The Ultimate Guide to Fixing Adobe Error Code 205 (2026 Updated)

Just when you are excited to install the latest version of Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app, a frustrating message pops up on your screen: "There was a problem downloading your app. (Error code: 205)".

With Adobe's security and network validation updates in 2026, Error Code 205 usually means your computer cannot successfully connect to Adobe's download servers. This can be caused by network restrictions, firewall blocks, or—the most common reason—residual code from an old or pirated version of Adobe software that modified your Hosts file.

Don't worry. This article provides 4 proven and ultimate steps to help you get rid of Error 205 once and for all.

Step 1: Check Network and Antivirus Interference

Often, the simplest explanation is that your network connection is being blocked. Adobe requires a stable connection to download large installation packages.

1. Temporarily disable firewalls and antivirus: Security software like Windows Defender, McAfee, or Norton might mistakenly block Adobe's download requests. Try disabling them temporarily during the installation.
2. Switch networks: If you are using a corporate or campus network, gateway restrictions might block the connection. Try connecting to a mobile hotspot and click "Retry".
3. Turn off or change your VPN: If you are using a proxy or VPN, certain IP nodes might be restricted by Adobe's servers. Turn off the VPN or switch to a global node.

Step 2: Fix the Modified Hosts File (The Core Solution)

If you have previously installed a "cracked" or pirated version of Adobe software, the crack patch usually modifies your system's Hosts file to forcefully block Adobe's validation servers. This is the main culprit behind Error 205 when trying to install genuine Creative Cloud apps.

For Windows Users:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
2. Find the file named hosts, right-click it, and select "Open with Notepad".
3. Look for any lines containing adobe.com or adobelogin.com (usually at the very bottom).
4. Delete all these lines containing "adobe", then save and close the file. (If you get a permission error, copy the file to your desktop, edit it there, and drag it back to the original folder to replace it).

For Mac Users:

1. Open the "Terminal" application.
2. Type the command sudo nano /etc/hosts, press Return, and enter your Mac password.
3. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor and delete all lines containing adobe.com.
4. Press Control + O to save, press Return to confirm, and then press Control + X to exit.

Step 3: Use the Official CC Cleaner Tool

If you still get Error 205 after modifying the Hosts file, it means there are deep registry leftovers in your system. We highly recommend using the official cleaning tool provided by Adobe.

1. Go to the official Adobe website, search for and download the Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool.
2. Right-click the downloaded tool and select "Run as administrator".
3. Follow the on-screen instructions (choose e for English, y to accept the agreement), and select All or option 1 to clean all Adobe-related files.
4. Restart your computer once the cleanup is complete. Then, download the latest Creative Cloud installer from the official website.

Step 4: Flush Your DNS Cache

Sometimes, a local DNS cache resolution error can also trigger the 205 error. Flushing your DNS forces your computer to establish a fresh connection to the servers.

• Windows: Open CMD, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
• Mac: Open Terminal, type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Return.