How to Revert Acrobat Pro DC 2020 to 2019 After Plug-in Failure
Question details
The user needs to revert their Adobe Acrobat Pro DC installation from the 2020 version back to the 2019 release to restore a broken plug-in.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user upgraded to Acrobat Pro DC 2020, resulting in a critical third-party plug-in no longer functioning properly.
- Observed behavior
- The installed Acrobat plug-in fails to operate within the 2020 environment, prompting the need for a software downgrade to regain compatibility.
Before attempting a downgrade, check the developer's website for an updated plug-in version and back up all custom Acrobat preferences to avoid losing personalized settings.
Use Enterprise Resources to Reinstall the 2019 Version
Because Acrobat Pro DC lacks a built-in rollback button, the most reliable method to revert is completely uninstalling the 2020 version and using an original 2019 enterprise installer.
Adobe does not officially support simple in-product rollbacks for the Pro DC version like it occasionally does for Reader. Downgrading requires a clean installation using a licensed legacy package.
Ensure you have your organization's deployment resources or original installer files before proceeding.
Before proceeding with a full downgrade, reach out to the plug-in's support team to verify if a compatibility patch for Acrobat 2020 is already available.
Navigate to the Control Panel on Windows or the Applications folder on macOS and completely uninstall Adobe Acrobat Pro DC 2020 from your system.
Access your organization's deployment portal or contact your IT administrator to obtain the specific licensed installer for Acrobat Pro DC 2019.
Run the 2019 installer file and follow the on-screen instructions. Once completed, reinstall your necessary plug-ins.
Repair Installation and Reset App Preferences
If you cannot obtain a 2019 installer, try repairing the current installation and resetting preferences, which can sometimes resolve plug-in compatibility glitches in the 2020 version.
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- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free suite and follow the quick installation guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I easily downgrade Adobe Acrobat Reader instead of Pro DC?
Yes. Unlike Acrobat Pro DC, which often requires an enterprise installer, Adobe Acrobat Reader allows for an easier reversion process. You can uninstall the current version and download a previous version installer directly from Adobe's official FTP servers.
Will I lose my custom settings if I uninstall Acrobat 2020?
Yes, completely uninstalling Acrobat Pro DC 2020 and reinstalling the 2019 version will likely wipe your custom preferences. It is highly recommended to export and back up your profiles, custom stamps, and security settings before uninstalling.
How do I stop Acrobat Pro DC from automatically updating?
You can disable automatic updates by opening Acrobat, navigating to 'Edit' > 'Preferences', selecting the 'Updater' category, and unchecking the option to automatically install updates. Note that some enterprise environments manage this via registry keys.
