5 Fixes for Adobe Acrobat Reader Not Opening in Windows 11/10

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Before starting the fixes, please note that Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and Adobe Acrobat Reader are the same now. When we discussed this with the Adobe support team, they explained that “DC” means Document Cloud and this functionality is integrated into the current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Fix 1: Run as Administrator

Step 1:Right-click the Acrobat Reader DC shortcut on your desktop and clickRun as Administrator.In theUser Account Controldialog box that appears, clickYes.

Step 2:If Acrobat Reader DC launches appropriately, configure the shortcut to run the program with administrative rights. Start by right-clicking the Acrobat Reader DC shortcut. Then, clickProperties.

Step 3:Switch to theShortcut tab > click theAdvancedbutton. Now, check the box forRun as administratorand apply the changes in the Advanced Properties pop-up.

Fix 2: Stop Acrobat Reader From Running in the Background

Is Acrobat Reader DC still failing to open? Ending all background processes related to the program can help. It will ensure that it gets a fresh start.

Step 1:Open Task Manager usingCtrl + Shift + Escand switchto theProcessestab.

Step 2:TypeAdobe Acrobatin the search box at the top.

Step 3:It will only show you Adobe Acrobat-related processes.Right-clickon each and selectEnd task.

Once done, open the Acrobat Reader DC again. It should alsoresolve the full-screen issue on Acrobat Reader.

Fix 3: Unblock File if downloaded From the Internet

Mostfiles that we download from the Internet are blocked. You can unblock them from the properties window.

Step 1: Right-clickon the PDF file and selectProperties.

Step 2:Under theGeneraltab, check the box forUnblock.

Step 3:Apply the changes, and when you open the file, it should not have any issue with permission.

Fix 4: Disable Protected Mode in Adobe Acrobat Reader

Acrobat Reader DC uses Protected Mode to secure your computer against malicious PDF documents. In rare instances, Protected Mode can also prevent the program from loading, especially if thecertificates have issues; hence, try disabling it.

Since you obviously can’t open Acrobat Reader DC to disable Protected mode, you must use the Registry Editor.

Step 1:PressWindows+R, typeregedit,and clickOKto open the System Registry.

Step 2:Copy the following path into theaddress barof the Registry Editor window and pressEnter:

Step 3:Double-click the registry entry labeledbProtectedMode.

Step 4:Set the value to0and clickOK.

Fix 5: Repair Acrobat Reader

If you still have issues, you must reinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. However, repairing Acrobat Reader is an excellent option before you do that.

Step 1:OpenWindows Settings(Win + I) and navigate toApps.

Step 2:Click thethree-dot menuand selectModifyto launch the Adobe Acrobat repair module.

Step 3:Click theNextbutton, selectRepair, and clickNextagain.

Step 4:Click theUpdatebutton. The installer will validate the installation, download the file if necessary, and replace the existing one.

Step 5:Once completed, click theFinishbutton and open Adobe Acrobat to check if the issue has been resolved.

If this doesn’t work, use the same method but choose to uninstall it this time. Once done, reinstall the app and check if the issue is resolved.

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Last updated on 29 April, 2024

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