How to Stop Creative Cloud Prompting for Acrobat DC Updates
Question details
The user wants to stop Adobe Creative Cloud from repeatedly prompting to install or update Acrobat DC, preferring to keep an existing older software license intact.
- Product
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Maintaining an older standalone license of Acrobat while using an active Creative Cloud subscription for other apps.
- Observed behavior
- Creative Cloud continuously prompts the user to update to Acrobat DC. Attempts to uninstall Acrobat DC result in the older version (like Acrobat XI) being inadvertently uninstalled as well.
Before altering your Creative Cloud settings, ensure you have your older Acrobat serial number and installation media backed up, as resolving installation conflicts may require a fresh reinstall of your perpetual license.
Disable Automatic Updates in Creative Cloud Preferences
Turn off the automatic update features and notifications within the Creative Cloud desktop application to prevent unwanted Acrobat DC update prompts.
By default, Adobe Creative Cloud is configured to keep all applications up to date. If you rely on an older version of Acrobat, you must manually disable the auto-update feature to stop the application from overriding or prompting upgrades for your current installation.
Launch the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application. Click on your account profile icon located in the top right corner of the window and select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
In the Preferences window, select the 'Apps' tab from the left-hand sidebar to view your installation and update settings.
Locate the 'Auto-update' section. You can either turn off the global 'Auto-update' toggle for all applications, or click 'Advanced options' to uncheck Adobe Acrobat specifically. Click 'Done' to save your settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does uninstalling Acrobat DC also remove my Acrobat XI?
Adobe's installation framework links shared components and registry keys between Acrobat DC and older versions like Acrobat XI. Uninstalling the newer version triggers the removal of these shared files, which breaks or uninstalls the older version simultaneously.
Can I use an older version of Acrobat alongside a new Creative Cloud subscription?
Yes, but Creative Cloud is designed to push the latest versions of its apps. To maintain an older perpetual-license software alongside CC apps, you must actively disable auto-updates in the CC desktop app and ignore manual update prompts.
Is Adobe Acrobat XI still receiving support or updates?
No, Adobe officially ended support for Acrobat XI in 2017. It no longer receives security updates or bug fixes, which is the primary reason Creative Cloud continuously prompts users to upgrade to the currently supported Acrobat DC.
