How To Resolve Error Code 191 During Adobe App Installation

Error Code 191 in the Adobe Creative Cloud App tends to pop up during installs and updates — usually because of conflicts with other software, permissions, or dodgy files. Sometimes, antivirus or firewall tools block parts of the process; other times, corrupted download or install files cause it to go sideways. Basically, Windows just doesn’t want to cooperate, and Adobe can get stuck in limbo.

Getting this sorted can feel like such a pain, but the good news is most of these fixes are straightforward once you understand what’s really going on. Fixes like resetting the Microsoft Store cache or adjusting folder permissions are often the key, since they fix the underlying system hurdles that block Adobe from installing properly.

How to Fix Error 191 in Adobe Creative Cloud

Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

This one’s kind of weird, but because Windows Store and system components like Windows Update or Delivery Optimization heavily share data, sometimes a corrupt cache in the Store causes Adobe installers to choke. Resetting it often clears stalled updates or license hiccups that might be blocking Adobe’s normal operation.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type wsreset and hit Enter.
  3. Just wait — it’ll run for a while, and then automatically close, opening the Store kinda refreshed.
  4. Afterwards, try running your Adobe installer again. Sometimes, this fixes the problem for a while — other times, you might need a couple of retries.

Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Antivirus tools — especially the big ones like Norton, McAfee, or Avast — can sometimes see Adobe’s install files as threats, and block their access. Disabling these temporarily during install often helps you get past Error 191. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary sometimes.

Heads up: Disabling protection exposes your system, so don’t leave it off forever. Always turn it back on after the install is done. And, make sure you’re downloading from trusted sources, especially Adobe’s official site, to stay safe from malware.

  1. Press Windows + S and type Windows Security.
  2. Open Firewall & network protection.
  3. Click on the active profile (like “Domain network” or “Private network”).
  4. Turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall.
  5. Back in Windows Security, select Virus & Threat Protection.
  6. Hit Manage Settings under the Virus & Threat Protection section.
  7. Toggle off Real-time protection.
Pro tip: Different antivirus tools look different, but most have similar options for quick disable. Just consult the support pages if you’re not sure how to temporarily turn off protection. And when the installer’s done, re-enable protection right away.

Fix Folder Permissions

If Windows permissions for certain folders are busted — maybe from a weird update or a malware scare — Adobe’s installer might not be able to put files where they need to go. Fixing permissions on folders like C:\Windows\Temp or your user temp folders helps the installer get the access it needs. Think of it as granting Adobe permission to get into its own house.

  1. Right-click the folder (e.g., C:\Windows\Temp) and pick Properties.
  2. Go to the Security tab.
  3. Click Edit, then select your user account.
  4. Check Full Control. If it’s already checked, good — if not, tick it.
  5. Click Apply and OK. Repeat for any other critical folders like C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Temp.

Because Windows permissions can be wonky, especially if someone tampered with settings or malware has been around, fixing this can unlock installation blockades.

Ensure UWP and Microsoft Store Are Enabled

Some Adobe programs rely on Windows components like the Microsoft Store, UWP, or certain system services. If these are turned off — either by cleanup tools or accidental tweaks — Adobe might refuse to install or update because it can’t access the necessary runtime libraries or licensing services.

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Store.
  3. Double-click on Turn off the Store application.
  4. Set it to Not Configured or Disabled.
  5. Click Apply and then OK.

Bonus cleanup: if updates are messing up, you can re-register the Microsoft Store via PowerShell, which sometimes clears out stubborn bugs. Just run PowerShell as admin and paste this command:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft. WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_. InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This kinda refreshes the Store without reinstalling everything, and on some setups it helps clear errors faster.

Update or Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

Many Adobe apps depend on the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables to run, so if they’re broken or outdated, Error 191 might show up. Download and install the latest redistributable packages from the official Microsoft website. Install both the x86 and x64 versions to be safe, because Adobe tends to need both. Reinstalling these shared components often clears up dependency issues that kill an install.

Create a Fresh User Profile to Bypass Profile Corruption

If your current user profile is screwy — corrupted permissions, broken registry entries, or whatever — that can block Adobe from installing. Creating a new local admin account provides a clean slate, often bypassing any profile-specific grief. It’s like starting fresh without messing with your main setup.

  1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
  2. Navigate to Accounts.
  3. Click Family & other users.
  4. Choose Add someone else to this PC.
  5. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in info and then Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  6. Input username and password, then click Next.
  7. After creating, select the new account, click Change account type, and make it Administrator.

This fresh account often avoids the Windows quirks that block proper installation or updates.

Repair or Reinstall Adobe Creative Cloud

If the above fails, it’s worth repairing or reinstalling Creative Cloud itself — sometimes the app’s own files or registry entries get just plain corrupted, making it impossible to proceed. Repairing restores its core files; reinstalling gives you a fresh start.

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Uninstall a Program.
  2. Find Adobe Creative Cloud, right-click and choose Uninstall/Change.
  3. Pick Repair if available, then follow prompts.

Or, if repair doesn’t work, it’s better to do a clean reinstall:

  1. Open Creative Cloud, click your profile icon top right, and sign out.
  2. Use the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to remove leftover bits (optional but recommended).
  3. Reboot, then go to Adobe’s download page to get the latest installer.
  4. Install and sign in again.
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