Why Acrobat DC Removes Acrobat XI & Its Plug-ins (How to Fix)
Question details
The user needs to understand why installing Adobe Acrobat DC automatically uninstalls Acrobat XI and removes critical third-party plug-ins, and how to resolve this compatibility issue.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows or Mac
- Scenario
- Upgrading existing PDF software to the latest DC version while relying on older third-party plug-ins for daily document workflows.
- Observed behavior
- The Acrobat DC installation forcibly overwrites the previous Acrobat XI setup, deleting older plug-ins like Enfocus, PitStop, and Quite Imposing, and prevents side-by-side version usage.
Before making any changes to your Adobe Acrobat installation, securely document your third-party plug-in license keys and verify their Acrobat DC compatibility on the developers' websites.
Update Plug-ins for Acrobat DC Compatibility
Treat the transition to Acrobat DC as a complete version upgrade. You must install updated versions of your plug-ins into Adobe's supported external folder.
Adobe strictly prohibits installing multiple Acrobat versions on the same machine to prevent file association conflicts and system instability. Consequently, upgrading to DC replaces version XI entirely.
Many older plug-ins rely on 32-bit architecture or outdated APIs that Acrobat DC no longer supports. To maintain your workflow, you must acquire DC-compatible updates from your plug-in vendors.
Navigate to the official website of your specific plug-in developer (e.g., Enfocus, PitStop, or Quite Imposing) and locate their Acrobat DC compatibility documentation.
Download the latest DC-compatible installation package for your required plug-in.
Run the installer and ensure it targets Adobe's designated external plug-ins folder rather than the core application directory, which helps preserve them during future updates.
Launch Acrobat DC, go to the 'Tools' or 'Plug-ins' menu at the top, and verify that your updated tools are visible and functioning properly.
Downgrade to Acrobat XI for Legacy Plug-in Support
If your workflow absolutely requires legacy plug-ins that have not been updated for Acrobat DC, you can revert your system to Acrobat XI.
Switch to WPS Office for Built-in PDF Editing
Avoid the hassle of losing third-party plug-ins and navigating complicated version upgrades. WPS Office offers a comprehensive, built-in PDF editor that handles text editing, page management, and annotations without relying on easily broken external plug-ins. It serves as a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for all your document tasks.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free setup file for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to set up the suite.
- 3. Edit Your PDFs Directly: Launch WPS Office, open the 'PDF' tab, and easily edit your documents using the fully integrated tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run Acrobat DC and Acrobat XI simultaneously on the same computer?
No. Adobe restricts side-by-side installations of different Acrobat versions on a single machine to prevent file routing issues. Installing Acrobat DC automatically overwrites and removes Acrobat XI.
Why did my PitStop and Enfocus plug-ins disappear after the DC upgrade?
The upgrade process replaces the core Acrobat program folder where legacy plug-ins are often mistakenly stored. Additionally, Acrobat DC uses a different internal API architecture, meaning older plug-ins built for XI are fundamentally incompatible and must be updated.
Where can I find the official installer to roll back to Acrobat XI?
If you need to downgrade, you can download the older version from the official Adobe Acrobat legacy download page (helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/acrobat-downloads.html). Ensure you have your original serial number ready to activate it.
