Adobe Photoshop Error Code 16 can remain as a bottleneck, displaying when the application is being opened and blocking the user from working. Such an error usually revolves around issues in file permissions, which means that the essential files for Photoshop are not accessible. Below is a guide on how to solve Error Code 16 and streamline the operations on your Photoshop application.
How do I fix Error Code 16 in Adobe Photoshop?
Error Code 16 is a general error which arises due to the unavailability of certain folders with their permissions that Photoshop intends to access. These folders might be either restricted or locked completely, preventing access for Photoshop to load the appropriate required major components. Best of all, this problem can easily be solved by modifying some settings.
Steps to Fix Error Code 16 in Adobe Photoshop
Step 1: Set the Correct Permissions for Adobe Folders
The most common cause of Error Code 16 is incorrect permissions for Adobe’s folders on your system. Updating these permissions should allow Photoshop to access the files it needs.
- Navigate to Adobe’s Application Support Folder:
- For Windows, go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe.
- For macOS, go to Library/Application Support/Adobe.
- Right-click on the Adobe Folder:
- For Windows: Right-click on the Adobe folder, select Properties, and then go to the Security tab.
- For macOS: Right-click on the Adobe folder, select Get Info.
- Edit Permissions:
- Windows: Under the Security tab, click on Edit. Ensure that administrators and users have full control access. Click Apply and OK.
- macOS: In the Info window, click the lock icon at the bottom, enter your password, and ensure Everyone has Read & Write access.
- Restart Photoshop: After adjusting permissions, restart your computer and try launching Photoshop again.
Step 2: Run Photoshop as Administrator (Windows Only)
If permissions were already set correctly but the error persists, try running Photoshop with administrative privileges.
- Locate the Photoshop icon on your desktop or in the Start menu.
- Right-click and select Run as Administrator.
- Confirm any prompts to open Photoshop with elevated permissions.
This method can often bypass permissions issues that might be causing Error Code 16.
Step 3: Reinstall Photoshop
If permissions and administrative settings don’t resolve the issue, reinstalling Photoshop may clear up any corrupted files.
- Uninstall Photoshop:
- Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program on Windows, or drag Photoshop to the trash on macOS.
- Delete any remaining Adobe files:
- After uninstalling, delete leftover files in the Adobe support folders we navigated to earlier.
- Reinstall Photoshop from the Adobe Creative Cloud or your installation media.
Reinstalling can ensure that no corrupted files are interfering with Photoshop’s startup process.
Step 4: Reach Out to Adobe Support
If error code 16 persists, there may be an underlying issue that requires Adobe’s assistance. Adobe’s Support team can provide additional troubleshooting steps or escalate the issue if it’s related to software bugs.
Quick Tips for Future Error Prevention
- Keep Photoshop Updated: Adobe often releases patches for known issues. Regularly updating Photoshop can help you avoid similar issues.
- Regularly clean system caches and temporary files. This prevents memory-related errors that can sometimes trigger software issues.
- Run as Administrator: For Windows users, try running Photoshop as an administrator by default if you encounter frequent permissions issues.
Conclusion
Error Code 16 in Adobe Photoshop can be a hassle, especially when you’re trying to start a project quickly. Thankfully, adjusting folder permissions, running Photoshop as an administrator, or reinstalling the software are simple fixes that typically resolve the issue. Taking these steps helps restore Photoshop’s functionality, allowing you to get back to editing and designing without interruption. If the problem persists, Adobe Support is there to assist with more in-depth troubleshooting. By keeping your system and software up-to-date, you can reduce the risk of future errors and enjoy a smoother Photoshop experience.