Photoshop Error — Could Not Initialize Photoshop Because the File Is Locked

What Does This Error Mean?

This error appears when Photoshop cannot access a file it needs to start up — usually because that file has been marked as read-only or is being held by another process. Photoshop cannot initialize because it cannot write to its own configuration files. This is a permissions problem, not a hardware problem.

Affected Models

Adobe Photoshop CC
Adobe Photoshop CS6
Adobe Photoshop 2022
Adobe Photoshop 2023
Adobe Photoshop 2024

Common Causes

The Photoshop preferences folder has been set to read-only
A previous Photoshop session did not close properly, leaving a lock file behind
Your user account does not have full permissions to the Adobe AppData folder
Antivirus or security software is blocking Photoshop from writing files
The file is stored on a network drive or cloud sync folder that is currently unavailable

How to Fix It

Close Photoshop completely. Navigate to C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop [Version]\Adobe Photoshop [Version] Settings\. Delete the file named 'Adobe Photoshop [Version] Prefs.psp'.

AppData is a hidden folder. In File Explorer, go to View and check 'Hidden items' to see it.
Right-click the Adobe Photoshop Settings folder, select Properties, go to the Security tab, and make sure your user account has Full Control.

If Full Control is not checked, click Edit, select your username, and check Full Control.
Right-click the Photoshop shortcut and select 'Run as administrator'. If Photoshop opens, the issue is a permissions problem with your normal user account.

Running as administrator is a temporary workaround. Fix the folder permissions for a permanent solution.
Temporarily disable your antivirus or security software, then try launching Photoshop again. If it works, add Photoshop to your antivirus exclusion list.

Some aggressive antivirus tools block apps from writing to certain folders.
If the file is on a cloud-synced folder (like OneDrive or Dropbox), move it to a local folder on your computer and try again.

Cloud sync software can lock files at the same moment Photoshop tries to access them.

When to Call a Professional

If the permissions issue is tied to a work computer with IT-managed restrictions, contact your IT department. They can grant your account the correct access rights without changing system-wide security settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the AppData folder on Windows?

AppData is a hidden system folder. Open File Explorer, click the View tab at the top, and check the box labeled 'Hidden items'. Then navigate to C:\Users\[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe.

Will deleting the preferences file delete my custom settings?

Yes — custom workspaces, keyboard shortcuts, and tool settings will be reset to defaults. However, your actual project files, brushes saved in the Presets folder, and actions are stored separately and will not be affected.

Why does this error happen after a Windows update?

Windows updates can sometimes reset folder permissions or change security policies. This can cause Photoshop's config folder to become read-only. Fixing the folder permissions as described above resolves it.