Prevent PS stealing focus after layers loaded

[BuyCoastal]

Adobe Photoshop Version: 26.11.0 20250918.r.18 a87e57f

Windows 11 x64 Version 10.0.26100 Build 26100

I work with LR and PS.  Opening layers from LR to PS works in background, but once the layers are loaded, the PS window comes to the front, interrupting my LR workflow.

1.  Select files in LR --> open as layers in PS

2. Continue working in LR on next set of files to open as layers

3. PS window comes to the front when layers are done loading

4. If holding slider in LR when this happens, a sticky mouse typically happens.

I've been using this workflow for a decade and this has never happened.

How can I prevent PS from stealing focus and coming to the front when layers are finished loading?

I only want to go back to PS when I've selected about 5 different sets of photos to open as layers.

[CMass]

Hey @BuyCoastal, 

Thanks for bringing this up. Since this isn’t part of my usual workflow, I double-checked with the team to make sure everything is working as intended — and they did confirm that this behavior is expected. 

If you continue to see anything unusual, feel free to share more details — we’re happy to take another look!

^CM

[BuyCoastal]

Thank you for your response.

PS has never done this as long as I've used the program.  Is there a workaround, anything I can change to prevent this behavior?

[BuyCoastal]

Here's a video I made of the problem.  I probably wasn't clear in my initial wording.  I hope this helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRQRQKZLGsY

[Sameer K]

Hey, @BuyCoastal. I've tested this workflow with Photoshop 2024, 2025, and the current beta; Photoshop behaved as expected. Photoshop comes up front. As @alexanderl16240166 correctly advised, a secondary monitor can help. 

Thanks!

Sameer K

[BuyCoastal]

Thank you for your response.

PS does come up front when "open as layers" but shouldn't when the layers are finished loading.

How can I load 2024 to test this functionality in the past?  In the video, this behavior caused misclicks and sometimes creates a "sticky mouse" if adjusting sliders in LR.  

"Open as layers" shouldn't be stealing focus 2 times.  Just once.

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @BuyCoastal, thanks for clarifying further. Currently, Creative Cloud only lets you install a limited number of previous versions of Photoshop, but not all. For example, from the Creative Cloud desktop app you can install the latest release and typically one earlier major releases (e.g. 2025 and 2024). Here’s how you can check:

 • Open the Creative Cloud desktop app
 • Go to the Apps tab
 • Scroll down to Photoshop and click the More actions (•••) button next to “Open”
 • Choose Other versions, this will list the available prior builds you can install.

Best,

Anshul Saini

[alexanderl16240166]

I'm surprised you've never run into it before. Photoshop constantly steals focus whenever you're automating absolutely anything. Every file opened, duplicated, saved, etc will cause it to cover other windows, at least on MacOS. It's been that way for the 10 years I've been using it professionally, and I assume longer. There is no workaround other than moving to a different "Space" (on MacOS) or Desktop on windows. Even then it can occasionally do it. It's very annoying but you get used to it. 

[BuyCoastal]

I understand if PS isn't open already and then you "open as layers" in LR.  

PS opens and then it'll come to the front when finished loading (that's normal). 

But this happens when PS is already open.

I've been using this program for 10+ years as well and this is new behavior as of a few weeks ago.

I need to take a video and attach it.