Can Adobe Acrobat XI and Acrobat DC Be Installed on the Same Windows Computer?
Question details
The user wants to know if it is possible to keep an existing Adobe Acrobat XI installation when installing the newer Adobe Acrobat DC on a Windows PC.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Upgrading to or installing a new version of Adobe Acrobat (DC) while wanting to retain access to an older version (XI).
- Observed behavior
- Standard standalone Acrobat DC installers typically remove earlier versions like Acrobat XI automatically during the installation process.
Before proceeding with any installation, back up your custom Adobe Acrobat settings and ensure you have your Acrobat XI license key stored safely in case you need to reinstall it.
Use the Creative Cloud App to Keep Older Versions
Use the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application's advanced options to prevent the automatic removal of Acrobat XI during the update.
When installing or updating Acrobat DC via the Adobe Creative Cloud application, the installer provides an option to manage older versions. By default, it may try to remove them to prevent conflicts, but you can override this behavior.
Launch the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app on your Windows computer.
Navigate to the 'Apps' tab and locate Acrobat DC in the list of available applications.
Click 'Install' or 'Update'. When the prompt appears, look for the 'Advanced Options' drop-down menu and click it to expand.
Uncheck the box that says 'Remove old versions', then click 'Continue' to proceed with the installation without deleting Acrobat XI.
Understand Standalone Installer Behavior
Standalone installers do not typically offer the choice to retain previous versions.
Avoid Version Conflicts with WPS Office's Built-in PDF Editor
If juggling multiple Adobe Acrobat versions is causing system conflicts or unexpected uninstalls, try WPS Office. It features a robust, lightweight built-in PDF editor that handles viewing, editing, and converting without the hassle of heavy resource usage or software version conflicts.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and install it on your Windows PC.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office and click on 'PDF Edit', or simply drag and drop your PDF file into the main workspace.
- 3. Edit and Manage: Use the intuitive top ribbon menu to edit text, add annotations, insert images, or convert the PDF to other file formats seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Acrobat DC automatically uninstall Acrobat XI?
Standard Adobe Acrobat DC installers are configured by default to remove older versions. This is done to prevent registry conflicts, file ownership issues, and problems with shared system components like the Adobe PDF printer.
Can I reinstall Adobe Acrobat XI if it was removed by DC?
Yes, if you have your original installation media and a valid license key, you can reinstall Acrobat XI. However, installing it after DC might overwrite newer shared files, which could cause Acrobat DC to malfunction.
Is Adobe Acrobat XI still supported by Adobe?
No, Adobe officially ended support for Acrobat XI in October 2017. It no longer receives security updates or bug fixes, which is why upgrading to Acrobat DC or switching to an alternative PDF editor is strongly recommended.
How do I set Acrobat XI as my default PDF viewer if both are installed?
Right-click any PDF file, select 'Open with', and click 'Choose another app'. Select Acrobat XI from the list and check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files'. Be aware that major Windows updates or Adobe updates may occasionally reset this preference.
