Creative Cloud fails to update (Error code 191)

[Abraham_Fernandez7834]

As the title says, the Creative Cloud app keeps failing to update. I first tried troubleshooting it with the guide for this specific error code, but nothing worked. Tried reinstalling the app and even using Adobe's cleaning tool, and nothing worked; the error kept showing up. Also tried repairing Windows 11, and that didn't work either. So I contacted support, and two different agents remotely connected to my PC, and neither of them could fix the issue or figure out what was going on.

As a little test, I decided to use a different PC, this time a laptop with Windows 11 as well and in that one, Creative Cloud needed an update, and it updated without issues. So I decided to go to the about tab in the app on both PCs and put them side by side, and strangely enough, both my main PC (the one with the issue) and the laptop are in the same version of the app and everything else below. (At the time of making this post)

So maybe this could be some sort of bug where it keeps thinking it needs to update when it is already updated?

I posted this issue on Reddit, and so far, two other people are also experiencing this issue.

Whatever is causing this issue, hopefully, Adobe becomes aware of it and fixes it.

Reddit Post 

[kglad]

if you suspect this, reset the cc app.

[Anshul_Nautiyal]

Hi @Abraham_Fernandez8665,

Thank you for providing such a detailed explanation of the issue.

Based on what you've shared, it appears you're encountering a persistent loop where Creative Cloud Desktop continues to prompt for an update, even though both your devices show the same version installed. You've already completed all standard troubleshooting steps, and as noted, a support case has been opened on your behalf. The team will continue assisting you through that channel.

In the meantime, we recommend trying the following steps:

Recommended actions:

1. Manually delete residual folders (after uninstalling Creative Cloud and running the Cleaner Tool):

   Please delete the following folders if they still exist:

   • C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud

   • C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud

   • %ProgramData%\Adobe

   • %AppData%\Adobe and %LocalAppData%\Adobe

2. Run the Creative Cloud setup file as administrator:

   Right-click the installer and select "Run as administrator" even if you are already using an administrator account.

3. Check if Windows Defender or any third-party antivirus is blocking the update process:

   In some cases, these programs may silently interfere with the updater.

4. Create a new user profile on the same PC:

   Log in under a newly created Windows user account and try updating again. If it works there, the issue may be profile-specific.

Additionally, we request you to retry the steps outlined in the following article to address error code 191:
https://adobe.ly/468OwTv

Please let us know if the issue persists after trying the above suggestions so we can continue assisting you.

Regards,
^AN

[Abraham_Fernandez7834]

Hello! Thanks for the tips above. I tried them, but once again, I'm still getting error 191.

When I install Creative Cloud, it should install the latest version available, right?

Either way, like I said earlier, I do believe in reality I am up to date, considering I am on the same version as the laptop that has no issues. So, must be some kind of error on Adobe's side?

[Anshul_Nautiyal]

Hi @Abraham_Fernandez8665,

I have sent you a personal message. Please check your inbox.

Regards,

^AN

[kglad]

and when you reinstall, it can install a none current version unless you download the desktop app installer manually by downloading the cc desktop app using the "alternative download links" at the bottom of the page at https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/creative-cloud-desktop-app-download.html

[Abraham_Fernandez7834]

I tried installing through a direct link like you suggested, and once it is installed, do I go to the About tab, and I can see it shows I am on the latest update, but even then, I keep getting a notification saying Creative Cloud failed to update with error 191. So far, everything else works correctly. I can launch my Adobe programs with no problem, and even today, I received updates for Premiere and Photoshop, and those updates work without any issue. It is just CC thinking there is an update available when there's not?

[kglad]

reset the app.

[Abraham_Fernandez7834]

Tried to reset using CTRL+ALT+R, but nothing happens, just in case, tried repairing the app, but no luck. Still getting the error.

[kglad]

the app failed to restart?

[Abraham_Fernandez7834]

Yes, tried to reset it, but nothing happened.

