If you’re trying to launch Adobe Photoshop and suddenly hit with Adobe Photoshop Error Code 202 on Windows 10, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue, especially after system updates, driver changes, or when permissions aren’t correctly set.
This blog will guide you step-by-step to troubleshoot and fix Adobe Photoshop error code 202 on Windows 10, helping you get back to editing in no time. Read:-How to Fix Error Code 16 in Adobe Photoshop
What is Photoshop Error Code 202?
In most cases, Error Code 202 indicates that Adobe Photoshop is unable to communicate with certain system files or services. This could stem from:
- Incorrect installation
- Corrupt Photoshop preferences
- Missing system permissions
- Third-party apps are in conflict with each other.
- Expired/Incompatible Windows components
How to Fix Photoshop Error Code 202 on Windows 10
Restart Photoshop and Your PC
- Before entering tech mode, start off by closing Photoshop and restarting your PC. This error is frequently the result of temporary memory glitches.
- Launch Photoshop in administrator mode. Start by opening up Photoshop as you normally would.
- Try running Photoshop as administrator to perm issues.
Steps:
Right-click the Photoshop shortcut.
Click “Run as administrator.”
Try to see if you are still getting that error.
If it sticks, stick it:
Right-click → Properties → Compatibility tab → Tick “Run this program as an administrator.”
Reset Photoshop Preferences
If your preferences are corrupted, you may encounter Photoshop Error Code 202 in Windows 10.
Steps to reset:
Hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift when you start Photoshop.
A dialog box will pop up asking to delete preferences.
Click Yes.
This will restore all custom settings. Back them up if needed.
Update Adobe Photoshop.
Outdated Photoshop could be a compatibility issue.
To update:
- Open Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Click on the “Updates” tab.
- If you see Photoshop, click Update.
- Check for Windows 10 Updates
- In some cases, Photoshop issues occur due to out-of-date Windows components.
To update:
- Press Win + I → Settings.
- Click Update & Security.
- Choose Windows Update → Check for updates.
- Update when you can and reboot.
- Turn Off the Antivirus and Firewall for a While
Your antivirus software may block certain parts of Photoshop. Turn off Active Directory to see if Photoshop opens without error 202.
Fix Adobe Creative Cloud installation.
In certain cases, the problem is with the Creative Cloud itself.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features.
- Find Adobe Creative Cloud, right-click it, and select Repair.
- Or you can download the Creative Cloud Repair Tool by visiting Adobe’s website.
For More Information, See Event Viewer Logs
For Advanced Users—Check what caused Photoshop error 202. Advanced users can go to the Event Viewer to see what caused Photoshop error 202.
- Press Win + R, type eventvwr.msc, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to Windows Logs > Application.
- Search for errors caught by Photoshop.
- You can use this information to determine why a driver (or file) is not functioning.
Create a New User Profile
- Occasionally, a bad user profile in Windows can make Photoshop act weird.
- You need to visit Settings –> Accounts –> Family & other users.
- Click Add someone else to this PC.
- Sign up for a new account or log in.
- Launch Photoshop from this account.
Reinstall Photoshop. Another workaround for this issue is to reinstall Photoshop.
If none of the above work:
- Reinstall Adobe Photoshop in its entirety.
- Delete leftover folders in:
- C:\Program Files\Adobe\
- %AppData%\Adobe
- Restart and reinstall via Adobe Creative Cloud.
Still Receiving Photoshop Error Code 202?
If none of those fixes do the trick, it’s time to call in the experts. You may get in touch with the Photoshop support team for live support and immediate resolution of Photoshop error 202 on Windows 10 by dialing the number 1-800-319-5804.
Final Thoughts
Photoshop Error Code 202 on Windows 10 is frustrating, but fortunately, it is generally easy to solve when you understand the cause of the crash. Thankfully, if you are patient and follow a few steps, you can (hopefully) get Photoshop working normally again, without losing any data or downtime.
And if you need more help, feel free to contact our Photoshop customer support hotline at 1-800-319-5804.