Use this tool when the standard Adobe uninstall process does not fully remove Creative Cloud Desktop or when Creative Cloud services are stuck, or failing to update. This page explains when to use the uninstaller, what to expect, and how to reinstall Creative Cloud afterward.

Best for: fixing Creative Cloud Desktop launch issues, repeated update failures, installation loops, licensing or sign-in problems, and preparing for a clean reinstall.

Important: Administrative privileges are required. Close all Adobe applications before running the tool. Some installed Adobe apps may remain on the computer, but shared services or supporting components may be removed.

When to use the uninstaller

Creative Cloud Desktop will not open or crashes on launch.
Adobe apps fail to update.
Installations or updates are stuck or repeatedly fail.
Users encounter Adobe licensing or sign-in issues.
A clean reinstall of Creative Cloud is needed.
The normal uninstall option does not completely remove Creative Cloud Desktop.

What the tool removes

The Adobe Creative Cloud Uninstaller Tool is designed to remove the Creative Cloud Desktop application and related Adobe background services and components. It is typically used as a cleanup utility when the normal uninstall workflow does not resolve the issue.

Usually removed: Creative Cloud Desktop and associated services.
May remain installed: individual Adobe applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Acrobat.
May need follow-up: reinstalling Creative Cloud Desktop so apps can update, license correctly, and sync with Adobe services.

How to run the tool

Windows

Close all Adobe applications.
Download the Adobe Creative Cloud Uninstaller Tool from Adobe: Uninstall Creative Cloud desktop app.
Right-click the downloaded file and select Run as Administrator.
Follow the on-screen prompts to remove Creative Cloud.
Restart the computer after the uninstall is complete.
Reinstall Creative Cloud Desktop if needed.

macOS

Close all Adobe applications.
Download the Adobe Creative Cloud Uninstaller Tool from Adobe: Uninstall Creative Cloud desktop app.
Open the downloaded file.
Follow the on-screen instructions to remove Creative Cloud.
Restart the Mac.
Reinstall Creative Cloud Desktop if needed.

Tip: If you are helping an end user, confirm they are signed out of Adobe apps and that no Adobe processes are still running before starting the uninstall.

Reinstall Creative Cloud Desktop

After the uninstall finishes, install the latest version of Creative Cloud Desktop from Adobe so the user can sign in again and manage Adobe applications normally.

Adobe

Expected outcome: After reinstalling, users should be able to sign in, launch Creative Cloud Desktop, and resume app installs or updates.

Troubleshooting

If problems continue after using the uninstaller, work through the following checks:

Restart the computer.
Verify the device has a stable internet connection.
Confirm the user can sign in with their Adobe account.
Check whether antivirus, firewall, or endpoint security tools are blocking Adobe services.
Try reinstalling the latest Creative Cloud Desktop app again.
Contact LTS or Adobe Support for additional assistance.

If Creative Cloud still will not launch after reinstall, confirm the uninstall completed successfully and that the installer was run with local administrative rights.
If the issue is account-related, verify the user has the correct Adobe entitlement or license assigned.
If individual Adobe apps remain but cannot update, reinstalling Creative Cloud Desktop often restores update and licensing services.

Related: This page pairs well with local documentation for Creative Cloud access, Adobe product licensing, and software deployment workflows.

Adobe Creative Cloud Uninstaller Tool