Known Participant

Question

Photoshop 2025 freeze on opening windows inside program

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
January 25, 2025
4 replies
6263 views

Hello, for several days I have a big problem with latest Photoshop version. When I do anything in Photoshop that opens a new window it freezes for 1-2 second. For example, if I press Image Size this window will freeze for 1-2 seconds before opening. Same with Save As, Canvas Size, Color Lookup, Generative fill and all other windows inside PS. This slows my work very much. This freeze looks like I'm working on old PC that has no enough power, windows are opening slowly, I see white rectangles and other "glitch". And finally after 1-2 second of waiting it opens.

I don't know at what moment this started, but several days ago. I don't remember any updates of my system that could affect this. I reinstall Photoshop 2025, I reset settings, I tried older Nvidia drivers, I try to start Photoshop with disabled extensions and plugins. Nothing helped.

The only thing is helped is Photoshop 2021! I install this old version and it works smooth, no freezing. Photoshop 2024 also freezing. I can't install and test Photoshop 2022 and 2023 cause Adobe app don't allow me to select this versions for some reason.

I attach JPG photos of the moment when the window is freezing for about 1-2 seconds.

System Specs:

{System info archived}

SPFoto_System_Info_26-2.txt

Windows

SPfotoAuthor

Known Participant

Somehow I found solution for my problem. Just uninstall Norton Antivirus.

This is strange cause I tried to disable it, like "disable protection for 1 hour". But this don't work.

Only after full uninstall of Norton all versions of Photoshop are perfectly somooth and fast.

V

VincentDN

Participant

Hey folks,

Posting here to get ideas on how to fix an annoying lag when I open new panels or windows inside photoshop. More specifically, whenever I open new windows for adjustments, or use the color picker to call up the color window. These new windows always take several seconds to load in, and several more to close down. This is a common operation I do hundreds of times each day, so those seconds count up fast! On all other computers, opening windows is instant.

I tested with my old computer, and can confirm this problem is only present on this new (W11, RTX4070, Ryzen 5700x, 32GB RAM) workstation. Attaching a screen recording of the issue.

https://youtu.be/ppzLT5K4AMI?si=qaQhqOKY2TcfQ7RN&t=3

I have tried the usual suspects of disabling/enabling Graphics Processor, reinstalling or updating my Photoshop version, updating and swapping out nvidia studio/gaming drivers.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

NB, colourmanagement

Community Expert

@VincentDN perhaps try this:

Perhaps try a thorough reset of Photoshop preferences?

(read this entire post before acting please)

Resetting restores Photoshop's internal preferences, which are saved when Photoshop closes.

If they become corrupt then various issues can occur.

Here’s some info on how to do that:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html

Manually removing preferences files is the most complete method for restoring Photoshop to its default state:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html#Manually

Manually removing preferences files is the most complete method for restoring Photoshop to its default state. This method ensures all preferences and any user presets which may be causing a problem are not loaded.

Quit Photoshop.
Navigate to Photoshop's Preferences folder.
macOS: Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Windows: Users/[user name]/AppData/Roaming/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop [version]/Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings

Note: The user Library folder is hidden by default on macOS. To access files in the hidden user Library folder, see How to access hidden user library files.
Drag the entire Adobe Photoshop [Version] Settings folder to the desktop or somewhere safe for a back-up of your settings
Open Photoshop.

New preferences files will be created in their original location.

Note re macOS: The user Library folder is hidden by default.

To access files in the hidden user Library folder, see here for how to access hidden user library files.

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/access-hidden-user-library-files.html

Unexpected behaviour may indicate damaged preferences. Restoring preferences to their default settings is a good idea when trying to troubleshoot unexpected behaviours in Photoshop. check out the video

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html#reset_preferences

Learn how to access and modify Photoshop preferences and customise per your frequent workflows

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html

And here’s an earlier forum discussion as an aid to understanding

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/quick-tips-how-to-reset-photoshop-preferences/td-p/12502668

You may want to backup your settings and custom presets, brushes & actions before restoring Photoshop's preferences.

Here is general info about that: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html#BackupPhotoshoppreferences

Before you reset your preferences

in case of future issues, I suggest you make a copy as Adobe may need one to check problematic references.

Quit Photoshop.
Go to Photoshop's Preferences folder

Preferences file locations: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/preference-file-names-locations-photoshop.html\

[on MacOS see: Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings

Note for those on macOS: - be aware that the user Library folder is hidden by default on macOS.

