Update & Upgrade Problems

How to Install a Previous Acrobat Version from Creative Cloud

Aamir Naveed AkramAamir Naveed Akram Oct 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to install an older version of Adobe Acrobat via the Creative Cloud desktop app but cannot find the option.

How to Install a Previous Acrobat Version from Creative Cloud
Product
Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Trying to revert to a previous version of Acrobat after an automatic update.
Observed behavior
Older versions of Acrobat are not visible in the Creative Cloud app, even when automatic updates are turned off.
Before you start

Ensure you have an active Creative Cloud subscription, as trial accounts do not have access to previous versions of the software. Save any open PDF documents before making changes to your Acrobat installation.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable 'Show Older Apps' in Creative Cloud Preferences

Adjust your Creative Cloud desktop app settings to reveal and install previous versions of Adobe Acrobat.

By default, the Creative Cloud desktop app hides older versions of software to encourage users to stay on the latest release. You can easily unhide these versions through the app's preferences.

1
Open Creative Cloud

Launch the Creative Cloud desktop app on your computer and log in to your paid account.

2
Navigate to the Apps Tab

Click on the 'Apps' tab located at the top of the Creative Cloud window.

3
Access App Preferences

Find Adobe Acrobat in your list of installed applications. Click the arrow next to the 'Open' or 'Install' button, then select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.

4
Enable Older Apps

In the Preferences menu, locate and enable the 'Show Older Apps' option. Return to the app list, where you can now select and install your preferred previous version of Acrobat.

Subscription Requirement: Previous versions of Adobe apps are only available to users with a paid subscription. Trial accounts will not see the 'Show Older Apps' option.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see older versions of Acrobat in Creative Cloud?

Older versions are hidden by default in the Creative Cloud app. You need to enable the 'Show Older Apps' option in the app preferences. Additionally, trial accounts do not have access to previous versions; an active, paid subscription is required.

Will installing an older version of Acrobat overwrite my current version?

For Adobe Acrobat, it is generally required to uninstall the newer version first before installing a previous version to prevent system conflicts, as Acrobat integrates deeply with your OS for PDF handling.

Can I turn off automatic updates for Adobe Acrobat?

Yes, you can disable automatic updates by opening the Creative Cloud app, going to Preferences, selecting the 'Apps' tab, and toggling off 'Auto-update' specifically for Adobe Acrobat.

What should I do if 'Show Older Apps' is grayed out?

If the option is grayed out or unavailable, verify that you are logged in with an account that has an active, paid subscription. Enterprise or team users may also have this feature restricted by their organization's IT administrator.