According to the error message, this issue usually occurs due to other active Adobe processes running in the background, which conflict with the current installer. Another possible cause is corrupted or incomplete program files associated with Creative Cloud. Now that you understand the error and its causes, let’s move on to resolving it.
1. Close Adobe Processes and Reboot Your System
Error code 81 can trigger at the start of the installation, prompting you to close or wait for other Adobe-related processes. This usually happens when duplicate setup instances are running, one visible and another hidden. You can resolve this by closing all Adobe-related processes and restarting your system.
2. Rename the PDApp Folder
The Adobe Application Manager, located in the PDApp folder, is responsible for launching background processes during installations or updates through Creative Cloud. If these processes remain active, they can interfere with the installer and trigger the error. Renaming this folder forces those processes to stop, resolving the conflict. Note: The PDApp folder is hidden by default. You must enable the Show Hidden Files option in File Explorer. Also, ensure all Adobe apps are closed using the first method.
3. Use Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool
Adobe files are often distributed across multiple directories, making manual cleanup nearly impossible. Adobe provides a dedicated cleaner tool that removes all remnants of previous installations. Once cleaned, you can reinstall Creative Cloud and install your apps without conflicts. If none of the solutions above resolve the error, it’s best to contact the official Adobe Help Center and share the full error details for further assistance.