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/access-hidden-user-library-files.html

In the Finder, open the “Go” menu whilst holding down the Option (Alt) key.

Library will now appear in the list - below the current user's “home” directory. ]

Now you can drag the entire Adobe Photoshop [Version] Settings folder to the desktop or somewhere safe as a back-up of your settings.

Note for those on macOS:

Preference preservation is affected by macOS permissions,

you’ll need to allow Photoshop ‘Full Disk Access’ in your Mac OS Preferences/Security and Privacy

If that doesn't fix the issue:

Go to Preferences > Performance... and uncheck Multithreaded Compositing - and restart Photoshop.

Still hanging?

Go to Preferences > Performance... click Advanced Settings... and uncheck "GPU Compositing" - then restart Photoshop.

Do you still have problems?

It may even be time to reinstall Photoshop.

It’s recommended that you use the Adobe CC cleaner tool to remove all traces first.

(See above about preserving preferences though! It’s worth preserving them unless they are corrupted.)

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

Uninstall Photoshop BUT make sure to choose the option “Yes, remove app preference”.

Once that process finishes, start the installation process and look into the “Advanced Options”. Uncheck “Import previous settings and preferences” and choose to “Remove old versions”.

neil barstow - adobe forum volunteer,

colourmanagement consultant a& co-author of 'getting colour right'

See my free articles on colour management

Help others by clicking "Correct Answer" if the question is answered.

Found the answer elsewhere? Share it here. "Upvote" is for useful posts

Sameer K

Community Manager

Hey, @SPfoto. Welcome to the Photoshop Community. Thanks for sharing the System info. I'll help you figure this out.

Does this happen when you have documents open? Try disabling GPU compositing. Here’s how you can do it:

Go to Edit in the top menu.
Select Preferences, then Performance.
Click on Advanced Settings.
Uncheck the GPU Compositing option.

After doing this, restart Photoshop and see if the issue exists. I hope this helps!

Thanks!

Sameer K

(Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

SPfotoAuthor

Known Participant

Hello @Sameer K , this happen when inside Photoshop any window is opening.

I tried you solution, unfortunately it didn't help.

To make it more clear I record video comparing how windows are opening in PS 2021 and 2025. As an example I open curves correction. In PS 2021 it looks smooth and takes about 0.3 s. But in PS 2025 it's not smooth and takes about 1 s. You can look this video frame by frame to see all details. Also today I updated to the latest 26.3.0 release, problem still here.

1 second is not so bad time, sometimes and some windows may open even longer like 1.5-2.0 second.

Also I note one strange thing. For example I work in PS 2025 and any other program is open (for example Firefox). When I Alt+Tab from PS 2025 to Firefox it's not smooth, I see a little freeze. And when I do Alt+Tab from PS 2021 to Firefox then it's fast and smooth. Same problem.

Sure problem with windows exist not only when other programs are open, I tried to work in PS 2025 right after restart without any other programs open, doesn't matter.

PScurvesTime.zip

SPfotoAuthor

Known Participant

Thanks for sharing the details. Does the issue exist if you use Photoshop (beta) from the Creative Cloud App > Apps tab > Beta apps?

The video is too short, but it makes sense. Do you notice a difference if you change the Display resolution and scaling? Try this, and keep Photoshop closed when you make this change.

Let me know how it goes. Thanks!

Sameer K

(Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

@Sameer K , this is genius and simple, Photoshop Beta (26.4.0) works perfect and smooth!

The only thing is that beta version don't auto migrate settings from previous version. So it's hard for me to start working right now. I have a lot of settings to transfer. So I have a doubt, should I wait release of 26.4.0 version, or spend some time and manually migrate settings.

SPfotoAuthor

Known Participant

Hello, for several days I have a problem when Photoshop 25 and 26 are freezing when I'm working. It only freezing when dialog windows open. Something like "save as" or "images size" or "canvas size". These windows should open fast in a part of a second, but right now they are opening slowly in about 1-2 seconds. And when I'm doing a lot of editing all these slowing my work. Like I'm working on old PC that can't handle big document. In other things Photoshop working as usual fast and good.

And this started a few days ago really I don't know why, I don't remember any update or install that I made at that day. Everything was as usual, but both 25 and 26 versions are started to freeeze.

