Photoshop 2023 stopped working

Zinriel · Jan 22, 2024

Hey Been using photoshop 2023 for a while now, but recently it's been popping up as unlicensed software, so i assume adobe has sorted out a workaround to the crack, does anyone have a solution to this issue? I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling a couple of times but the most i've managed to get is a few minutes before i get locked out again, any help to resolve would be appreciated

hacxx · Jan 22, 2024

Zinriel said:
Hey Been using photoshop 2023 for a while now, but recently it's been popping up as unlicensed software, so i assume adobe has sorted out a workaround to the crack, does anyone have a solution to this issue? I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling a couple of times but the most i've managed to get is a few minutes before i get locked out again, any help to resolve would be appreciated

Disable updates and block any photoshop .exe from connecting.

DVDR_Dog · Jan 22, 2024

hacxx said:
Disable updates and block any photoshop .exe from connecting.

Probably too late now for that copy. Adobe stuff requires a fresh Windows install sometimes after crack is broken. Take hacxx’s advice any time you install Adobe anything.

geybson · Jan 29, 2024

Zinriel said:
Hey Been using photoshop 2023 for a while now, but recently it's been popping up as unlicensed software, so i assume adobe has sorted out a workaround to the crack, does anyone have a solution to this issue? I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling a couple of times but the most i've managed to get is a few minutes before i get locked out again, any help to resolve would be appreciated

I don't know if this will apply to your case, I faced the same problem, what I did and apparently seems to have solved the problem, I replaced the crack and after that I created a rule within the Windows defender firewall to prevent the Photoshop program from accessing the internet,

1 - open windows defender,
2 - Firewall and network protection,
3 - search for "advanced settings",
4 - in the new window that will open, look for outgoing rules
5 - click on "new rule",
6 - Add a new rule for the program,
7 - Find the .exe of photoshop
8 - Make sure the option is to block the connection
9 - Next > name the rule and finish!
10 - Repeat the process for other .exe within the same folder if you want, I did it with some others that I found necessary.

I did this on my machine, and on my office colleague's machine, and apparently it's still working without notification.

JohnnyBob · Jan 30, 2024

(Dont think this works any longer) try removing SL Cache Data file

C:\Users\"YOUR NAME"\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\SLData\SLCache (just try renaming that file that is located in that folder ( Dont try this in newer installs by the way )

This still works :

Add this to your Host file
# BLOCK AD0BE (current as of 15/01/2024) #
0.0.0.0 ic.adobe.io
0.0.0.0 r3zj0yju1q.adobe.io
0.0.0.0 cd536oo20y.adobe.io
0.0.0.0 3ca52znvmj.adobe.io

Second:

Install this:

Easy Context Menu v1.6

Easy Context Menu enables you to add a variety of useful commands and tweaks for the Desktop, My Computer, Drives ,File and folder context menus

www.sordum.org

After that is installed right-click on an Adobe executable and you will see the option to "Add to Firewall" (quick and easy enough)

If none of the above works for you.... Download revo uninstaller like say from a torrent site or your favorite " Skull & XBones " site , you smell what Im steppin in?... Of course you do....

Completely remove all leftovers too, this is the only other way I have known for this to completely work

Then reinstall and follow my instructions above

except for the SLStore removal thing ( that is no longer a viable solution ...only for previous software, like 2021 and maybe 2022)

JohnnyBob · Feb 3, 2024

here is an interesting link you could check out for the 'reroute' addy's
Here is the direct address for the list and ...more info...

20240107 Update: Adobe switches domain format. Let's switch too! · ignaciocastro/adobe-is-dumb@de62af2

Easily block Adobe license check domains. Continuously Updated. Useful for HostsMan / SwitchHosts / Pi-hole users - 20240107 Update: Adobe switches domain format. Let's switch too! · ignaciocastro/adobe-is-dumb@de62af2

github.com

2024/01/07 Update: Adobe switches domain format. Let's switch too!

Latest update: Sun, 07 Jan 2024 13:44:01 UTC_

Adobe is moving to *.prod.cloud.adobe.io. Let's move with them!

If you use HostMan you can recieve automatic updates to this list.. Here are the instructions

HostsMan users (Automatic updates)

HostsMan users can't use CDN / Pi-hole URLs because of the program's request headers requirements.

Open HostsMan as Administrator
Click on Hosts > Manage Update Sources -> Add source
Fill with the following information
- Name: Adobe is dumb
- File name or URL: https://adobe.isdumb.one or https://adobe.isdumb.one/127
- Name of hosts file: Leave blank
- Import Comments: Enabled
- Import Possible Hijacks: Use global settings
Click on OK > Close > Configure Updater
Check "Automatically check and download new hosts file updates", Apply > Ok
Click on "Check for Updates"

And here is a download for HostMan, I uploaded it to pixeldrain

HostsMan_4.8.106_installer.zip

This file has been shared with you on pixeldrain

pixeldrain.com

exfain · Feb 6, 2025

Hey, I tried to block it with HostsMan as described, but it does not seem to work proeperly anymore. After 30s the crack gets detected. HostsMan delivered this message: "Checking for Updates: Adobe is dumb... check failed (".")."
Are there any new URLs to be blocked?

