How to Install an Older Adobe Acrobat Version After Subscribing to DC
Question details
The user needs to install a previous version of Adobe Acrobat because a required plug-in is not compatible with their current Acrobat DC subscription.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Downgrading to a legacy PDF editor version to maintain functionality for essential third-party plug-ins that are unsupported in the latest update.
- Observed behavior
- Required plug-ins fail to load or function in Adobe Acrobat DC, blocking the user's document workflow.
Before removing Acrobat DC, ensure you have the original installer file and a valid, perpetual license serial number for the older Acrobat version, as your DC subscription credentials will not activate it.
Uninstall Acrobat DC and Install the Legacy Version
Remove the incompatible DC version and manually install the older version using your original media and license key.
Adobe Acrobat DC subscriptions do not include retroactive licensing for older perpetual versions like Acrobat XI or Acrobat 2017. To revert to an older version, you must completely remove Acrobat DC to prevent file association conflicts and then install the older version using a previously purchased serial number.
Open the Control Panel on Windows (or the Applications folder on Mac) and select 'Uninstall a Program'. Find Adobe Acrobat DC in the list and follow the prompts to completely remove it from your system.
Find your original installation disk or download the legacy installer from the 'Registered Products' section of your Adobe account if you previously registered the software.
Run the setup file for the older version of Acrobat. When prompted, enter your legacy serial number rather than attempting to sign in with your Creative Cloud subscription credentials.
Try WPS Office as a Lightweight PDF and Office Alternative
If rolling back Adobe Acrobat is too complicated or you no longer have an older license key, WPS Office offers a powerful, built-in PDF editor alongside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives. It is free, fast, and designed to handle everyday PDF tasks without relying on outdated external plug-ins.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Access PDF Tools: Open WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab on the homepage to access the complete suite of reading and editing tools.
- 3. Open and Edit: Import your existing PDF documents to read, annotate, or edit them instantly within the native interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have Acrobat DC and an older version installed at the same time?
It is highly discouraged and often blocked by Adobe installers. Keeping multiple versions of Acrobat installed simultaneously can cause severe system conflicts, printer driver issues, and default application errors.
Will my Acrobat DC subscription activate Acrobat XI or 2017?
No. An Acrobat Pro DC or Standard DC subscription only grants access to the current DC environment. Older software versions require their own standalone perpetual license serial numbers.
Where can I download the installer for my old version of Adobe Acrobat?
Adobe limits the availability of legacy installers. If you registered your older product, check your Adobe account under 'Registered Products'. Otherwise, you must use your original installation media.
What should I do if my required plug-in is permanently discontinued?
You will either need to maintain an older OS and Acrobat version using your legacy license, look for modern plug-in alternatives that support 64-bit Acrobat DC, or switch to alternative software like WPS Office that may natively support the features you need.
