Since the Lightroom Classic update to version LrC 15.0 (build 202510171722-44f87028), numerous users have reported a new error when opening their catalog:
“Failed to initialize AI edits storage”
(English: “Failed to initialize AI Edits storage”)
Lightroom then aborts the loading process and prevents access to the entire catalog. Particularly annoying: The file was previously successfully updated by the update – and suddenly appears corrupted.
In this article, we explain what is behind the AI change memory, why the error occurs, and show you the working solution from the Adobe forum that has already helped other affected users.
What does “AI change storage” mean in Lightroom?
With the new AI functions, Lightroom saves additional information in a separate data file. In addition to the classic .lrcat file, there is an additional structure:
- Catalog:
*.lrcat - AI & mask data:
*.lrcat-data
Exactly this lrcat-data file gets corrupted for some users – and Lightroom cannot initialize the AI change store.
Important:
👉 According to the Adobe community, the error is catalog-specific, not program-wide.
This means: Lightroom itself works, but the affected catalog contains corrupted support files.
Causes of the error
The error “AI change memory could not be initialized” usually occurs when:
- the file
catalogname.lrcat-datais damaged - Lightroom wants to create new AI storage files after the update
- these files cannot be overwritten or generated in the current folder
- the catalog is located in a cloud sync folder (OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.)
- incorrect authorizations block access
Solution: How to fix the Lightroom error (Confirmed Community Solution)
This method comes from user “NotThatBobJames” from the Adobe forum (16.11.2025) and was marked as the correct answer.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
1. move your .lrcat file to a new, local folder
Create a new folder outside of cloud storage such as OneDrive, Dropbox or Google Drive.
Example:C:\Lightroom-Recovery\
Copy only the file:
Catalog name.lrcat
inside.
2. open Lightroom by double-clicking on the moved .lrcat
Lightroom will report that preview files are missing.
👉 Simply click on “Next”.
Lightroom now creates automatically:
- a new
*.lrcat-data - new previews (if necessary)
- Further support files
This allows Lightroom to completely repair the damaged AI memory.
3. close Lightroom and switch back to the original folder
Close Lightroom again.
Go to the original catalog folder and delete everything there except:
Previews.lrdata(keep optional)Smart Previews.lrdata(keep optional)
All other files in this folder may be deleted.
4. now copy back the repaired files
Copy the following files back from your recovery folder:
- the repaired
.lrcat - the newly generated
.lrcat-data - all newly created support files
To the original Lightroom catalog folder.
5. open catalog again
Start Lightroom with the original catalog.
👉 The error “AI change memory could not be initialized” should now be completely resolved.
Why does this method work?
Lightroom is able to recreate defective or missing support files – but only if:
- it has write permissions
- no cloud synchronization in between
- the file is not blocked
Lightroom can recreate the files by moving them to a neutral folder.
Prevention: How to avoid this mistake in future
To prevent future problems with the AI change memory:
✔ Never save Lightroom catalogs in cloud sync folders
OneDrive & Co. often cause file locks or partial synchronization.
✔ Activate regular backups
Lightroom offers automatic catalog backups.
✔ Ensure there is enough free storage space
100 GB is ideal.
Install the latest graphics card drivers
AMD drivers in particular were frequently mentioned as a source of problems.
FAQ on the Lightroom error “AI change store could not be initialized”
Conclusion
The error “AI change memory could not be initialized” is annoying, but in most cases easy to fix.
The cause is almost always a corrupted lrcat-data file, and the community-tested solution works reliably:
Move catalog → Lightroom regenerates all AI files → Copy files back.
If you frequently work with Lightroom or use multiple catalogs, it is worth backing up regularly and using a local, non-synchronized storage location.
