INDESIGN SELECTION TOOL NOT WORKING

[lindab27691320]

I am using the latest 2025 Indesign (together with Photoshop, Illustrator - (All Apps)

Just recently, suddenly, I am not able to move any text box or image with the selection tool. When I drag it a red circle appears

with a line through it. I then have to use the arrow keys to move the type or image.

There is nothing locked in the document. 

I have uninstalled and reinstalled twice and that has not fixed the problem!! 

This is driving me out of my mind!!

KInd regards

Linda bartlett

[Eugene Tyson · Accepted solution]

What version of InDesign exactly - the latest I know you said - but doesn't tell us your actual version number

What OS? If it's Windows 24H2 - then try roll back that update - it has caused issues with other apps, not just adobe. 

Have you tried rolling back the InDesign update?
https://helpx.adobe.com/ie/download-install/using/install-previous-version.html

---------------

Here's some fixes that are common

-----------

Try resetting your preferences:

Windows: Start InDesign, and then press Shift+Ctrl+Alt. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.
macOS: While pressing Shift+Option+Command+Control, start InDesign. Click Yes when asked if you want to delete preference files.
A dialog will appear asking to delete the InDesign Preferences, select 'Yes' on this dialog.
Further info and instructions here if needed:
https://helpx.adobe.com/in/indesign/kb/indesign-preferences-support-file-locations.html

------

Reinstalling rarely fixes everything - you can do a complete reinstall using the
Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

[Die Bosse]

Thank you! After using the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool, Indesign works again. If you select "All" during the application, you will get a list from which you can select the individual Adobe programs.

[Die Bosse]

I have to correct myself; it doesn´t work. First I only did correctures, so i didn´t notice directly.

[lindab27691320]

No problem - It is so frustrating!!
Working in Indesign without the selection tool working is terribly
tedious!

Kind
Regards
*Linda Bartlett*

<Personal info removed by MOD>

[lindab27691320]

Version 20.1 - Windows 11

It only started after my last Windows update.

I have tried installling a previous version - also didn't help

Tried resetting Preferences as well.  I did that and it didn't work - I kept my fingers on the 3 keys for ages - all it asked me is if I wanted Indesign to allow to make a change to computer - and I said yes - and then Indesign just opened

[Derek Cross]

Hi Linda, others have reported this issue. One resolved it by removing InDesign and previous versions using the Adobe Cleaner Tool, then doing a clean reinstall. You might consider doing that.
https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

[Eugene Tyson]

As I suspected

Roll back an indesign version

And rollback your windows update

Use the cleaner tool as I suggested.

[lindab27691320]

OK

I decided not let it beat me so I uninstalled agin and reinstalled the vevious version and it has come right. but clearly because I used Clean Tool. 

I am just relieved it has come right, at least.

Thank you

[lindab27691320]

I spoke too soon!!

I have discovered it is fixed if I use Indesign on my laptop screen - but the minute I move the program onto 

my large monitor it goes back to exactly the same thing?

So - I will see how it goes!

LInda

[lindab27691320]

Welll Guys - I used the Cleaner Tool as advised - so NOW I try and move the type and the type block dissappers completely and if I try and move an imge the red circle appears like before - so it is actually worse!!

[Eugene Tyson]

Did you roll back your InDesign version?
Did you rollback your Windows 24H update? 

It's Windows 24H that's causing the issue with a lot of applications, not just Adobe. 

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS · Accepted solution]

Did you roll back your InDesign version?
Did you rollback your Windows 24H update? 

It's Windows 24H that's causing the issue with a lot of applications, not just Adobe. 

By @Eugene Tyson

Just to clarify, it is NOT the 24H2 version that is causing the problems. It is the UPDATES to that version.

There have been three updates released in 2025. The Dec. update, KB5048667, seems to be the most stable as far as InDesign is concerned. 

From another thread:

Windows 11: Major version

24H2: Minor version

KBXXXXXXX: Updates

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-11-version-24h2-update-history-0929c747-1815-4543-...

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@lindab27691320

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/indesign-won-t-open-on-my-computer/m-p/15155006#... 

[Mike Witherell · Accepted solution]

Linda,

Many people are reporting that the latest Windows 11 patch update KB5050094 is causing this problem. Go to Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Update and find just the update KB5050094 and uninstall it. 

[Eugene Tyson]

I've been saying this since the very first reply. Not really sure why the OP hasn't done this yet.

[lindab27691320]

Right all you wonderful people!!

It has been sorted!! Thank you thank you!! That doing the Windows update  uninstalling KB5050094 WORKED!

Let's hope it never happens again!!

Thank you Eugene, Mike and Robert

[Mike Witherell]

Hi Eugene. Yes, you did indeed answer it correctly first reply! <chuckle>

[Eugene Tyson]

I just went ahead and marked my own answer as correct.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

I just went ahead and marked my own answer as correct.

By @Eugene Tyson

Could you please update / clarify it a bit? 

24H2 isn't an update that should be rolled back / uninstalled in its entirety:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/red-circle-with-line-through-it-when-trying-to-p...

[Eugene Tyson]

I don't need to clarify anything with you, @Robert at ID-Tasker 

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

I don't need to clarify anything with you, @Robert at ID-Tasker 

By @Eugene Tyson

No, you don't - but your "correct answer" isn't entirely correct... 

[Eugene Tyson]

Op is resolved. 

Sorry my answer doesn't meet your expectations. 

Go ahead and add more info. 

No need to pile on. 

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Go ahead and add more info. 

By @Eugene Tyson

As you wish: 

 

[lindab27691320]

Hi Dave 

I actually didn't read this Post as it was fixed on Sunday. How do I roll Back Windows to KB5048667??