Photoshop menus, toolsets and tools all missing at every startup

[birckcmi]

This started recently-can't remember when, exactly-but now, when I start up Photoshop 24.0.0, the interface comes up, but unaccompanied by any of the tools, panels, or menus I rely on always. So every time, now, I am required to go through the "Window" section of the main menu, where, by the way, every one of my tool panels is already checked, and I have to check them twice (just like Santa Claus) to force each panel, or menu, or bar, e.g., Actions, Brushes, Character, Color, Info, etc. to show up on screen. Isn't the Workbench of tools supposed to show up along with the Interface? or has Adobe decided that that is wimpy and counter-productive? I tried trashing the prefs the last time I used Photoshop,  two days ago,  but it didn't make any difference. 

[kevin stohlmeyer]

What happens when you go to Window/Workspace and choose Essentials or other preset workspace?

[gener7]

Normal behavior is for Photoshop to remember where you put your panels when you  exit and to restore them on startup.

My guess is that you need to provide Full Disk Access in Apple Preferences. Follow this guide:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/quick-tips-learn-how-to-give-full-dis...

Also, I notice you have Photoshop 24.0.0  See if the latest update 24.0.1 works. Be sure you are not running any beta MacOS versions, because they are not supported.

[NB, colourmanagement net]

Perhaps try resetting 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

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 behavior may indicate damaged preferences. Restoring preferences to their default settings is a good idea when trying to troubleshoot unexpected behaviors 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 customize 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-pre...

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

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! Its 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

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

[TheDigitalDog]

What version of MacOS? I ask because I think I've seen this a few times recently since updating to Ventura; typing the Tab key brings it back, but it is odd and, for me, inconsistent. If you happen to be on Ventura, we may need to file this possibility it is this OSs.