Blog

If you use Adobe Lightroom on Windows 11, you might sometimes see the error message “Error Occurred Attempting to Change Modules.” This can be frustrating, especially when you want to switch between Library, Develop, or other modules.

Fortunately, this error is usually fixable with some simple troubleshooting steps. These steps will help you get Lightroom working smoothly again.

This guide walks you through the process in a clear, easy-to-understand way, starting from the simplest checks to more advanced fixes.

By following the instructions carefully, you should be able to resolve the issue without needing technical expertise.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure your Lightroom and Windows 11 are both fully updated to the latest versions. Updates often fix bugs.
• Close all other programs running in the background to avoid conflicts.
• Check your computer’s hardware meets Lightroom’s minimum system requirements.
• Backup your Lightroom catalog and photos before making any significant changes.

Step 1: Restart Lightroom and Your Computer

Sometimes, the error happens because of temporary glitches.

1. Close Lightroom completely.
2. Restart your Windows 11 computer.
3. Open Lightroom and try switching modules again.

Restarting clears temporary data and can fix minor software conflicts.

Step 2: Reset Lightroom Preferences

Corrupted preferences can cause module switching errors. Resetting preferences restores default settings without deleting your photos or catalog.

1. Close Lightroom.
2. Press and hold Alt + Shift keys on your keyboard.
3. While holding them, launch Lightroom.
4. A prompt will appear asking if you want to reset preferences. Click Yes.

Resetting preferences helps eliminate settings that might be causing conflicts.

Step 3: Check Graphics Processor Settings

Lightroom uses your graphics card (GPU) to display images and process edits. Sometimes GPU issues cause module errors.

1. Open Lightroom.
2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance.
3. Look for the Use Graphics Processor checkbox.
4. Try toggling this setting:
   • If it’s enabled, disable it and restart Lightroom.
   • If it’s disabled, enable it and restart Lightroom.

This step helps identify if your GPU or its driver is causing the problem.

Step 4: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers often cause errors in Lightroom. Updating them ensures compatibility.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your graphics device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
6. Restart your PC and try Lightroom again.

If you have a dedicated GPU (like NVIDIA or AMD), you can also visit their official websites to download the latest drivers directly.

Step 5: Disable Third-Party Plugins

Plugins can sometimes interfere with Lightroom modules.

1. Open Lightroom.
2. Go to File > Plugin Manager.
3. Disable all third-party plugins by selecting them and clicking Disable.
4. Restart Lightroom and try switching modules.

If the error disappears, enable plugins one by one to find the problematic one.

Step 6: Reinstall Lightroom

If none of the above work, reinstalling Lightroom can fix corrupted program files.

1. Close Lightroom.
2. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find Lightroom in the list and click Uninstall.
4. After uninstalling, restart your computer.
5. Download the latest Lightroom installer from the official Adobe website.
6. Install and launch Lightroom, then try switching modules.

Alternative: Run Lightroom as Administrator

Running Lightroom with administrator privileges can sometimes bypass permission issues causing errors.

1. Right-click the Lightroom shortcut icon.
2. Select Run as administrator.
3. Try switching modules again.

If this works, you can set Lightroom to always run as administrator by right-clicking the shortcut, selecting Properties > Compatibility, and checking Run this program as an administrator.

FAQs

Why does Lightroom show “Error Occurred Attempting to Change Modules”?

This error usually occurs due to corrupted preferences, graphics driver issues, incompatible plugins, or software bugs.

Will resetting preferences delete my photos?

No, resetting preferences only restores default settings. Your photos and catalogs remain safe.

How do I update Lightroom?

Open the Adobe Creative Cloud app, find Lightroom, and click Update if available.

Can outdated Windows updates cause this issue?

Yes, outdated system files can cause conflicts. Keeping Windows updated helps maintain compatibility.

Is it safe to disable GPU acceleration?

Yes, disabling GPU acceleration may reduce performance but can solve display and module switching problems.

What should I do if the problem returns after updating?

Try rolling back the graphics driver or contact Adobe support for help with compatibility issues.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still encounter the error, consider the following:

• Check Adobe’s official support forums and help pages: Adobe Lightroom Community
• Contact Adobe Customer Support directly for personalized assistance.
• Try installing Lightroom on another computer to check if the issue is hardware-related.
• Consider creating a new Lightroom catalog to rule out catalog corruption.

Conclusion

The “Error Occurred Attempting to Change Modules” in Lightroom on Windows 11 is a common but fixable issue. Starting with simple steps like restarting and resetting preferences often solves the problem.

Checking graphics settings and drivers is important because Lightroom relies heavily on your GPU. Disabling plugins and reinstalling Lightroom are effective next steps if simple fixes don’t work.

Remember to backup your data before making changes and keep your software updated. With patience and following this guide, you can get back to editing your photos without interruptions.