🔹 Introduction
If you use Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing, you may have seen the error:
“Could not retrieve My Documents folder” while launching the software.
This problem usually happens when Premiere Pro can’t access or find the Documents folder on your Windows system. Don’t worry — in this guide, I’ll show you the step-by-step solution to fix this error quickly.
🔹 Why This Error Happens
This error appears mostly due to:
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Corrupt or missing Documents folder path in Windows.
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Wrong permissions or access issues.
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Damaged Premiere Pro preferences.
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Using OneDrive or external storage for Documents folder.
🔹 Step-by-Step Fix
✅ Method 1: Restore Documents Folder Path
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Press Windows + R → type
shell:Personaland hit Enter. -
If the folder doesn’t open, it means the Documents folder is missing or corrupted.
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Right-click Documents under “This PC” → Click Properties.
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Go to Location Tab → Click Restore Default.
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Apply changes and restart PC.
✅ Method 2: Create a New Documents Folder
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Open File Explorer.
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Go to
C:\Users\YourUserName\. -
Create a new folder named Documents (if missing).
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Restart Adobe Premiere Pro and check again.
✅ Method 3: Reset Adobe Premiere Pro Preferences
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Close Premiere Pro.
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Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) while launching Premiere Pro.
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This will reset preferences and may fix folder errors.
✅ Method 4: Run Premiere Pro as Administrator
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Right-click on Adobe Premiere Pro shortcut.
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Select Run as Administrator.
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This gives Premiere Pro permission to access system folders.
🔹 Key Features of This Fix
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Quick and simple solutions.
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No extra software required.
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Works for Adobe Premiere Pro CC & 2020+ versions.
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Fixes folder-related errors permanently.
🔹 Perfect For
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Video editors facing startup errors.
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Users with corrupted Documents folder.
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Professionals who use Premiere Pro daily.
❓ FAQ (Simple English)
Q1: Why does Premiere Pro need the Documents folder?
👉 Because it saves preference files, cache, and settings there.
Q2: Can I move my Documents folder to another drive?
👉 Yes, but make sure Premiere Pro has access to it.
Q3: Does resetting preferences delete my projects?
👉 No, it only resets app settings, not your project files.
Q4: My error still not fixed, what should I do?
👉 Reinstall Premiere Pro after trying all above steps. It usually solves remaining issues.
