How to Fix Premiere Pro “low-level exception” — Export Stuck at 100% or Crashes with Lumetri

Last updated: September 28, 2025

Quick Summary
When Adobe Premiere Pro displays "A low-level exception occurred in..." error messages, the most commonly reported causes are GPU acceleration issues, corrupted cache files, and specific effects, plugins, or source files. This guide walks you through troubleshooting steps in a safe order that allows you to easily revert changes.

Version notes (Premiere Pro 25.x)
• In 25.2–25.3, you may temporarily switch to Software Rendering from the launch Reset Options dialog.
• In 25.4 and later, the temporary switch is not supported.
• On Apple silicon, Software Rendering is not available (GPU rendering only).
Source: Adobe Software rendering update.

The "low-level exception" error in Premiere Pro often occurs during timeline playback or export. Following these steps from top to bottom will help you quickly isolate the cause, and all changes can be easily reversed.

Table of Contents

1. Root Cause Analysis (Top 3)
2. Solutions (Priority Order)
3. Prevention Best Practices
4. Advanced Troubleshooting
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Root Cause Analysis (Top 3)

1. GPU Acceleration and Renderer Conflicts
   Driver issues, GPU-accelerated effect conflicts (color correction, noise reduction, third-party filters), and hardware decoding/encoding conflicts can trigger exceptions.
2. Corrupted Cache Files
   Damaged Media Cache (database/files) or plugin cache can cause exceptions during playback or rendering.
3. Specific Effects, Plugins, or Source Files
   Third-party plugins, outdated motion graphics templates (.mogrt), VFR (variable frame rate) screen recordings, and corrupted media files can cause errors.

Solutions (Priority Order)

Try these methods sequentially. Each step is designed to be easily reversible.

1. Test GPU Acceleration Bypass (software rendering — version-dependent)
   Purpose: This quickly determines if GPU acceleration is the culprit. This is a temporary test.
   1. 25.2–25.3 only: Completely quit Premiere Pro → hold Shift while launching → in Reset Options, check Use Software Rendering only (one-time only) → click Continue → test the problematic section.
   2. 25.4 or later / Apple silicon: This toggle isn’t available. Instead, update GPU drivers, then A/B test with hardware decoding OFF in Preferences ▸ Media and Software Encoding in the Export dialog.
   3. If the error disappears under these conditions, GPU acceleration is likely the cause.

   

   Reset Options — ‘Use Software Rendering only (one-time only)’ (25.2–25.3). Source: Adobe Software rendering update.

   If this resolves the issue: Proceed to update GPU drivers → turn OFF hardware decoding (Preferences ▸ Media) → replace problematic GPU-heavy effects in that order.
2. Clear Media Cache and Plugin Cache

   Quick Method (Recommended):

   • Hold Shift (or a modifier key) while launching Premiere Pro.
   • In Reset Options, select Clear Media Cache.
   • Click Continue, restart, and test.

   Detailed Method (In-App):

   • Navigate to Edit > Preferences > Media Cache (Windows) or Premiere Pro > Settings > Media Cache (macOS).
   • Click Delete (select "delete all cache" if needed).
   • Reopen your project and test.
   Note: Cache deletion does not affect your source media. Initial playback and rendering will take longer as cache is regenerated.
3. Identify Problematic Effects, Plugins, or Source Files

   Inspect Effects and Adjustment Layers:

   • Duplicate the problematic section to a separate sequence.
   • Disable or delete effects in groups to find where the error stops.

   Isolate Third-Party Plugins:

   • Fast path: Launch with a modifier key → Reset Options → check Disable third-party plug-ins → test.
   • Alternatively, temporarily remove suspected plugins or move the plugin folder to your desktop, then restart and test.

   Bypass Source Files:

   • Transcode VFR, screen recordings, or hardware-accelerated codec sources to ProRes/DNxHR and test.
   Pro Tip: Creating a new project with only the problematic section reduces interference from other settings.
4. Disable Hardware Decoding / Compare Encoding
   • Decoding (playback): Edit > Preferences > Media → turn off hardware-accelerated decoding (names vary by GPU).
   • Encoding (export): In the Export dialog’s Video tab → Performance = Software Encoding for A/B comparison.
   • Menu names and locations may vary by version.

Prevention Best Practices

Make these practices routine to prevent recurring issues:

• Regular Cache Management: Clean up project-specific media cache paths periodically and ensure adequate drive space for large projects.
• Group Effects: Place GPU-accelerated effects on Adjustment Layers for easier toggle testing.
• Preprocess Source Files: Convert screen recordings and VFR sources to constant frame rate before editing.
• Careful Updates: After application or driver updates, test with a sample project before production work.
• Backup: Regularly backup critical projects and export your preferences before making changes.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If basic steps don't resolve the issue, consider these advanced methods:

1. Complete Preferences Reset
   • Hold Alt (Windows) / Option (macOS) while launching, then select Reset app preferences in Reset Options.
   • Backup your custom keyboard shortcuts and workspaces beforehand.
2. Update Drivers and Software
   • Update GPU drivers to the latest stable version.
   • Update Premiere Pro to the latest release.
   • Check for operating system updates.
3. System Optimization
   • Monitor memory usage and ensure adequate free RAM.
   • Maintain sufficient drive space for cache regeneration.
   • Minimize unnecessary background applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Should I keep using Software Rendering mode permanently?

A. No. Software rendering is a temporary diagnostic tool. If the error disappears in this mode (or when hardware decoding/encoding is disabled), investigate GPU-related settings (drivers, hardware acceleration, specific effects) and then return to normal GPU-accelerated mode for better performance.

Q. Will clearing Media Cache delete my original files?

A. No. The cache contains generated files for previews, audio waveforms, and thumbnails. After deletion, these will be regenerated during the first playback or render, which may take additional time.

Q. What's the fastest way to find a problematic plugin?

A. Use the launch Reset Options to Disable third-party plug-ins and test. Then re-enable in batches. If needed, temporarily move plugin folders to isolate the culprit quickly.

Q. Where do I find hardware decoding/encoding options?

A. Decoding: Edit > Preferences > Media. Encoding: Export dialog > Video > Performance (Hardware vs Software Encoding).

Q. Do VFR (variable frame rate) screen recordings always cause errors?

A. Transcode these files to ProRes/DNxHR with constant frame rate before editing. Also ensure consistent audio sample rates for better stability.

Q. Why do specific effects (color correction, noise reduction) trigger errors?

A. Group the problematic section with an Adjustment Layer for toggle testing. If issues persist, use Render & Replace (ProRes/DNxHR) as a workaround. Temporarily disable or remove third-party filters to verify, then consider alternative filters.

Q. Should I use NVIDIA Studio or Game Ready drivers?

A. For video editing stability, Adobe recommends the latest NVIDIA Studio Driver for supported GPUs. Always backup your project and test before applying new driver versions.

Q. Why does only one specific project have this error?

A. Each project may use different settings, effects, and media. Import the problematic section into a new project for comparison to more easily isolate the cause.

Related Resources and Official Documentation

1. Adobe Premiere Pro Software Rendering update (Official)
2. Reset preferences at launch & Clear Media Cache (Adobe Help Center)

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