Fix Adobe Error Code 205: 'Creative Cloud is Needed to Resolve This'

Updated: 11/29/2025

You try to launch Photoshop, Illustrator, or Premiere Pro, and the app bounces back with a frustrating message: 'Adobe Creative Cloud is needed to resolve this problem. Error Code: 205.'. Despite what the message says, reinstalling the Creative Cloud app rarely fixes it. This error specifically means the secure token stored in your computer's 'Keychain' or 'Credential Manager' doesn't match the one the server expects, usually after a password change or Windows update.

Method 1: Clear Windows Credentials (The Pro Fix)

Your computer is holding onto an old, corrupted password file for Adobe. We need to delete it manually.

Step 1: Open Credential Manager

Press the Windows Key, type Credential Manager, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Windows Credentials

Click the tab labeled Windows Credentials. Scroll down the list until you see entries starting with Adobe User, Adobe App, or Adobe Shared.

Step 3: Remove

Click the arrow next to each Adobe entry and select Remove. Do this for every Adobe entry. Restart the Creative Cloud app and sign in again.

Method 2: Fix macOS Keychain (Mac Users)

On a Mac, this error is almost always a Keychain access issue.

• Open Keychain Access (Command + Space, type Keychain).
• Search for 'Adobe' in the top right bar.
• Right-click and Delete all entries related to 'Adobe User' or 'Adobe App'.
• Restart your Mac.

Method 3: The Repair Tool

If the credential wipe didn't work, the local licensing database is corrupt.

Download the Creative Cloud Uninstaller Tool from Adobe's site. Run it, but choose the option 'Repair' instead of Uninstall. This refreshes the OOBE (Out of Box Experience) folder which handles licensing.