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Matthew31848969i6ho
Participant
August 23, 2023
Question

How can I prevent Adobe and Creative Cloud processes from running when I am not using any Adobe apps

  • August 23, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 2482 views

After installing Photoshop, there are six Adobe processes running continuously on my computer:

Adobe Content Synchronizer

Adobe Content Synchronizer Finder Extension

Creative Cloud Content Manger.app

Creative Cloud Interprocess Service

Creative Cloud Libraries Synchronizer

 

How can I prevent these extraneous processes from running on my computer when I am not running Photoshop (or any other Adobe app)?

 

I only use Photoshop locally, so I have no need for Creative Cloud or synchronization. I dislike that these six processes run continuously on my computer even if I only use Photoshop for one hour a month. This behavior is more like a virus than like a carefully crafted software tool.

    2 replies

    A
    alex 307
    Participating Frequently
    April 25, 2025

    To prevent Adobe’s background processes from running constantly on your computer when you're not using Photoshop, you can take several steps to disable them. First, open the Task Manager (on Windows) or Login Items in System Settings (on macOS) and disable any Adobe-related startup entries such as Creative Cloud, Adobe Content Synchronizer, and CCXProcess. Then, launch the Adobe Creative Cloud app, go into Preferences, and turn off file syncing and the option to launch at startup. On macOS, you should also remove or move Adobe-related .plist files from /Library/LaunchAgents/ and ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ to prevent background services from reloading. For even tighter control, you can use a firewall tool like Little Snitch (macOS) or GlassWire (Windows) to block Adobe processes from running or connecting online. These steps will prevent unnecessary Adobe background tasks from launching and consuming system resources, especially if you only use Photoshop locally and infrequently.

      V
      VidarSoderberg
      Participating Frequently
      April 25, 2025

      Doesn't removing .plist files cause problems? 
      And using a firewall to prevent online connection wouldn't that stop the ability to open Photoshop as it requires a connection to CC (Online?)? 

      I'll test the suggestions later. 

      Kevin Stohlmeyer
      Community Expert
      Kevin StohlmeyerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      August 23, 2023

      Hi @Matthew31848969i6ho go to your Creative Cloud Desktop app and turn off all sync functions. Most of those are for file syncing to the cloud via your local folder.

      V
      VidarSoderberg
      Participating Frequently
      April 25, 2025

      That doesn't do it. 
      I have had all synchronization turned off forever and these still run constantly with no apps open: 

      Adobe Content Synchronizer

      Adobe Content Synchronizer Finder Extension

      Adobe Content Synchronizer Finder Extension duplicate
      Adobe Crash processor
      Creative Cloud

      Creative Cloud Content Manager

      Creative Cloud Core Service
      Creative Cloud Helper
      ANOTHER Creative Cloud
      Creative Cloud Interprocess Service
      Creative Cloud UI Helper
      Creative Cloud UI Helper Duplicate

      Creative Cloud UI Helper (GPU)
      Creative Cloud UI Helper (Renderer)

      ALL running with ALL synchronization turned off. 
      There's something seriously wrong with how Adobe is operating as NO other apps or services do this! NONE!
      With no Adobe apps open how does it need 12+ processes running AT ALL TIMES? 

      V
      VidarSoderberg
      Participating Frequently
      April 25, 2025

      Do you have these options in the CC app preferences?

       

      Dave


      Wait I don't have the option of "run creative cloud in the background". I have a setting for updates there instead. 

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