How to Manually Update Adobe Genuine Service to Fix Vulnerabilities
Question details
Users need a reliable method to manually update the Adobe Genuine Service (AGS) to patch security vulnerabilities when the automatic update feature stops working.
- Product
- Adobe Genuine Service
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Remediating software vulnerabilities (such as APSB20-12) across individual computers or large organizational deployments.
- Observed behavior
- The automatic self-update mechanism fails, leaving the software stuck on outdated, vulnerable versions (e.g., version 5.0 or lower).
Before proceeding, ensure you have administrative privileges on the target computers and check the currently installed version of Adobe Genuine Service to confirm if an update is required.
Apply Official Security Updates Manually
This method is recommended for individual users or small deployments to manually patch the vulnerable service using official Adobe resources.
When the background auto-update mechanism fails, you must download the latest patch directly from Adobe's security bulletin to ensure your system is protected against known vulnerabilities.
Navigate to your system's Control Panel or Settings app, open the list of installed programs, locate 'Adobe Genuine Service', and note the version number.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Adobe Security Bulletin page for APSB20-12 (or the most recent bulletin applicable to AGS).
Download the official update package provided in the bulletin. Run the installer with administrative rights and follow the on-screen prompts.
Once the installation is complete, restart your computer and check the program list again to ensure the version number has been successfully updated.
Update via Enterprise Deployment Tools
Use this approach if you manage a large organization with hundreds of Adobe installations that require centralized patching.
Looking for a secure, lightweight PDF and Office solution?
If managing bulky software and constant update failures is slowing down your organization, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, lightweight, and free alternative for viewing, editing, and managing PDFs, while offering seamless compatibility with all major Office formats.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the application: Run the setup file to quickly install the lightweight suite on your device.
- 3. Manage your documents securely: Open, edit, and save your PDFs and Office documents without worrying about background vulnerability issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adobe Genuine Service (AGS)?
Adobe Genuine Service is a utility that periodically verifies whether Adobe apps on your machine are genuine and legally licensed, helping protect users from security risks associated with non-genuine software.
Why is my Adobe Genuine Service not updating automatically?
The automatic update process can fail due to network restrictions, firewall settings, enterprise group policies blocking background installations, or corrupted files within the existing AGS installation.
How do I check my current AGS version?
In Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, or Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Locate 'Adobe Genuine Service' in the list to view the installed version number.
Is it safe to download AGS updates from third-party websites?
No. Downloading service files from unofficial sources poses a severe security risk. You should only use links provided directly in Adobe Security Bulletins or through Adobe Support.
