Fix Microsoft Word Crashing When Converting to PDF with Acrobat PDFMaker
Question details
Microsoft Word crashes or unexpectedly closes when a user attempts to convert a document to PDF using the Acrobat PDFMaker add-in.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Converting Word documents to PDF using the Acrobat PDFMaker plugin, typically occurring after a recent Microsoft 365 or Windows update.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft Word application freezes and completely crashes during the PDF conversion process.
Ensure you have saved all your ongoing work in other open documents and verify that both your Windows operating system and Microsoft Office suite are updated to their latest versions.
Repair Your Microsoft Office Installation
Running a repair on your Microsoft Office suite can fix corrupted application files that cause Word and COM add-ins like PDFMaker to crash.
System updates or Microsoft 365 background updates can sometimes misconfigure application files, leading to instability when third-party add-ins are triggered. A quick or online repair usually resolves these conflicts.
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and hit Enter.
Click on 'Programs' and then select 'Programs and Features' to view your installed applications.
Find 'Microsoft 365' or 'Microsoft Office' in the list, right-click it, and select 'Change'. Choose 'Quick Repair' and click 'Repair'. If the issue persists afterward, repeat this step and choose 'Online Repair'.
Test with a Blank Sample Document
Determine if the crash is caused by a global add-in failure or if it is isolated to corrupted formatting within a specific document.
Gather Version Information for Support Escalation
If standard repairs fail, you will need to collect specific build versions of your software to submit a detailed bug report to Adobe or Microsoft support.
Avoid Word Crashes with WPS Office's Built-in PDF Converter
If Microsoft Word continues to crash due to third-party plugin conflicts, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly stable environment with native built-in PDF conversion, eliminating the need for add-ins like Acrobat PDFMaker while remaining fully compatible with your existing documents.
- 1. Open your document in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office Writer and open your existing .docx or .doc file directly.
- 2. Access the PDF export feature: Click on 'Menu' in the top-left corner and select 'Export to PDF' from the drop-down list.
- 3. Convert and save securely: Choose your desired save location, adjust the export options if needed, and click 'Export' to instantly create a stable PDF without crashing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert a Word document to PDF if Acrobat PDFMaker keeps crashing?
You can bypass the Acrobat PDFMaker add-in entirely by using Microsoft Word's native conversion features. Go to File > Save As, choose your save location, and select 'PDF' from the file format drop-down menu.
Why did Acrobat PDFMaker start crashing Word right after a system update?
Windows or Microsoft 365 updates can alter background system files, creating compatibility issues with older versions of third-party COM add-ins like Adobe Acrobat. Updating Acrobat to its latest patch usually resolves the integration mismatch.
How can I temporarily disable the Acrobat PDFMaker add-in in Word?
Open Word and navigate to File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom of the window, select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage drop-down and click 'Go'. Uncheck the box next to 'Acrobat PDFMaker Office COM Addin' and click OK.
