This used to be a common issue discussed on the GenP subreddit. The Remove Tool in Photoshop never actually used Generative AI credits, it operates independently.

For most users, the tool has been working fine. The main change that started last year was that, for some users, Photoshop began requiring an active internet connection for certain features to function properly, which included the Remove Tool.

Previously, many users would patch Photoshop, block it via the hosts file, and add a firewall rule for the app, this setup worked without issue for a while. However, Adobe later updated the software to require an internet connection, which caused problems with that configuration.

As GenP eventually switched to using only patch and hosts file (dropping the firewall requirement), the solution was simply to remove the firewall rule and allow Photoshop access to the internet. After doing so, the Remove Tool began working again.

Currently, Photoshop v26.8 patched with GenP v3.6.7 works without any major issues, and there’s no longer a need to modify the hosts file or add a firewall rule. Some users might still need to apply WinTrust, but overall, it runs smoothly for most people.

Just to clarify: The Remove Tool (introduced in Photoshop 2023) is part of the non-generative AI features, it’s based on Adobe’s internal content-aware technology, not on Firefly or cloud-based generative models that consume AI credits.

While it doesn’t require Generative AI credits, it can still depend on an internet connection in some cases (especially with cracked or modified versions), as Adobe may validate license status or related functionality online.

Blocking Photoshop through the firewall can cause the tool to stop working.

Most of the time I’m still using healing brush and content aware fill. But that’s probably because I’m using PS from almost 30years and these types of people are not in a hurry to use new inventions. they know how to use old ones effectively. But I need to test it finaly. Just for fun.