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After Effects Won't Open / Stuck on Loading Screen

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Ongoing Windows, macOS Updated November 14, 2026Based on 4 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

Note which module the splash screen stalls on, update the GPU driver, remove new fonts, plugins or betas, and try launching with crash-repair options.

Most likely fix: Reset and isolate

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Reset and isolate

    1. Hold Ctrl+Alt+Shift (Windows) or Cmd+Opt+Shift (Mac) while launching to reset preferences/safe mode
    2. Remove recently added fonts and third-party plugins
    3. Uninstall Adobe beta apps
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Update drivers

    1. Install the latest Studio GPU driver
    2. Reboot and relaunch
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Reinstall or roll back

    1. Reinstall After Effects from Creative Cloud
    2. Install an earlier version from Creative Cloud > Other versions if the latest build fails
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

Splash screen hangs on 'Initializing MediaCore' or similar, app closes right after launch, or nothing appears.

Why it happens

  • Faulty GPU driver
  • Recently installed fonts, plugins or beta builds
  • Corrupt preferences or MediaCore plugins
  • Specific build bugs (e.g. AE 25.4 splash crash)

This guide also covers

  • after effects won't open
  • after effects stuck on loading
  • after effects freezes on startup
  • after effects crashes on launch

Still not working?

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