Alex Ruben
How to Fix Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader Not Launching on Windows 11
Is Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader failing to launch on your Windows 11 computer? This guide provides a series of systematic steps to resolve the issue, ensuring you can access your PDF documents without hassle. Following these procedures will help you troubleshoot and fix common problems that might prevent Adobe Acrobat from opening, whether due to recent updates, permissions, or installation issues.
Step 1: Uninstall Recent Windows 11 Updates
If the issue began after a recent Windows 11 update, uninstalling that update may resolve the problem. To do this:
- Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Navigate to Windows Update and then select Update history.
- Scroll down to find the Uninstall updates option and click on it.
- Identify the most recent update that might be causing the issue, select it, and click on Uninstall.
- Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer.
After rebooting, try launching Adobe Acrobat Reader again to see if the problem persists.
Step 2: Run Adobe Acrobat as an Administrator
If the application still does not open, try running it with administrative privileges. This can help overcome any permission-related issues:
- Type “Adobe Acrobat” in the Windows search bar.
- Right-click on the Adobe Acrobat application and select Run as administrator.
Check if the application launches successfully.
Step 3: Use Compatibility Mode
If running as an administrator does not solve the problem, you can try setting Adobe Acrobat to run in compatibility mode:
- Search for Adobe Acrobat in the Windows search box.
- Right-click on the application and select Open file location.
- Locate the Adobe Acrobat executable file (usually named
Acrobat.exe), right-click on it, and select Properties. - Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box that says Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows 8 or Windows 7 from the dropdown menu. Then click Apply and OK.
Try launching Adobe Acrobat again to see if it resolves the issue.
Step 4: Reinstall Adobe Acrobat from a Different Source
If none of the previous steps work, consider reinstalling Adobe Acrobat. If you originally installed it from the Adobe website, you may want to try installing it from the Microsoft Store, or vice versa:
- Uninstall the current version by right-clicking on it in the Apps & features section of the Settings.
- After uninstalling, go to the Microsoft Store and search for Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Click on the Install button to get the version from the Microsoft Store.
Conversely, if you installed Adobe Acrobat from the Microsoft Store and are experiencing issues, download the application directly from the Adobe website instead.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While following these steps, keep in mind the following tips:
- Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date before troubleshooting application issues.
- Check your antivirus software settings; they may prevent Adobe Acrobat from launching.
- Consider restarting your PC after each change to ensure it takes effect.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix the issue of Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader not launching on your Windows 11 computer. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to Adobe Support for further assistance or checking online forums for additional solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if Adobe Acrobat still won’t open after these steps?
If the application continues to fail, try reinstalling it completely or consult Adobe’s official support for more specific guidance.
Can I recover my PDFs if Adobe Acrobat fails to open?
Yes, your PDF files are saved on your computer. You can access them through File Explorer, and consider using another PDF viewer in the meantime.
Is there an alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader?
Yes, there are several alternatives available, including Foxit Reader and SumatraPDF, which can handle PDF files effectively.