[kglad]

skip to the clean install steps/

reset the cc desktop app by making sure it's in the foreground, then press:

Win: Ctrl + Alt + R
Mac: Cmd + Opt + R


if that fails, repair per https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/creative-cloud-install-stuck.html


if that fails and you have windows, open your control panel > add/remove programs > cc desktop app > repair

if that fails, uninstall using the correct uninstaller from https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-creative-cloud-desktop-app.html#sa_src=web-mes... and then reinstall using*


if that fails, do a clean cc install carefully following each applicable step:

uninstall every cc app including preferences per https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-remove-app.html

then uninstall the cc desktop app, again using the correct uninstaller per https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/uninstall-creative-cloud-desktop-app.html#sa_src=web-mes...

clean your computer of cc files per http://www.adobe.com/support/contact/cscleanertool.html

check for, and if available, update your os

if windows is your os, repair all ms visual c++ versions that can be repaired (use google if you don't know how to do this)

if windows is your os update your ms visual c++, if it can be updated (use google if you don't know how to do this)

restart your computer (don't skip this)

reinstall the cc desktop app using the "alternative download links" at the bottom of the page at https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/kb/creative-cloud-desktop-app-download.html

use the desktop app to install your cc programs/trials>

if that fails, you probably have a corrupt user account. google your os and how to create a new one.

[Abraham_Fernandez7834]

Tried those steps a few days ago when I first ran into this issue. Also tried making a new local user with admin rights and tried to run Creative Cloud in that one, and still the same error. 

[kglad]

you need to install into the new account, not just run.

[Abraham_Fernandez7834]

I just tried doing that and still get the same error using a different user

[Abraham_Fernandez7834]

What I am thinking of doing is to wait for a new CC update to roll out and see if I can update to that using my existing install. If I'm still getting the error, I'll use the cleaning tool and install the app through a direct link like you mentioned, and hopefully, maybe the error will be gone by then...

[kglad]

keep us updated.

[redwards13]

Having the same problem.  Error 191 regardless what I do, full clean, etc. 

[kglad]

@redwards13 

start here, https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/error-codes-and-messages/error-191-instal...

[redwards13]

Yeah, that's where I started.  No joy.  Found myself here.

[kglad]

did you go through all the steps?

[redwards13]

Yes.  Thanks.

Appears to be just affecting the update of the CC desktop app itself, so it's just irritating, not critical.

It gets to 87% and then bails.

[kglad]

then maybe just try a reset of the cc app

[redwards13]

Did that.  I could try again.

For interest, here is my particular error from the install.log:
FATAL: Error (Code = 191) executing in command 'AddUWPAppxCommand' for package: 'AdobeNativeClient', version:7.0.2.14
FATAL: Error occurred in install of package (Name: AdobeNativeClient Version: 7.0.2.14). Error code: '191'
ERROR: Path:C:\adobeTemp already exists
ERROR: Failed to install UWP Appx package C:\adobeTemp\ETR220F.tmp\1\Appx\AdobeNotificationClient.appx with uwpcode 1 (windows error details code = (-2147024846), error = (Windows can't provision the package AdobeNotificationClient_7.0.2.14_x64__enpm4xejd91yc because it is not installed on a system volume.)
ERROR: hdhelper exe at failed to install UWP app with error code 1 - OS Message: C:\adobeTemp\ETR220F.tmp\1\Appx\AdobeNotificationClient.appx#@#OS_Error_Code: 0x80070032#@#OS_Error_String: Windows can't provision the package AdobeNotificationClient_7.0.2.14_x64__enpm4xejd91yc because it is not installed on a system volume.
ERROR: Failed to install UWP Appx Package for logged-off and new users with error C:\adobeTemp\ETR220F.tmp\1\Appx\AdobeNotificationClient.appx#@#OS_Error_Code: 0x80070032#@#OS_Error_String: Windows can't provision the package AdobeNotificationClient_7.0.2.14_x64__enpm4xejd91yc because it is not installed on a system volume.

[kglad]

rename c:\adobeTemp to c:\adobeTemp_BU

restart your computer

retry the install.

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