How to Install Acrobat DC When Acrobat 2017 is Already Installed
Question details
The user wants to install the Creative Cloud version of Acrobat Pro DC but is experiencing stalling and conflicts because a perpetual license of Acrobat 2017 is already installed.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to install a newer Creative Cloud version of Acrobat while an older perpetual version is still on the system.
- Observed behavior
- Creative Cloud detects the older Acrobat 2017 installation, prevents the separate installation of Acrobat DC, and causes the application to stall while loading.
Before making changes, verify your Adobe ID credentials and ensure you have saved all open PDF documents. Close all background Adobe processes using your task manager to prevent file locks during the uninstallation.
Uninstall Acrobat 2017 and Install Acrobat DC via Creative Cloud
Since Acrobat 2017 and Acrobat DC cannot co-exist on the same system, you must completely remove the older version before installing the new one.
Adobe does not support installing multiple versions of Acrobat Pro or Standard on a single computer. The presence of Acrobat 2017 creates licensing and background process conflicts that cause the Creative Cloud installer to stall.
Navigate to your computer's 'Programs and Features' (Windows) or 'Applications' folder (Mac). Locate 'Adobe Acrobat 2017', select it, and follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the software.
If the uninstallation stalls or fails, download the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool from the official Adobe website. Run the tool to wipe any lingering registry keys and installation files.
Reboot your machine to ensure all Adobe background services, such as the Adobe Genuine Software Integrity Service, are fully terminated.
Open the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application, navigate to the 'All Apps' section, locate 'Acrobat DC', and click 'Install'.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep Acrobat 2017 and Acrobat DC installed on the same computer?
No, you cannot have two different versions of Adobe Acrobat Pro or Standard installed simultaneously. Doing so causes licensing conflicts and causes the software to stall or crash.
Will uninstalling Acrobat 2017 delete my saved PDF files?
No. Uninstalling the Adobe application only removes the software itself. Your personal PDF files stored on your hard drive or in the cloud will remain intact and completely safe.
Why does my Acrobat DC installation stall in Creative Cloud?
Creative Cloud stalls because it detects background services, registry keys, or licensing files from an existing older installation (like Acrobat 2017). Using the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool and restarting your computer usually resolves this.
