InDesign won't open

Report · Aug 14, 2023

InDesign won't open. Doesn't matter which year it won't open. It displays the loading screen then nothing.

I've reinstalled it multiple times, sometimes it will run once reinstalled but then nothing after that.

I'm running windows 11.

Report · Aug 18, 2023

Hello

Sounds frustrating

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

This tool removes files folders related to the install that an uninstall wouldn't normally remove.

Failing that - something is interfering with loading InDesign

Perhaps anti-virus

Or perhaps firewall settings - set exceptions for Adobe apps as it needs to dial home from time to time.

If that isn't working

Start in Safe Mode and see if it launches

If it does you'll know it's another application/setting/anti-virus/firewall that is stopping it loading.

Report · Aug 22, 2023

Bless Eugene, bless.

I've allowed it through the firewall and it seems to be working.

Hoping it's not just a fluke.

Thank!

Report · Aug 18, 2023

Hey folks,

I've been wrestling with this exact issue on Windows 11 too! InDesign just refuses to cooperate sometimes, right? 🙄

Here are some solutions that I, or my colleagues, have found to help:

Compatibility Mode: Try running InDesign in compatibility mode for an older version of Windows. Right-click on the InDesign shortcut > Properties > Compatibility > Run this program in compatibility mode for > Select Windows 10 (or another version). Click OK and try launching again.

Run as Administrator: Sometimes giving the program elevated privileges can solve the problem. Right-click on the InDesign shortcut and choose 'Run as administrator'.

Rename the InDesign SavedData file: Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\InDesign\[Version]\[Language]. Rename the file called 'InDesign SavedData' to 'InDesign SavedData.old'. Sometimes corrupt preferences can mess things up.

Graphics Driver: Windows 11 had some initial hiccups with certain graphics drivers. Make sure your graphics drivers are up-to-date. If they are and you're still having problems, you could try rolling back to an older driver.

Disable the Home Screen: This is a bit of a shot in the dark, but I've read about some people having issues with Adobe's Home Screen causing apps not to open. You can disable it by going to Edit > Preferences > General and unchecking 'Show Home Screen'.

Temporary Files: Clear any temporary files related to Adobe. Press Windows + R, type %temp% and press Enter. Look for any folders named Adobe or InDesign and delete them.

If none of these tricks work, it might be a deeper issue with Windows 11's compatibility. I'd suggest keeping an eye on Adobe's forums or reaching out to their support. They're usually pretty on the ball with fixing these types of issues.

Hope this helps, and fingers crossed you're up and running soon!

Best,
Ahmad

Report · Aug 19, 2023

Thank you Ahmad.

If you don't mind, I'm commenting — and commending you — here to save this in my profile answers and refer back to it as I need it. Thank you for an excellent series of steps for addressing InDesign startup issues in Windows!

Randy