FIX: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC not responding
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is the latest version of the Adobe Reader software family.
- This program allows you to view, edit, print, and even create PDF files from scratch, being a hallmark of what it means to use PDF files.
- We have fixes for pretty much any Adobe Creative Cloud issue in Windows 10, so make sure to look over the guide carefully.
- For more troubleshooting guides, check out our Fix Adobe Issues Hub.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is one of the world’s most well-known PDF readers and editors. It has been with us for quite some time now, and it is constantly receiving updates to make it more and more relevant.
Unfortunately, no software is without issues, as some users have reported on the official Adobe forums that they are receiving an error message when using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC:
Can someone help me troubleshoot why Adobe Acrobat Reader isn’t responding? When I open a PDF, I get an error message that tells me the program is unable to respond and needs to quit and to click okay to close, I then click okay and nothing happens, having to click multiple times. I have uninstalled and reinstalled and the same issue occurs. Before this, I attempted to repair it and scanned for issues. I’m running windows 10 on a PC.
Since the program is so well-known, we have decided to look over some troubleshooting steps and compile them into an easy-to-read list, so that you can solve your problem immediately.
How do I fix the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC not responding error?
1. Update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC manually
- Visit the official website and look for the latest patch version
- Download updates manually and then double-click to install them
- Once installed, reboot your PC and check.
We strongly recommend that you always run updated software on your system, as it is the best way to protect yourself against security vulnerabilities and benefit from the latest fixes and compatibility updates.
Something to take note is that you should always download the latest version of any software from official sources, or where that is not possible, from reputable websites.
Luckily, you can download Acrobat Reader DC from Adobe’s website.
=> Download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
2. Run the program in compatibility mode
- Go to the following file path:
- C:Program Files(x86)AdobeAcrobat Reader DCReader
- Locate AcroRd32.exe
- Right-click AcroRd32.exe and go to Properties
- Go to the Compatibility tab
- Right under Compatibility mode, check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for:
- Select Windows 7
- Try launching Adobe Acrobat Reader DC again.
3. Run the program with Admin rights
- Go to the following file path:
- C: > Program Files(x86) > Adobe > Acrobat Reader DC > Reader
- C: > Program Files(x86) > Adobe > Acrobat Reader DC > Reader
- Locate AcroRd32.exe
- Right-click AcroRd32.exe and go to Properties
- Go to the Compatibility tab
- Check the box next to where it says Run this program as an administrator
- Try launching Adobe Acrobat Reader DC again.
4. Disable protected mode
- Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Click Edit
- Go to Preferences
- Uncheck the box next to Enable protected mode at startup
- Click OK and re-launch Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
By following any of these steps, you should be able to get rid of the annoying Adobe Acrobat Reader DC not responding issue, and read and edit your PDF file in peace.
If you know of any other fixes and solutions for this issue, let us know by leaving us a message in the comments section below.
FAQ: Learn more about Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Is Adobe Acrobat Reader DC the same as Adobe Reader?
Adobe Reader is the free version of Acrobat, and it has some of the same functionality features, but Adobe Acrobat Reader DC has some extra features.
- What is the difference between Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat Reader?
Adobe Reader is a free program that allows you to view PDF or portable document format files while Adobe Acrobat is a more advanced and paid version of the Reader.
If you’re interested in more free alternative, check out this list of the best free PDF readers available.
