Fix Acrobat 2019 Update Failing with Long Path Errors on Windows 10
Question details
Users are experiencing MSI errors involving long paths and the PatchCache folder when attempting to update Adobe Acrobat.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Applying the latest Adobe Acrobat patches or upgrading the application on a Windows 10 computer.
- Observed behavior
- The update process fails, displaying MSI errors related to long file paths, the PatchCache folder, and the Chrome native messaging host.
Before attempting to fix the Acrobat update error, save all your open PDF documents and close any running instances of Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader.
Install the Latest Windows 10 Updates
Since the MSI long path error is triggered by a specific Windows 10 build bug, applying Microsoft's latest cumulative updates will resolve the conflict.
This specific Acrobat update failure is associated with a known bug in earlier versions of the Windows 10 1803 update. Microsoft addressed the root cause in their subsequent cumulative updates.
Click the Windows Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
Click on 'Update & Security' and go to the 'Windows Update' tab on the left.
Click the 'Check for updates' button and allow Windows to download and install all available cumulative updates.
Once the updates are installed, completely restart your computer to apply the system changes.
Launch Adobe Acrobat and attempt to run the application update process again.
Check License Compatibility and Reinstall via Creative Cloud
If you are trying to upgrade from a perpetual Acrobat 2015 license to Acrobat 2019, the direct update will fail unless you have an active subscription.
Review MSI Logs for Managed Deployments
IT administrators handling managed network deployments should analyze MSI logs to confirm specific PatchCache failure points before wide deployment.
A Lightweight and Error-Free PDF Alternative
If heavy application updates and complex MSI patch errors are disrupting your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, built-in PDF editor that handles viewing, editing, and converting PDF files without heavy background update processes.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free, lightweight installer.
- 2. Open your documents: Launch WPS Office and drag your PDF or Office files directly into the workspace.
- 3. Edit and manage seamlessly: Use the integrated tools to edit text, add signatures, or convert formats instantly without facing update blockages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Acrobat 2019 update fail with a long path error?
This error is primarily caused by a bug in earlier versions of the Windows 10 1803 update, which creates conflicts in the PatchCache folder when updating Adobe Acrobat. Installing the latest Windows cumulative updates typically resolves the issue.
Can I upgrade Acrobat 2015 to Acrobat 2019 for free?
No, Acrobat 2015 perpetual licenses cannot be updated to Acrobat 2019 directly. You must have an active Creative Cloud subscription to install and use Acrobat 2019.
What is the Chrome native messaging host error in Acrobat?
It is an installation component related to the Adobe Acrobat extension for Google Chrome. During patching, if the file paths exceed Windows limits due to an OS update bug, the installer fails to update this specific component.
How do I bypass the MSI PatchCache error during Acrobat installation?
Ensure your Windows 10 operating system is fully patched with the latest cumulative updates, restart the machine, and try running the Acrobat installer again. For enterprise environments, always test the deployment on a patched system first.
