Skip to main content
hughes_nz
hughes_nz
Participant
November 22, 2020
Answered

Lightroom Classic won't launch

  • November 22, 2020
  • 17 replies
  • 67771 views

I can't get Lightroom Classic to launch. When I try to I get spinning wheel while the computer thinks about it for a second then nothing happens, but Lightroom Classic shows up as a Background Process in Task Manager. This only happens with Lightroom Classic, I also have Photoshop and Lightroom (not classic) and both of those work with no issue. I have tried un-installing + reinstalling including using Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner but always with the same result (everything except Lightroom Classic works). Is anyone able to help or experienced something similar? Details below.

 

Creative Cloud 5.3.1.470

Lightroom Classic 10.0

Windows 10 Pro Version 20H2

 

    Correct answer Todd Shaner

    You may have a corrupt Preferences file, which does not get deleted during an uninstall. Close the Lightroom Classic instance in task manager and then hold down the ALT and SHIFT keys and click on the LrC shortcut. When prompted, click Yes to reset Preferences.

     

    EDIT: I forgot to add that the Reset Preferences prompt is a small dialogue box, which may be hidden behind other windows. If you don't see it, try minimizing or closing all other open windows.

    17 replies

    R
    RichKessler3
    Participant
    August 9, 2024

    I realize this is an extremely old thread, but this issue popped up for me today.  I tried the fix as described and it works.... until I want to open a different catalog.  

     

    Thoughts?

    _
    _delpk_
    Inspiring
    July 28, 2024

    Old thread, but using Google turns up this page as top when looking to find out why Lightroom Classic won't open.
    Solution for me was as others mentioned - 
    Delete (I moved mine out of the lightroom folder just in case I still needed them) the catalogue files, then extract the last backed up catalogue file and place that into the folder where you removed the current catalogue file.  Then open Lightroom and you are back in business.

     

    eziogianni
    eziogianni
    Participating Frequently
    November 30, 2023

    You may have a corrupt Preferences file, which does not get deleted during an uninstall. Close the Lightroom Classic instance in task manager and then hold down the ALT and SHIFT keys and click on the LrC shortcut. When prompted, click Yes to reset Preferences.

    nothing happens

      eziogianni
      eziogianni
      Participating Frequently
      November 30, 2023

      still not opening

        B
        Bill.R
        Participating Frequently
        November 30, 2023

        When I encountered this issue, it was not the preferences file - it was a corrupt database.  I renamed the latest database, made a copy of the last backup file, and renamed that to the original database file name.  Then it launched fine.  Hopefully, you let the backup run every week or so...

        G
        Gary32476506mk7g
        Participant
        September 23, 2023

        Todd, your answer seems to be incomplete. "then hold down the ALT and SHIFT keys and click on the LrC shortcut."

        Hold down the keys where? What am I supposed to select? What is the LrC shortcut? Where am I supposed to find this? I am on a 2023 machine with a web based LR

          GoldingD
          GoldingD
          Legend
          September 23, 2023
          quote

          Todd, your answer seems to be incomplete. "then hold down the ALT and SHIFT keys and click on the LrC shortcut."

          Hold down the keys where? What am I supposed to select? What is the LrC shortcut? Where am I supposed to find this? I am on a 2023 machine with a web based LR


          By @Gary32476506mk7g

           

          On your keyboard, use one finger to press down the ALT key, use another to press down on the SHIFT key, (do not let go) and use your mouse to click (double click?) on then icon on your desktop, or down in your taskbar, that is the LrC shortcut. (then release those buttons).

            B
            bthompson87
            Participant
            May 1, 2023

            Hi all,

            For me it turned out to be a bad catalouge file that the program was trying to open on with default. I found my folder with all my other catalouge files and then was able to open Lightroom Classic by clicking on those catalouge file links. 

              S
              Steven296189860710
              Participant
              April 27, 2023

              @hughes_nz , That is very same diagnosis that i have too, everything else works like Adobe Lightroom CC & Adobe Photoshop but just not Adobe Lightroom Classic.

              But my Question to @Todd Shaner is how do i "Save your work" on Lightroom Classic, if cant even open your Lightroom Classic to do so, plus i have nothing i want to save all my images are exported from Lightroom Classic, i am Frustratedly waiting to get onto Lightroom Classic (which i pay £9.80 for) to edit some RAW Files of White Throathed Dippers, that i am Very Excited to see what i have Created, but i cant!! 

              Joakim_R
              Joakim_R
              Known Participant
              April 19, 2023

              This just happened to me. It seems to happen for different reasons for everyone.

              I just waited for the next app update, and it was right as rain. But this wasn't before I had uninstalled, reinstalled, moved folders...

              T
              Tredunzo
              Participating Frequently
              April 16, 2023

              Today, for the first time, LrC would not open from the desktop shortcut. I tried restarting the computer several times (Windows 11) which did not work. I came here and followed the Shift-Alt solution, which did not work either.

              I went to the taskbar and opened Hidden Icons and clicked on the Abobe Creative Cloud desktop icon. That opened a window containing clickable icons for all of my Abobe programs. I double-clicked the LrC icon and Lightroom opened right up. I hope that helps someone.

               

              B
              Buffalogrr
              Participant
              March 19, 2023

              I am having this same issue and have tried all the various suggestions to no avail.  

              All Windows 11 updates completed, unable preferences reset, ACC up to date, LrC 11.4.1. Used and deleted LRC Downloader.  Sometimes, I get three instances of LRC running in the Task Manager...neither seems to start the program. 

              1. Where is the preferences file; i'll delete it myself and 2. Any other ideas?

              GoldingD
              GoldingD
              Legend
              March 19, 2023
              quote

              1. Where is the preferences file; i'll delete it myself and 2. Any other ideas?


              By @Buffalogrr

               

              see:

               

              How do I reset Lightroom’s Preferences? | Lightroom Queen

               

              or

               

              Set preferences for working in Lightroom Classic | Adobe

               

              Show more replies
              Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
              Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices