How to Stop Acrobat DC from Installing Automatic Updates
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.

- 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.
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.
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.
Open Adobe Acrobat DC. Click on the 'Edit' menu at the top of the window and select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences dialog box, scroll down the left-hand pane and click on 'Updater'.
Uncheck the box that says 'Automatically install updates'.
Enter your administrator password if prompted, click 'OK' to save your changes, and then restart Acrobat DC.

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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. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
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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'.




