025

Actually I was just made aware of an official adobe article describing exactly what I posted here. Weird though how difficult it is to dig through the adobe help section.

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/licensing-activation-issues/reset-hosts-f...

Unable to install creative cloud (error code 206)

1 Correct answer