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How Can You Quickly Fix Adobe Premiere Pro Error Code 39? Proven Solutions for Frustrated Editors

What Are the Best Ways to Resolve the Annoying Adobe Premiere Pro Error Code 39?

Adobe Premiere Pro is a leading video editing software trusted by professionals and creators worldwide. Despite its advanced features, users sometimes face error code 39, which can interrupt editing, exporting, or rendering workflows. Here are practical steps to resolve this persistent issue and get back to editing smoothly.

Solution 1: Check Available Drive Space

Insufficient disk space can trigger error code 39.

Ensure the drive where you’re exporting or working has enough free space.

Delete unnecessary files or move projects to a drive with more capacity.

Solution 2: Update Your NVIDIA Graphics Driver

Error code 39 often appears when Premiere Pro’s H.264/H.265 exporter calls NVENC functions unsupported by outdated NVIDIA drivers.

Steps to update:

  1. Visit NVIDIA’s official Drivers page.
  2. Search for your specific graphics card model.
  3. Download and install the latest Studio driver version.
  4. Restart your computer after installation.
  5. Reopen Premiere Pro and attempt your export again.

Solution 3: Switch to Software Encoding

Hardware encoding uses your GPU, which may cause compatibility issues.

To switch:

  1. Go to File > Export > Media.
  2. In the Video tab, scroll to Encoding Settings.
  3. Change Performance from Hardware Encoding to Software Encoding.
  4. Proceed with export and check if the error persists.

Solution 4: Clear Adobe Premiere Pro Cache

Corrupted or overloaded cache files can cause error code 39.

To clear cache:

  1. Open Premiere Pro.
  2. Navigate to Edit > Preferences > Media Cache.
  3. Click Delete, then choose to delete unused or all media cache files.
  4. Restart Premiere Pro and test your export.

Solution 5: Additional Troubleshooting Steps

  • Save or export your video to a different drive.
  • Export using a different format, such as ProRes.
  • Split your export into smaller sections if the project is large.
  • Check and adjust the format of your export drive (e.g., NTFS for large files).
  • Lower the video bitrate in export settings to reduce file size.

Solution 6: Contact Adobe Support

If none of the above methods resolve the error, reach out to Adobe Support for personalized assistance and advanced troubleshooting.

Error code 39 in Adobe Premiere Pro can be frustrating, but these targeted solutions help most users resolve the issue efficiently. Keeping your software and drivers updated, managing disk space, and adjusting export settings are key steps to ensure smooth video editing and exporting.