How to Fix Acrobat Update Error 1920 When Print Spooler is Disabled
Question details
The user is unable to install updates for Adobe Acrobat DC or Reader because the installer throws Error 1920.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC / Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to update Adobe Acrobat or Reader while the Windows Print Spooler service is disabled for security reasons.
- Observed behavior
- The update installation fails midway and prompts an Error 1920 message, preventing the software from upgrading to the latest version.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows PC to modify system services. If your computer is managed by an organization, consult your IT or security team before changing the Print Spooler settings.
Temporarily Enable the Windows Print Spooler Service
Since the Acrobat installer requires the Print Spooler service to configure the virtual PDF printer, temporarily enabling it will allow the update to complete successfully.
Adobe Acrobat installs and updates a virtual printer (Adobe PDF) during its upgrade process. Because adding or modifying any printer driver requires the Windows Print Spooler to be active, having it disabled will trigger Error 1920.
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog. Type 'services.msc' into the text box and press Enter or click OK.
In the Services window, scroll down the alphabetical list until you find the service named 'Print Spooler'. Right-click on it and select 'Properties'.
In the Properties window, change the 'Startup type' dropdown menu to 'Manual' or 'Automatic'. Click the 'Apply' button, and then click the 'Start' button under the Service status section. Click OK to save.
Launch the Adobe Acrobat or Reader updater again. The installation should now proceed without triggering Error 1920.
Once the update is complete, return to the Print Spooler Properties window. Click 'Stop' under Service status, change the 'Startup type' back to 'Disabled', and click OK.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Error 1920 mean during an Adobe Acrobat update?
Error 1920 indicates that the installer lacks sufficient privileges to start a required system service, or the service it depends on, such as the Print Spooler, is disabled or unreachable.
Why does Adobe Acrobat need the Print Spooler service to update?
Adobe Acrobat installs a virtual PDF printer during the update process to enable 'Print to PDF' functionality. The Windows Print Spooler service must be running to add or modify any printer drivers on your system.
Can I update Adobe Acrobat without administrative rights?
No, updating Adobe Acrobat and modifying system services like the Print Spooler both require administrative privileges on your Windows computer.
Is it safe to enable the Print Spooler service on my PC?
It is generally safe for the brief duration needed to install an update. However, to mitigate known security vulnerabilities like PrintNightmare, it is highly recommended to disable the service again immediately after the update completes if you do not use physical network printers.
