Fix Acrobat XI Installer Automatically Installing Acrobat DC on Windows 10
Question details
The user is attempting to install Adobe Acrobat XI, but the installer automatically switches to installing the newer Acrobat DC subscription version instead.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat XI / Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Reinstalling a perpetual Acrobat XI license on a system that previously or currently has Acrobat DC installed.
- Observed behavior
- The Acrobat XI installer detects existing newer files and forcibly changes to an Acrobat DC installation, preventing the user from using their perpetual license.
Ensure you have your valid Acrobat XI serial number readily available and have backed up any unsaved PDF work before you begin uninstalling the current Acrobat software.
Uninstall Acrobat DC and Reinstall Acrobat XI
To prevent the installer from forcibly upgrading, you must completely remove the newer Acrobat DC from your system before installing the older Acrobat XI version.
The Adobe installer is designed to prioritize newer subscription versions. By clearing out Acrobat DC first, you give the Acrobat XI installer a clean environment to complete its setup.
Open the Windows Control Panel, navigate to 'Programs and Features', locate 'Adobe Acrobat DC' in the installed programs list, right-click it, and select 'Uninstall'.
Navigate to the official Adobe download page for older versions and download the specific Acrobat XI installation file.
Run the downloaded Acrobat XI installer. Follow the on-screen prompts and enter your perpetual Acrobat XI serial number when requested.
If you also need Acrobat DC, log into your Adobe account and reinstall it. During installation, carefully review the prompts and uncheck any option that removes older versions of Acrobat to keep both installed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both Acrobat XI and Acrobat DC installed on the same computer?
Yes, but it is generally recommended to install the older version (Acrobat XI) first, followed by the newer version (Acrobat DC). During the DC installation, make sure to uncheck the option that automatically removes previous versions.
Why does the Acrobat XI installer automatically switch to Acrobat DC?
This happens because the Adobe installer detects a newer version or leftover registry keys of Acrobat DC on your Windows 10 system. It assumes you want the latest subscription version and defaults to installing it instead of the older perpetual version.
Will I lose my saved PDF files if I uninstall Acrobat DC from the Control Panel?
No, uninstalling the Acrobat software only removes the application itself. Your PDF files are saved locally on your computer's storage and will remain untouched. You will be able to open them again once you install Acrobat XI or another PDF reader.
