Error 181 causes installation failure

Last updated on Jul 30, 2025

Learn how to resolve error code 181 "The installation path seems invalid" during Adobe app installation.

Error code 181 indicates that the installation path is invalid.

Solution

  1. Select the Account icon in the upper right corner, and then select Preferences.

    Creative Cloud desktop app window displaying Preferences option within the context menu.
    Selecting Preferences will open a new window.

  2. Select Apps from the left panel.

  3. Select the edit icon  next to the Install location option and select the location where you want to install your Creative Cloud apps.

    A screenshot of a computer
    You can select any location as the preferred Install location.

  4. Select Done to apply the changes.

  5. Install the app again.