Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Should be located under C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud\ACC\Creative Cloud.exe
Warning
Multiple Creative Cloud processes are normal
CC uses separate processes for the desktop client, sync, and updater
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the Creative Cloud desktop app or disable startup items to reduce background activity
What is creative-cloud.exe?
Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop (creative-cloud.exe) is the launcher and background service that coordinates all Adobe apps, cloud storage, fonts, and subscription status. It runs to manage app updates, license checks, asset synchronization, and launch coordination across the Creative Cloud suite.
Creative Cloud uses multiple background processes to handle app management, syncing assets, and updates. The service keeps apps current, validates licenses, and provides access to cloud libraries, without performing content editing itself.
Quick Fact: Adobe pioneered cloud-based, multi-process architecture; Creative Cloud runs background tasks to sync libraries and fonts across devices so your work is consistent.
Types of Creative Cloud Processes
- CC Desktop Process: UI, app launcher, and update coordination
- Sync Service: Cloud storage and library/file synchronization
- Updater: Background checks for app updates and patches
- Telemetry and Licensing: Usage data collection and subscription verification
- Background Tasks: Fonts, assets, and settings synchronization tasks
Is creative-cloud.exe Safe?
Yes, creative-cloud.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Adobe downloaded from official sources (adobe.com or Creative Cloud installer).
Is creative-cloud.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real creative-cloud.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if creative-cloud.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud\ACC\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud\ACC\ . Any creative-cloud.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click Creative Cloud.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show Adobe Systems Incorporated or Adobe Inc.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-20% CPU per process, 100-600 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Creative Cloud should only run when you use Adobe apps or the CC desktop app. Multiple instances when idle indicates malware.
Red Flags: If creative-cloud.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when CC is not open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus software. Beware of similarly-named files.
Why Is creative-cloud.exe Running on My PC?
creative-cloud.exe runs when you open Adobe Creative Cloud or when CC apps are set to run in the background or during startup checks for updates and license validation.
Reasons it's running:
- Launch of CC Desktop App: You started the Creative Cloud Desktop application or it auto-starts to manage apps and updates.
- Cloud Sync and Libraries: Background synchronization of fonts, assets, and libraries across devices.
- Background Updater: Adobe CC keeps apps up to date by running updater services in the background.
- License Verification: Periodic license checks to ensure your Creative Cloud subscription is valid.
- Startup and Background Services: Some CC services run on startup or remain active to enable quick app launches.
Can I Disable or Remove creative-cloud.exe?
Yes, you can disable or uninstall Creative Cloud components. If you don't use Adobe apps or need to reclaim resources, you can disable startup items or uninstall the Creative Cloud Desktop app.
How to Stop creative-cloud.exe
- End CC Desktop processes: In Task Manager, end Creative Cloud.exe and related CCXProcess.exe
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Adobe Creative Cloud
- Quit from Tray: Right-click the Creative Cloud tray icon and Sign Out or Quit
- Pause Sync: In Creative Cloud app, use Preferences → Sync to pause or disable syncing
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Adobe Creative Cloud → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Creative Cloud
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Adobe Creative Cloud → Uninstall
- ✔ Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool: download and run to remove CC components
- ✔ Optionally remove remaining Adobe folders from C:\Program Files\Adobe and C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If creative-cloud.exe is consuming excessive resources, try the following steps to reduce impact:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Multiple CC Apps Running: Close unused Adobe CC apps from the CC desktop app or Task Manager; ensure you don't have duplicate instances.
- Background Sync Enabled: Pause or configure synchronization in the Creative Cloud app to limit activity.
- Outdated Creative Cloud: Update Creative Cloud and its apps via the CC app to fix performance issues.
- Font or Asset Sync Heavy Projects: Disable font syncing or asset syncing for large projects; adjust sync settings in the CC app.
- License Verification Issues: Ensure your subscription is active and license checks aren't repeatedly failing; sign out and back in if needed.
- Hardware Acceleration: Disable hardware acceleration in the Creative Cloud app settings if GPU-related issues occur.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Creative Cloud desktop app and sign out and sign back in
2. Pause syncing in CC app if resource usage is high
3. Restart CC Desktop app or Windows
4. Check for updates in CC app
5. Disable unnecessary fonts or assets sync
Frequently Asked Questions
Is creative-cloud.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate creative-cloud.exe from Adobe is safe when downloaded from the official Adobe Creative Cloud installer. Verify its path: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Creative Cloud\ACC\Creative Cloud.exe.
Why is Creative Cloud running in the background?
To manage updates, license validation, and cloud sync for your Adobe apps. It can run as a background service even when no CC apps are open.
Can I disable Creative Cloud from starting automatically?
Yes. Use Task Manager → Startup to disable Adobe Creative Cloud, or sign out in the CC app tray icon.
How do I uninstall Creative Cloud?
Go to Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Adobe Creative Cloud → Uninstall. You may also need to uninstall individual Adobe apps separately.
Why is my fonts or assets syncing not working?
Check Creative Cloud app settings → Sync. Ensure fonts are enabled and your cloud storage has space. Pause sync to troubleshoot.
Where are Creative Cloud files stored locally?
Local sync copies are stored in your Creative Cloud Files folder, typically at C:\Users\<Username>\Creative Cloud Files. You can customize in CC app → Preferences → Cloud Documents.