How to Do a Full Reinstallation

In some situations, it may be necessary to completely reinstall ZBrush and restore the system to a clean state before installing fresh. This is commonly done when troubleshooting unexpected behavior, suspected corrupted configuration files, plugin conflicts, or installation issues.

A clean reinstall removes both the application and all user configuration data.

Follow the section below that applies to your version.

ZBrush 2026.1.1 (and 2026.1.0+)

Beginning with version 2026.1.0, ZBrush uses a user-based asset directory structure. All custom data is stored inside your user profile folder rather than in Public Documents.

Step 1: Uninstall ZBrush

If installed using the Maxon App:

1. Open the Maxon App.

2. Locate ZBrush in the Installed section.

3. Click Uninstall.

If installed using a standalone installer:

Windows
Control Panel > Programs and Features > ZBrush > Uninstall

macOS
Open Applications > ZBrush > Run Uninstall if present

Choose to uninstall the entire application.

Step 2: Remove Remaining Installation Folder

Verify that the installation folder is gone.

Windows
C:\Program Files\Maxon\ZBrush 2026

macOS
Applications/ZBrush 2026

If it still exists, delete it manually.

Step 3: Remove User Asset and Configuration Folder

Delete the ZBrush user data folder:

Windows
C:\Users[YourUserName]\AppData\Roaming\Maxon\ZBrush_[HashValue]\

macOS
/Users/[YourUserName]/Library/ApplicationSupport/Maxon/ZBrush_[HashValue]/

The [HashValue] is unique to your installation.

This folder contains:

• Preferences
• Custom UI layouts
• Hotkeys
• Custom brushes and plugins
• QuickSaves
• Scratch disk settings

Important
Deleting this folder removes all custom content. Back up anything you wish to keep before deleting.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

Restart to clear any locked files or background processes.

Step 5: Temporarily Disable Antivirus

Temporarily disable antivirus or endpoint security software before reinstalling. Antivirus software can interfere with installation or activation.

Step 6: Reinstall

Reinstall ZBrush using the Maxon App.

Launch ZBrush and sign in with your Maxon account if prompted.

There is no need to deactivate before reinstalling on the same machine.

Step 7: Re-enable Antivirus

After confirming ZBrush launches correctly, re-enable antivirus protection.

ZBrush 2026.0.1 and Older
(Including Maxon 2023–2026.0.1 and Legacy Pixologic Versions)

Older versions use a different folder structure that includes Public Documents or Shared directories.

Step 1: Uninstall ZBrush

Maxon Versions
Use the Maxon App or Control Panel > Programs and Features.

Legacy Pixologic Versions
Windows: Control Panel > Programs and Features
macOS: Run the Uninstall application inside the ZBrush folder

Choose to uninstall the entire application.

Step 2: Remove Installation Folder

Windows (Maxon versions)
C:\Program Files\Maxon\ZBrush 20XX

Windows (Pixologic versions)
C:\Program Files\Pixologic\ZBrush 20XX

macOS
Applications/ZBrush 20XX

Delete the folder if it remains after uninstalling.

Step 3: Remove ZBrushData Folder

Delete the version-specific data folder:

Windows
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\ZBrushData20XX

macOS
/Users/Shared/ZBrushData20XX

This folder contains:

• Preferences
• Custom brushes and plugins
• QuickSaves
• Scratch disk settings
• UI configurations

If present, also remove:

Windows
C:\Users[YourUserName]\AppData\Roaming\Pixologic

macOS
/Users/[YourUserName]/Library/Preferences/com.pixologic.*

Important
Deleting these folders removes all custom content. Back up anything you wish to keep.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

Step 5: Temporarily Disable Antivirus

Disable antivirus during reinstall to prevent interference.

Step 6: Reinstall

Maxon Versions
Reinstall using the Maxon App.

Legacy Pixologic Versions
Download the installer from your My Licenses portal and install.

Step 7: Activation

Maxon Licensing
Sign in with your Maxon account if prompted.

Legacy Pixologic Licensing
Enter your serial number if prompted.

Step 8: Re-enable Antivirus

After confirming ZBrush launches properly, re-enable antivirus software.