And yes I did any basic operations to solve this problem, I install all Windows 11 updates, latest Nvidia updates, latest Photoshop updates, I reset settings for 26 version, reinstall this version, I disable antivirus, this doesn't help so solve the problem.

SPFoto_System_Info_25-12.txt

SPfotoAuthor

Known Participant

The problem still exist.

One interesting note. In Photoshop 2025 and 2024 this problem is exist.

But I install old version 2021 and it works perfect without any freezing on dialog windows opening.

I don't know why but Adobe app don't allow me to install 2022 and 2023 versions, there is no option for this.

May be someone knows why 2021 version is allowed and 2023 not?

NB, colourmanagement

Community Expert

Perhaps try a thorough reset of Photoshop preferences? it has helped a lot of users with all sorts of issues.

(read this entire post before acting please)

Resetting restores Photoshop's internal preferences, which are saved when Photoshop closes.

If they become corrupt then various issues can occur.

Here’s some info on how to do that:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html

Manually removing preferences files is the most complete method for restoring Photoshop to its default state:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html#Manually

Manually removing preferences files is the most complete method for restoring Photoshop to its default state. This method ensures all preferences and any user presets which may be causing a problem are not loaded.

Quit Photoshop.
Navigate to Photoshop's Preferences folder.
macOS: Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
Windows: Users/[user name]/AppData/Roaming/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop [version]/Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings

Note: The user Library folder is hidden by default on macOS. To access files in the hidden user Library folder, see How to access hidden user library files.
Drag the entire Adobe Photoshop [Version] Settings folder to the desktop or somewhere safe for a back-up of your settings
Open Photoshop.

New preferences files will be created in their original location.

Note re macOS: The user Library folder is hidden by default.

To access files in the hidden user Library folder, see here for how to access hidden user library files.

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/access-hidden-user-library-files.html

Unexpected behaviour may indicate damaged preferences. Restoring preferences to their default settings is a good idea when trying to troubleshoot unexpected behaviours in Photoshop. check out the video

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html#reset_preferences

Learn how to access and modify Photoshop preferences and customise per your frequent workflows

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html

And here’s an earlier forum discussion as an aid to understanding

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/quick-tips-how-to-reset-photoshop-preferences/td-p/12502668

You may want to backup your settings and custom presets, brushes & actions before restoring Photoshop's preferences.

Here is general info about that: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/preferences.html#BackupPhotoshoppreferences

Before you reset your preferences

in case of future issues, I suggest you make a copy as Adobe may need one to check problematic references.

Quit Photoshop.
Go to Photoshop's Preferences folder

Preferences file locations: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/preference-file-names-locations-photoshop.html\

[on MacOS see: Users/[user name]/Library/Preferences/Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings

Note for those on macOS: - be aware that the user Library folder is hidden by default on macOS.

https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/access-hidden-user-library-files.html

In the Finder, open the “Go” menu whilst holding down the Option (Alt) key.

Library will now appear in the list - below the current user's “home” directory. ]

Now you can drag the entire Adobe Photoshop [Version] Settings folder to the desktop or somewhere safe as a back-up of your settings.

Note for those on macOS:

Preference preservation is affected by macOS permissions,

you’ll need to allow Photoshop ‘Full Disk Access’ in your Mac OS Preferences/Security and Privacy

If that doesn't fix the issue:

Go to Preferences > Performance... and uncheck Multithreaded Compositing - and restart Photoshop.

Still hanging?

Go to Preferences > Performance... click Advanced Settings... and uncheck "GPU Compositing" - then restart Photoshop.

Do you still have problems?

It may even be time to reinstall Photoshop.

It’s recommended that you use the Adobe CC cleaner tool to remove all traces first.

(See above about preserving preferences though! It’s worth preserving them unless they are corrupted.)

https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

Uninstall Photoshop BUT make sure to choose the option “Yes, remove app preference”.

Once that process finishes, start the installation process and look into the “Advanced Options”. Uncheck “Import previous settings and preferences” and choose to “Remove old versions”.

I hope this helps

neil barstow, colourmanagement net - adobe forum volunteer - co-author: 'getting colour right'

google me "neil barstow colourmanagement" for lots of free articles on colour management

Help others by clicking "Correct Answer" if the question is answered.

Found the answer elsewhere? Share it here. "Upvote" is for useful posts.

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