P: PS 27.1 Launch Error: Could not apply the saved panel configuration, resetting to default

[EwgenFeaghley]

I have my own workspace and it doesn't save after exit the Photoshop 2026. Why? 

I tried to re-install my workcpaces, delited and creating new one - All of my workspaces doesn't save! Thanks' Adobe! You can take all of my money! Maybe you'll fix it.

[Contributor943]

After the recent update, I am constantly pestered with this error on startup. I have to manually reset my workspace from the menu for it to work and replace the default one.

[Sameer K]

Hey, @Contributor943. Welcome to the Photoshop Community. I'll move this post to discussions. I'll need more info to help you figure this out. 

<Redacted>

[Contributor943]

Hey @Sameer K, thanks for taking the interest in the topic.

Allow me to explain more.

I have had my elaborate workspace setup for a long time and it worked before yesterday’s Photoshop 2026 point update. In the most recent version, it stopped working. I want to be able to use my workspace as it was.

I even resaved it again after loading it manually, but the issue still persists on every launch. I don’t want to start over with everything as if it were a fresh install, since I spent a lot of time setting it up how I like it.

[D Fosse]

Something has been corrupted in your preferences.

To completely reset preferences, go into your user accound and find the Adobe Photoshop 2026 Settings folder. Move the entire folder to your desktop. This returns the application to clean, out-of-the-box factory state. (Users > Your name > AppData > Roaming > Adobe > Photoshop 2026).

Save out any custom actions and brushes first. They will be wiped.

Preferences are rewritten on every application exit and so are prone to corruption by irregular shutdowns. Errors accumulate.

[EwgenFeaghley]

It wasn't worked and I did this replasing and deliting before. I don't want to rebuild again my workspace, my short keys and other setting - I just some of it don't remember. 

[EwgenFeaghley]

I did it multiple times and it worked - the message is gone!

[EwgenFeaghley]

BUT! All my hopes for the stable operation of the program have been destroyed. The message appeared again after a while. Thanks, Adobe!

[Noel Orridge]

Hi @EwgenFeaghley! I'm sorry to hear that nothing has worked so far. Could you check these once:

1) Go to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe.

-If you see folders for older versions (e.g., Adobe Photoshop 2025, 2024), move them to your desktop or rename them.

2) Right-click the Adobe Photoshop 2026 folder and select Properties.

-At the bottom, uncheck the Read-only box if it is checked.

-Go to the Security tab.

-Click Edit and ensure your User Account has Full Control.

Thanks a bunch! 

[DanielPlateado]

I had the same issue on macOS this morning…

Pretty annoying.

[DanielPlateado]

Yesterday it worked as usual.

Today, just opening an image file, and this message pops up every time, and all my settings are gone… Workspace, shortcuts, actions, brushes…

Now I have to troubleshoot instead of working. So much annoying!!

Photosop 27.1 + macOS 15.6.1

[Aron33234409lp4x]

It's been the same issue on Mac since I updated PS to the 2026 version. Just as Ewgen Feaghley,

I don't want to rebuild my actions, workspaces and shortcuts. It takes ages. 

[D Fosse]

@Aron33234409lp4x 

This is caused by either corrupt preferences/settings, or a folder permissions problem in your user account.

If you can rule out the latter, resetting preferences is the way to fix this, if you want it fixed.

Save out your actions to .atn files so that they can easily be reloaded. This is something you should always do in any case. As for keyboard shortcuts, you can copy the keyboard shortcuts.psp files and put them back in. This is why you move the Settings folder to your desktop.

Settings are rewritten on every application exit and are prone to corruption by irregular shutdowns. Small errors will accumulate and carry over if you migrate. A new version will have partly new code, and so latent errors may unexpectedly surface.

[Sameer K]

Hi All! @DanielPlateado, @Aron33234409lp4x, & @EwgenFeaghley. I've consolidated your reports. The issue affects macOS & Windows. As @D Fosse shared, the issue can arise from corrupt preferences. We'd like to investigate this further. 

When you see this error, please go to the following locations on macOS & Windows:

• Windows 10/11: Users/[user name]/AppData/Roaming/Adobe/Adobe Photoshop [version]/Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
• You can press Press the Windows key > Enter 'Run' > Enter %APPDATA%\Adobe
• MacOS: Library > Preferences > Adobe Photoshop [version] Settings
• Hold down the Option key in the Finder when using the Go menu. The library will appear below the current user's home directory.

Compress or zip this entire folder. Then, upload the zip file to any cloud file-sharing service and share a public link with us here, or via direct message on my profile. 

I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

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