Adobe Application Manager does not update to Creative Cloud desktop app

Last updated on May 16, 2021 | Also applies to Adobe Creative Cloud

Find out how you can remove the Adobe Application Manager and install the Creative Cloud desktop app.

When you download and install an Adobe Creative Cloud app, the Creative Cloud desktop app downloads and installs at the same time. On older operating systems, these processes were handled by the Adobe Application Manager (AAM), which was replaced by the Creative Cloud desktop app.

If you're using Mac OS X 10.7, Windows 7, or later and still have AAM on your computer, AAM automatically updates to the Creative Cloud desktop app when you download an app.

Issue

AAM does not auto-update to the Creative Cloud desktop app, or you receive the following error:

"Browser doesn't know how to open this address, because the protocol (AAM) isn't associated with any program."

Solutions

Try the following solutions in order.

Note:

An older version of AAM (version 7.0.0.414) does not auto-update to the Creative Cloud desktop app.

Solution 1: Restore the browser plug-in.

Mac OS X 10.7 and later

Remove AdobeAAMDetect.plugin from HD Library/Internet plug-ins.
Relaunch the browser.
Install the Creative Cloud desktop app.

Windows 7 and 8

In Windows Explorer, navigate to the following location and rename OOBE to OOBE_old.
- Windows 7 and 8 (32-bit): \Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe
- Windows 7 and 8 (64-bit): \Program Files\Common Files\Adobe
Relaunch the browser.
Install the Creative Cloud desktop app.

Solution 2: Reinstall the Creative Cloud desktop app using the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool.

Windows

Click Start > Control Panel.
Double-click Programs and Features, select Adobe Creative Cloud, and click Uninstall.
Follow the onscreen instructions.
Run the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to remove the Creative Cloud desktop app.
Once you've run the tool, reinstall the Creative Cloud desktop app.

macOS

Go to [hard drive] > Applications > Utility > Adobe Installers.
Double-click the Install Adobe Creative Cloud icon.
Follow the onscreen instructions.
Run the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool to remove the Creative Cloud desktop app.
Once you've run the tool, reinstall the Creative Cloud desktop app.

Solution 3: Try a different browser.

If you are still having trouble, repeat the solutions above in a different web browser.

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