Adobe Photoshop is a powerful tool, but it can sometimes crash unexpectedly on Windows 11. This can interrupt your work and cause frustration. Fortunately, there are several straightforward steps you can take to fix this issue.
This guide will walk you through simple troubleshooting techniques to get Photoshop running smoothly again. No advanced technical knowledge is needed — just follow the steps carefully.
Before diving into complex fixes, we will start with the easiest solutions. These often resolve the problem quickly.
By the end of this article, you should have a clear idea of how to address Photoshop crashes on your Windows 11 PC.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
Before starting the troubleshooting process, make sure your system meets the following basic requirements and conditions. These help prevent common issues:
- Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 11 is fully updated. Microsoft often releases important patches that improve system stability.
- Photoshop Version: Check you are running the latest version of Photoshop. Adobe regularly updates the software to fix bugs and improve performance.
- System Specs: Confirm your PC meets Photoshop’s minimum system requirements, including RAM, processor, and graphics card capabilities.
- Close Other Programs: Close unnecessary applications running in the background. Too many programs can use up system resources and cause Photoshop to crash.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
Restarting your computer can fix many temporary glitches. This simple step refreshes memory and clears any stuck processes that might be causing Photoshop to crash.
- Save your work in other programs.
- Click on the Start menu and select Restart.
- After the PC restarts, open Photoshop and check if the issue persists.
Step 2: Run Photoshop as Administrator
Sometimes, Photoshop needs higher permissions to function properly. Running it as an administrator can resolve permission-related crashes.
- Right-click the Photoshop shortcut or executable file.
- Select Run as administrator.
- If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
- Check if Photoshop opens without crashing.
Step 3: Update Graphics Card Drivers
Photoshop relies heavily on your graphics card. Outdated or incompatible drivers often cause crashes. Keeping them updated ensures better compatibility and performance.
- Press
Win + Xand choose Device Manager. - Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.
- Restart your computer after the update.
- Try opening Photoshop again.
Step 4: Reset Photoshop Preferences
Corrupted preference files can cause Photoshop to crash. Resetting them restores default settings without affecting your files.
- Close Photoshop if it is open.
- Hold down
Ctrl + Alt + Shift(Windows) and launch Photoshop. - You will see a prompt asking if you want to delete the settings file. Click Yes.
- Photoshop will open with default preferences.
- Check if the crashing stops.
Step 5: Disable Graphics Processor Acceleration
Photoshop uses your GPU to speed up rendering, but this can sometimes cause crashes if the GPU is incompatible or unstable.
- Open Photoshop.
- Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance.
- Uncheck the box labeled Use Graphics Processor.
- Click OK and restart Photoshop.
- Test if Photoshop still crashes.
Note: Disabling the GPU might reduce performance but can stabilize the application.
Step 6: Check for Conflicting Plugins
Third-party plugins can sometimes cause instability. Disabling or removing problematic plugins can help identify if they are the cause.
- Close Photoshop.
- Navigate to the Photoshop plugins folder, usually located at:
C:Program FilesAdobeAdobe PhotoshopPlug-ins - Temporarily move all plugins to a different folder on your desktop.
- Restart Photoshop and check if it still crashes.
- If stable, add plugins back one by one to find the problematic one.
Step 7: Reinstall Photoshop
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Photoshop can fix corrupted program files.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Adobe Photoshop in the list and select Uninstall.
- Follow the uninstall prompts fully.
- Restart your computer.
- Download the latest Photoshop installer from the official Adobe website.
- Install Photoshop and launch it.
- Check if the crashing issue is resolved.
FAQs
Why does Photoshop keep crashing on Windows 11?
Common causes include outdated drivers, corrupted preference files, incompatible plugins, or insufficient system resources.
Can low RAM cause Photoshop to crash?
Yes, Photoshop requires enough RAM to operate smoothly. If your system runs low on memory, it may cause the program to crash.
Is it safe to reset Photoshop preferences?
Yes, resetting preferences only restores default settings and does not delete your projects or files.
How often should I update Photoshop and Windows?
Regularly updating both software helps prevent crashes by fixing bugs and improving compatibility.
Can antivirus software cause Photoshop to crash?
Sometimes antivirus programs interfere with Photoshop’s processes. Temporarily disabling antivirus can help identify if it’s the cause.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and Photoshop still crashes, consider the following:
- Contact Adobe Support: Visit the official Adobe Help Center for professional assistance.
- Check Windows Event Viewer: Use it to find detailed error messages related to Photoshop crashes.
- Create a New Windows User Account: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted, causing app crashes.
- Perform System Restore: Roll back Windows to a previous state when Photoshop was working correctly.
Conclusion
Photoshop crashing on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most issues can be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps. Start by restarting your PC and updating software, then proceed to reset preferences or disable GPU acceleration if needed.
If problems persist, checking plugins and reinstalling Photoshop often resolves deeper issues. Remember, keeping your system and Photoshop updated is crucial for smooth performance.
By following this guide, you can quickly identify and fix common causes of Photoshop crashes, allowing you to focus on your creative work without interruptions.