How to Disable View Adobe PDF Results for All Users
Question details
An IT administrator needs to globally disable the 'View Adobe PDF Results' setting in Adobe PDF Printer Preferences for every new or existing user on a network.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Enterprise deployment and IT administration of printer preferences.
- Observed behavior
- The administrator wants to prevent the PDF document from automatically opening for users after printing to the Adobe PDF Printer.
Ensure you have administrative privileges and access to either the Windows Group Policy Management Console or the Adobe Acrobat Customization Wizard before applying system-wide deployment changes.
Use Acrobat Customization Wizard for Deployment
The cleanest way to disable this setting for all new users is to configure it prior to installation using Adobe's Customization Wizard.
The Acrobat Customization Wizard streamlines the task of configuring the installer before deploying it across your organization. By modifying the installer package, you ensure that the preference is correctly set for all new users the moment the software is installed.
Launch the Acrobat Customization Wizard on your machine and open the Acrobat MSI installation package you intend to deploy.
Navigate to the 'PDF Printer' section or the specific registry configurations section within the wizard.
Uncheck the 'View Adobe PDF results' option to ensure it defaults to off for all new profiles.
Generate and save the transform (MST) file. Deploy the modified package to your enterprise endpoints using your standard deployment tools.
Deploy Registry Key via Group Policy (GPO)
If Acrobat is already deployed, you can push a user registry preference via Group Policy to change the setting for existing users.
Manage PDFs Efficiently with WPS Office
For organizations looking for a lightweight, cost-effective way to view, edit, and print PDFs without dealing with complex enterprise deployments or registry hacks, WPS Office provides an excellent alternative. It offers a comprehensive suite of PDF tools seamlessly integrated with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the lightweight, free installation package.
- 2. Install and Deploy: Run the installer to quickly set up the office suite and built-in PDF tools on your computer.
- 3. Use WPS as Your Default Reader: Set WPS Office as your default PDF application to easily view, edit, and print documents seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the PDF automatically open after printing?
By default, the Adobe PDF Printer is configured to open the newly created PDF file automatically so the user can immediately verify the output. This behavior is controlled by the 'View Adobe PDF results' setting in the printer preferences.
Can I change this setting for a single user without using Group Policy?
Yes. A single user can disable this by navigating to Windows Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, selecting the Adobe PDF printer, clicking 'Printing preferences', and unchecking the 'View Adobe PDF results' box.
Where are Adobe PDF Printer preferences stored in the Windows Registry?
User-specific PDF printer preferences are generally stored in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive under Software\Adobe\Acrobat Distiller. The exact path and registry keys may vary depending on the specific version of Acrobat installed.
