Update & Upgrade Problems

How to Stop Acrobat DC from Installing Automatic Updates

Steven ParkerSteven Parker Nov 5, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to prevent Adobe Acrobat DC from automatically installing updates, particularly when the setting fails to stay disabled.

How to Stop Acrobat DC from Installing Automatic Updates
Product
Adobe Acrobat DC
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Modifying software update preferences to stop automatic background installations.
Observed behavior
The 'Automatically install updates' preference reverts back to the enabled state after the user attempts to clear it.
Before you start

Ensure you have administrator privileges on your computer, as changing Acrobat updater preferences requires an administrator password. Please note that disabling automatic updates is generally not recommended because you may miss important security and compatibility patches.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Automatic Updates via Preferences

Turn off the automatic installation of updates using Acrobat's built-in preference settings.

Acrobat's automatic update setting can be managed directly through the application's preferences. However, changes to this setting require administrative rights. If your software is managed by an enterprise license, you may encounter restrictions.

1
Access Preferences

Open Adobe Acrobat DC. Click on the 'Edit' menu at the top of the window and select 'Preferences'.

2
Navigate to Updater Settings

In the Preferences dialog box, scroll down the left-hand pane and click on 'Updater'.

3
Clear the Update Option

Uncheck the box that says 'Automatically install updates'.

4
Apply and Restart

Enter your administrator password if prompted, click 'OK' to save your changes, and then restart Acrobat DC.

Disable Automatic Updates via Preferences
Enterprise Restrictions: If you reopen Acrobat and find that the option has become enabled again, your installation is likely controlled by an enterprise policy. In this case, your user account does not have permission to change the setting, and you must contact your IT administrator.
Seamless PDF Management

Read and Edit PDFs with WPS Office

If you are struggling with restrictive software policies or intrusive automatic updates, try WPS Office. It features a built-in, lightweight PDF editor that gives you full control over your workspace while offering comprehensive tools for reading, annotating, and editing PDF documents.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
  2. 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
  3. 3. Open Your PDF Files: Launch WPS Office, select the 'PDF' tab, and open your existing PDF documents directly.
  4. 4. Edit and Save: Use the intuitive toolbar to annotate, merge, or convert your PDFs without worrying about forced interruptions.
Complete user control over software settings and updatesHighly compatible with standard PDF and Microsoft Office formatsLightweight installation that ensures smooth system performanceFeature-rich PDF reader, annotator, and converter all in one app
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Acrobat DC updater setting keep reverting to enabled?

This usually occurs if your computer is part of a corporate network or if the software is managed under an enterprise license. IT administrators frequently enforce automatic updates via group policies, which will override your personal preference settings.

Is it safe to disable Adobe Acrobat automatic updates?

While it is possible to disable them, it is generally not recommended by Adobe. Updates deliver essential security patches and bug fixes that protect your system from newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Do I need administrator rights to change Acrobat update settings?

Yes, modifying the updater preferences typically requires you to enter an administrator password, especially on work devices or shared computers.

How can I update Acrobat manually if I disable automatic updates?

If you have successfully disabled automatic updates, you can manually check for new versions at any time by opening Acrobat DC, clicking on the 'Help' menu, and selecting 'Check for Updates'.