How to Uninstall Acrobat DC Without Removing Older Acrobat Versions
Question details
The user wants to remove a trial version of Adobe Acrobat DC that was accidentally installed, while preserving an existing, older version (like Acrobat X) on the same machine.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- Windows and macOS
- Scenario
- A trial of Acrobat DC was installed unintentionally alongside an older, active Acrobat installation.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to safely isolate and uninstall only the Acrobat DC trial without breaking the older Acrobat software.
Ensure that all Adobe Acrobat and PDF reader applications are fully closed before initiating the uninstallation process. It is highly recommended to double-check the exact version name in your programs list to avoid accidentally removing your older Acrobat installation.
Uninstall Acrobat DC on Windows
Use the built-in Windows Programs and Features tool to safely remove the specific Acrobat DC version.
Windows allows you to manage installed applications individually. By carefully selecting the DC version, you can leave your older Acrobat subscription untouched.
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and hit Enter to open it.
Click on 'Programs' and then select 'Programs and Features' to view a list of all installed software.
Scroll through the list and find 'Adobe Acrobat DC'. Ensure you do not select your older version (e.g., Acrobat X).
Right-click on 'Adobe Acrobat DC' and select 'Uninstall'. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Uninstall Acrobat DC on macOS
Use the dedicated Acrobat DC uninstaller provided in the Mac Applications folder to cleanly remove the software.
Try WPS Office for Your PDF and Document Needs
If you are having trouble managing multiple Adobe Acrobat installations or dealing with expensive PDF subscriptions, consider switching to WPS Office. It includes a powerful, built-in PDF editor alongside free, lightweight Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free suite.
- 2. Open WPS PDF: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab on the homepage to access dedicated PDF tools.
- 3. Manage your files: Open, view, edit, or annotate your PDF files without needing multiple heavy applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling Acrobat DC delete my PDF files?
No, uninstalling Adobe Acrobat DC only removes the application software. Your saved PDF documents and files will remain intact on your computer's hard drive.
How do I make my older Acrobat version the default PDF viewer again?
Right-click any PDF file, select 'Open with', choose 'Choose another app', select your older Acrobat version from the list, and check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files'.
Can I use the Adobe Creative Cloud app to uninstall Acrobat DC?
Yes, if Acrobat DC was installed via Creative Cloud, you can open the Creative Cloud desktop app, go to the 'All Apps' tab, click the More Actions (...) icon next to Acrobat DC, and select 'Uninstall'.
What if Acrobat DC doesn't show up in the Programs and Features list?
If it is missing from the list, you can download and run the official Acrobat Cleaner Tool from Adobe's website. Ensure you select the option specifically for Acrobat DC so it does not remove your older version.
