Can You Install Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 for Windows on a Mac?
Question details
The user wants to install and activate Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 on a macOS device using a perpetual license originally purchased for Windows.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to install and use a Windows-specific PDF editor software license on an Apple Mac computer.
- Observed behavior
- The installation fails or the serial number is rejected because the Windows perpetual license is inherently incompatible with the macOS operating system.
Verify your exact Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 license type and log into your Adobe account to confirm whether your purchase was a platform-specific perpetual license or a cross-platform subscription.
Purchase a macOS-Compatible Version or Switch to a Subscription
Since perpetual licenses are platform-specific, you must acquire a macOS version or switch to a cross-platform subscription to use Acrobat on a Mac natively.
Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 perpetual licenses are locked to the specific operating system they were purchased for. A serial number issued for the Windows OS will not activate the macOS version of the software.
Additionally, Acrobat Pro 2017 does not support mobile operating systems like iOS, meaning it cannot be installed on iPads or iPhones.
Log in to your Adobe account via your web browser to check your current plan and see if you have any cross-platform subscription options available.
If you strongly prefer using a perpetual license, you will need to purchase a separate Acrobat Pro 2017 or newer license specifically designated for macOS.
Alternatively, upgrade to an Adobe Acrobat Pro DC subscription. Subscriptions allow software installation on both Windows and Mac using the exact same user account and license.
Run Acrobat via Windows Virtualization on Mac
If you do not want to buy a new macOS license, you can install a Windows environment on your Mac to use your existing software.
Need a Cross-Platform PDF Editor? Try WPS Office
Stop worrying about platform-specific software licenses. WPS Office provides a robust, built-in PDF editor alongside its word processing and spreadsheet tools, working seamlessly across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android using a single account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Acrobat Pro 2017 Windows license to Mac?
No, perpetual licenses for Acrobat Pro 2017 are tied to the specific operating system they were purchased for. You cannot transfer a Windows serial number to activate a macOS installation.
Will Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017 run on my iPhone or iPad?
No, Acrobat Pro 2017 is designed strictly for desktop operating systems like Windows or macOS. It will not run on mobile operating systems like iOS or iPadOS.
Is there a version of Acrobat that works on both Mac and Windows?
Yes. If you purchase an Adobe Acrobat Pro subscription rather than a perpetual license, you can install and activate the software on both Windows and macOS using the same user account.
Can I request a platform swap from Adobe for my license?
Adobe historically offered platform swaps for certain perpetual licenses if you no longer planned to use the software on the original OS. You must contact Adobe Customer Care directly with your proof of purchase to see if your specific Acrobat Pro 2017 license is eligible.
