Adobe Photoshop Unable to continue because of a hardware or system error. Sorry, but this error is Unrecoverable. If you receive and error like this while starting Photoshop, you are not alone, it's actually pretty common.
Adobe Photoshop: Unable to Continue Error
Adobe Photoshop may sometimes fail to start and display the following error:
Unable to continue because of a hardware or system error. Sorry, but this error is Unrecoverable.
If you encounter this error, you're not alone — it’s fairly common and usually caused by corrupted preferences, scratch disk issues, or GPU conflicts. The following steps will guide you through safely fixing the problem.
Step 1: Reset Photoshop Preferences
This is the fastest way to resolve the error:
- Close Photoshop completely.
- Hold down the following keys:
- Windows: Ctrl + Alt + Shift
- Mac: Cmd + Option + Shift
- While holding these keys, open Photoshop (or open a file that launches Photoshop).
- When prompted to "Delete the Adobe Photoshop Settings File", click Yes.
Photoshop will now launch with default settings, and the error should be resolved.
Step 2: Check Scratch Disk and Free Space
Photoshop uses scratch disks to store temporary files. Insufficient disk space can trigger errors:
- Open Photoshop Preferences > Scratch Disks
- Ensure at least 10–20 GB of free space on the primary scratch disk
- Consider switching to a faster drive (SSD) for improved stability
Step 3: Update Graphics Drivers
GPU conflicts can prevent Photoshop from starting:
- Update NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel drivers to the latest version
- If the problem persists, try disabling GPU acceleration:
- Windows: Add -disableGPU to Photoshop shortcut target - Mac: Launch Photoshop while holding Cmd + Option + Shift
Step 4: Run Photoshop as Administrator (Windows Only)
Sometimes permissions prevent Photoshop from accessing system resources:
- Right-click the Photoshop shortcut
- Select Run as Administrator
Step 5: Additional Troubleshooting
- Check for conflicting plugins or extensions and remove them temporarily
- Ensure your operating system is fully updated (Windows 10/11, macOS Ventura+)
- Consider reinstalling Photoshop if the error persists after resetting preferences
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this method work for all Photoshop versions?
Yes. The preferences reset shortcut works for Photoshop CC 2015 through Photoshop 2026.
What if resetting preferences doesn’t fix the error?
Check scratch disk space, update GPU drivers, disable GPU acceleration, and run Photoshop as administrator. Reinstalling Photoshop is a last resort.
Will I lose my custom settings?
Yes, resetting preferences returns Photoshop to default settings. Custom brushes, workspaces, and plugins may need to be reloaded.
Is this safe for Mac users?
Absolutely. Mac users use Cmd + Option + Shift to reset preferences. Scratch disk and GPU steps are slightly different depending on hardware.
Final Thoughts
The "Unable to continue because of a hardware or system error" message in Photoshop is usually not a system-level failure — it’s almost always due to corrupted preferences or GPU conflicts. By resetting preferences, checking scratch disks, updating drivers, and managing GPU settings, you can resolve the issue quickly and safely.
Following these steps ensures Photoshop starts correctly, keeping your projects safe and your workflow uninterrupted.