How to Fix Acrobat DC Security Update Installation Failures
Question details
The user needs to successfully install a security update patch for Adobe Acrobat Reader DC without encountering installation failure errors.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to manually install a security patch (such as AcroRdrDC2000920063_en_US) for an existing Adobe Acrobat installation.
- Observed behavior
- The patch fails to install, typically due to a mismatch between the patch and the installed product version, or because the updates are being applied out of sequence.
Before installing any updates, close all running instances of Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader to ensure that application files are not locked or in use during the patching process.
Verify Product License and Install the Latest Applicable Patch
Acrobat patches are specific to the license type (Subscription vs. Perpetual). Finding and installing the exact match prevents installation failures.
Adobe maintains different update tracks for its subscription versions (Acrobat DC) and perpetual versions (Acrobat 2020, Acrobat 2017). Installing a patch meant for a different track will result in an error.
Open Acrobat, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'About Adobe Acrobat' to check whether you are using Acrobat DC (subscription), Acrobat 2020, or Acrobat 2017.
Navigate to the official Adobe Acrobat Release Notes page in your web browser to access the complete list of available patches for all tracks.
Scroll through the release list and download the most recent patch that strictly matches your installed product version and track (Continuous or Classic).
Ensure Acrobat is closed, double-click the downloaded patch file, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update successfully.
Ensure Sequential Installation of Patches
Some specific Acrobat updates are not cumulative and require previous base versions or intermediate patches to be installed first.
Use WPS Office for Secure and Lightweight PDF Editing
If manual Acrobat updates are causing persistent errors and version conflicts, WPS Office offers a built-in, lightweight PDF tool. It automatically stays up-to-date with the latest security enhancements, bypassing the need for complex patch sequencing.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer to your computer.
- 2. Open your PDF document: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open' on the homepage, and select your PDF file to view it instantly.
- 3. Edit and annotate securely: Use the integrated PDF tools in the top ribbon to add text, highlight passages, or merge documents securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I getting an installation failed error for patch AcroRdrDC2000920063?
This error usually occurs because the patch is outdated, does not match your specific Acrobat product edition (such as Acrobat 2020 instead of DC), or because your system is missing previous required updates.
What is the difference between Acrobat Continuous and Classic tracks?
The Continuous track (Acrobat DC) receives regular feature and security updates through subscriptions. The Classic track (like Acrobat 2020) is a perpetual license that receives quarterly security updates without new features.
Can I set Adobe Acrobat to update automatically?
Yes. You can go to Edit > Preferences > Updater in Acrobat and select 'Automatically install updates' so the application manages sequence and version compatibility on its own.
How do I know if I need a 32-bit or 64-bit Acrobat patch?
Open Acrobat and go to Help > About Adobe Acrobat. The version window will specify whether you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit application. Ensure the patch you download matches this architecture.