exfain · Feb 6, 2025

This one seems to work:https://github.com/Ruddernation-Designs/Adobe-URL-Block-List

cave-mann · Feb 6, 2025

Zinriel said:
Hey Been using photoshop 2023 for a while now, but recently it's been popping up as unlicensed software, so i assume adobe has sorted out a workaround to the crack, does anyone have a solution to this issue? I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling a couple of times but the most i've managed to get is a few minutes before i get locked out again, any help to resolve would be appreciated

Don't mess about with firewalls and all of that..
Put all of these from the attached file into your 'hosts' file located at:
"C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc"
job done. I've done it and it works, Photoshop 2023 & Bridge 2023

adobesuckscock · Mar 15, 2025

exfain said:
This one seems to work:https://github.com/Ruddernation-Designs/Adobe-URL-Block-List

thank you, had the disabled app issue after a year of it being fine, checked yt by date and they were only showing the method to block the exe in firewall, none of them were showing the hosts method.
I already had a bunch of ips blocked but I guess adobe updated some ips so my list was out of date and this list worked for me.

Graub · May 7, 2025

Hi all, I hope these are not too stupid questions. Excuse my rusty English also. I'm a tech illiterate person and hope this can be explained "for dummies" if anyone has the time.

To add the list to the host file and prevent PS from crippling itself, I should:

Copy the notepad list shared so graciously by Cave-mann
Find the host file in Windows system32/drivers/etc hosts
Open the file to edit with permission as administrator
And just paste the whole list at the end of the file?

And also, should I block PS from accessing the WiFi through Windows firewall/defender?

I just want to make sure this is okay and correct. I can't afford Photoshop but desperately need it working again to get a portfolio prepared for a job application so maybe I can afford PS after that haha.

Any advice will be wonderful and very much appreciated!

(edit for typos)

Yobbo · May 9, 2025

I downloaded Adobe Photoshop 2025 from 1337x uploaded by appdoze.
I use Revo for the installation.
Just opened Photoshop 2025 and it seems to have no problems at this time.
I have also installed Adobe Acrobat Pro DC 2025 a few weeks ago also with no problems at this time.
This is information how to install Adobe Photoshop 2025:
1. Disable your internet connection
2. Install using given installer (autoplay.exe) in Setup folder
3. Enjoy the Application!

marknyc · Aug 28, 2025

geybson said:
I don't know if this will apply to your case, I faced the same problem, what I did and apparently seems to have solved the problem, I replaced the crack and after that I created a rule within the Windows defender firewall to prevent the Photoshop program from accessing the internet,

1 - open windows defender,
2 - Firewall and network protection,
3 - search for "advanced settings",
4 - in the new window that will open, look for outgoing rules
5 - click on "new rule",
6 - Add a new rule for the program,
7 - Find the .exe of photoshop
8 - Make sure the option is to block the connection
9 - Next > name the rule and finish!
10 - Repeat the process for other .exe within the same folder if you want, I did it with some others that I found necessary.

I did this on my machine, and on my office colleague's machine, and apparently it's still working without notification.

Thanks - I did this for Photoshop.exe

Are there other exe files that I must do?

DVDR_Dog · Aug 29, 2025

Keep in mind Photoshop is one of the most difficult programs to crack. There may be time bombs inserted into the code which may not be evident during install. Don't expect this be your run of the mill one-time fix, it never has been. Be prepared to have to do an install from another group in the future. Always have Revo installed should you need to replace the program, the built-in installer won't clear out traces of the program.
In other words unless you plan on messing with this program all the time, look for some other software or purchase it.

Rob1975 · Oct 28, 2025

cave-mann said:
Don't mess about with firewalls and all of that..
Put all of these from the attached file into your 'hosts' file located at:
"C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc"
job done. I've done it and it works, Photoshop 2023 & Bridge 2023

Hi can you help?
tried to install 2023 photoshop and getting expires in x days!

does this still work?
i have followed path and opened host file in word as other options are PS and Media player. It brings up the attached image. do i copy and paste all the text including ## ADOBE ------------ and the rest. and just paste after the last line (# ::1 localhost) then save?

if not any other advise please.

ThumperTM · Oct 29, 2025

Rob1975 said:
Hi can you help?
tried to install 2023 photoshop and getting expires in x days!

does this still work?
i have followed path and opened host file in word as other options are PS and Media player. It brings up the attached image. do i copy and paste all the text including ## ADOBE ------------ and the rest. and just paste after the last line (# ::1 localhost) then save?

if not any other advise please.

Hi,

This this:

G

Post in thread 'Photoshop 2023 stopped working'

Jan 29, 2024

Zinriel said:
Hey Been using photoshop 2023 for a while now, but recently it's been popping up as unlicensed software, so i assume adobe has sorted out a workaround to the crack, does anyone have a solution to this issue? I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling a couple of times but the most i've managed to get is a few minutes before i get locked out again, any help to resolve would be appreciated

I don't know if this will apply to your case, I faced the same problem, what I did and apparently seems to have solved the problem, I replaced the crack and after that I created a rule within the...

And make sure to run patch as admin.

cave-mann · Nov 16, 2025

OK Adobe freaks..
This is a fool proof method, goto this link:
'https://tweaktrove.com/how-to-use-adobe-genp-to-activate-adobe-apps-free/'
scroll down to step 2, in line 1. click on 'Adobe GenP'
this will download 'Adobe Generic Patcher 3.7.1' make a note of the zip password to extract the files.
Follow the instructions, job done...

I have used this for all Adobe software, wuth no problems.
Bye,

PS: no need for hosts file amendments

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