Adobe Creative Cloud sync problems typically stem from software conflicts, outdated applications, or service disruptions—particularly as Adobe phases out its legacy sync service. The most immediate solutions involve restarting the Creative Cloud app, verifying your internet connection, and ensuring you’re running the latest version, as outdated software is a primary cause of sync failures ^[1][3]. For persistent issues, advanced steps like clearing caches, stopping background sync processes (especially on macOS), or using the Creative Cloud Cleaner tool may be required ^[2][8]. Notably, Adobe has begun discontinuing Creative Cloud Synced Files for personal users as of February 1, 2024, which may explain sudden sync malfunctions for some accounts ^[4][9].

Key findings from the sources:

• Basic fixes: Restart the Creative Cloud app, update to the latest version, and check your internet connection (disable VPNs if active) ^[1][3].
• Advanced troubleshooting: Use Activity Monitor (macOS) to stop "Core Sync" processes, clear temporary files, or reinstall the app ^[8][10].
• Service changes: Sync issues may result from Adobe’s phased discontinuation of Creative Cloud Synced Files, with full deactivation for personal users by February 3, 2025 ^[9].
• Persistent problems: If sync remains stuck in a loop or shows errors like "Error Enabling Sync," consider resetting the app, signing out/in, or contacting Adobe Support, as these may indicate deeper system conflicts ^[4][7].

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Adobe Creative Cloud Sync Issues

Basic Fixes: Restarting and Updating

Most sync problems resolve with simple restarts or updates, as the Creative Cloud app relies on continuous background processes that can stall or crash. Start with these steps before attempting advanced solutions.

The Creative Cloud desktop app’s sync feature depends on an active internet connection and up-to-date software. If files fail to sync, the first action is to restart the app and your device. As outlined in Adobe’s official guide, this refreshes the background sync process, which may have stopped unexpectedly ^[1]. Users on Reddit and Adobe forums confirm that outdated app versions frequently cause sync errors, emphasizing the need to check for updates via the Creative Cloud desktop app’s settings menu ^[3].

• Restart the Creative Cloud app:
• Close the app completely from the taskbar (Windows) or Dock (macOS).
• Relaunch it and navigate to the Files tab to check if sync resumes ^[1].
• Update the app:
• Open the Creative Cloud desktop app and click your profile icon > Preferences > Apps to check for updates.
• Install any pending updates, as older versions may lack critical sync patches ^[6].
• Verify internet connectivity:
• Disable VPNs or proxy settings, which can interfere with Adobe’s servers ^[3].
• Ensure your network allows connections to Adobe’s domains (e.g., cc-api-storage.adobe.io).
• Restart your device:
• A full system reboot clears temporary conflicts with background processes like "Core Sync" (macOS) or the Creative Cloud helper service (Windows) ^[8].

If these steps fail, the issue may require deeper intervention, such as cache clearing or reinstallation.

Advanced Solutions: Cache Clearing, Reinstallation, and macOS-Specific Fixes

For persistent sync errors—especially those involving stuck processes or "Error Enabling Sync" messages—advanced troubleshooting targets corrupted caches, conflicting background services, or macOS-specific permissions.

On macOS, sync issues often trace back to the Core Sync process, which manages file synchronization in the background. Adobe’s support documentation for macOS users instructs stopping this process via Activity Monitor if files remain stuck in a "syncing" state ^[8]. Similarly, Windows users may need to clear temporary files or reset the app’s database, as discussed in Adobe Community forums ^[10].

• Stop Core Sync (macOS):
• Open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities).
• Search for "Core Sync," select it, and click Stop (❌).
• Wait 5 seconds, then restart the Creative Cloud app ^[8].
• Clear caches and temporary files:
• Delete files in AppData\Local\Temp (Windows) or ~/Library/Caches/Adobe (macOS) ^[10].
• On Windows, also clear the Creative Cloud Files folder cache at %UserProfile%\Creative Cloud Files\Cache.
• Reinstall the Creative Cloud app:
• Uninstall via Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS).
• Download the latest installer from Adobe’s official site and perform a clean install ^[2].
• Use the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool:
• For deep-seated issues, Adobe provides a Cleaner Tool to remove residual files and reset preferences.
• Download it from Adobe’s diagnostics page and follow the preparation steps ^[2].
• Check for service disruptions:
• Adobe’s discontinuation of Creative Cloud Synced Files for personal users (effective February 1, 2024) may explain sudden sync failures ^[9].
• Business users have until October 1, 2024, before losing access ^[8].
• If affected, migrate files to Cloud Documents or Frame.io as alternatives.

For errors like "Sync stuck in loop" or "Error Enabling Sync," Adobe Community threads suggest signing out and back in, disabling firewalls temporarily, or recreating the CoreSync database by renaming the CoreSync folder in ~/Library/Application Support/Adobe (macOS) ^[7][10].