Adobe Reader Won't Install on Windows 10: 4 Methods to use

Enabling the hidden admin account should fix this issue

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by Matthew Adams 

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Key notes

  • Adobe Reader is one of the best PDF viewers, but what if you can’t install Adobe Reader?
  • If you’re encountering an Adobe Reader installation error, running the installation troubleshooter is highly advised.
  • Another effective fix is to enable the hidden admin account before installing the app.
adobe acrobat wont install windows 10

Adobe Acrobat Reader is the PDFviewer software of choice for many. However, a few users have stated that Adobe Reader won’t install on Windows 10.

When they try to install it, an error message appears: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC did not install successfully. This article will show you quick and effective ways to get the software to install successfully.

Why is Adobe Reader not installing?

The reasons Adobe Reader won’t install on Windows 10 are within a close circle. Below are some of the prevalent ones:

  • Lack of privileges: If the Adobe Acrobat DC installation failed on Windows 10, it might be because you don’t have administrative privileges. The solution here is to run the installer as an admin.
  • Previous incomplete installation: If you are unable to install Adobe Reader’s newer version already installed error, it might be because you have an incomplete installation of the app on your PC. You need to uninstall the previous file using an uninstaller software and install a new version of the app.
  • Problems with the Windows installer: In some cases, the problem might be with the Windows installer. Running the Program install and uninstall troubleshooter should diagnose and fix the issues.

How can I fix Adobe Reader if it won’t install on Windows 10?

1. Open the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

  1. Download the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter.
  2. Click the MicrosoftProgram_Install_Uninstall.
  3. Press the Next button to initiate the troubleshooter.
    next adobe acrobat wont install windows 10
  4. Select the Installing option.
    installing
  5. Then select the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC app and click the Next button.
    select

This is a simple solution, but it might help if the Adobe Reader fails to install on Windows 10.

2. Install the program with the hidden admin account

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd adobe acrobat wont install windows 10
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter: net user administrator /active:yesnet user
  3. Now, download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC from this link.
    download
  4. Finally, run the installer and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

If Adobe Reader won’t install on Windows 10, it might be because you don’t have the administrative privileges to install it. Using the hidden account gives you all privileges needed to install the app.

Finally, it is essential to state that you need to download the installer from the link above. This is because it has worked for many users, unlike other installation channels.

3. Uninstall previous Adobe Reader software

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type control, and click the OK button.
    control adobe acrobat wont install windows 10
  2. Choose the Uninstall a program option under Programs.
    uninstall a
  3. Right-click the Adobe Reader app and click the Uninstall button.
    uninsatall
  4. Now, follow the instruction to complete the removal.
  5. Finally, go to the official website to download and install the app.

You might receive error messages if you have a copy of Adobe Reader on your PC before trying to install a newer version. Removing the app on your PC is better than downloading the Adobe Reader Offline Installer for Windows 10.

However, to make sure you completely uninstall the previous version of the app, it’s recommended that you use a dedicated removal tool in CCleaner.

By using this tool, you remove the programs entirely, without leftovers or old registry files.

4. Create a new installation folder for Adobe

  1. Open File Explorer and click on your Local disk (C:)
  2. Click the New folder icon at the top and name the folder Adobe.
    new folder
  3. Now, run the Adobe installer and set the installation folder to the folder created in Step 2 instead of Program Files (x86).

This solution is effective if you cannot install Adobe Reader’s newer version already installed error message. Some users have found the problem due to a lack of the necessary rights to install the program in the Program Files (x86) folder.

Hence, creating a new folder on your Local disk for the installation should bypass the error.

Our solutions for the Adobe Reader won’t install on Windows 10 issue. However, if you follow them correctly, you should be able to install the PDF reader easily.

If you are facing other issues like Adobe Acrobat Reader not responding issue, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix the issue in the comments below.

More about the topics: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Windows Installation errors

Matthew Adams

Matthew Adams Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it. He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes. In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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