Do You Need to Replace Adobe Acrobat XI with Acrobat DC?
Question details
The user wants to know if they must purchase or upgrade to Adobe Acrobat DC since their current Acrobat XI is no longer receiving updates.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Upgrading obsolete PDF software to maintain functionality, access modern features, and ensure security.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Acrobat XI is no longer updating, prompting the user to figure out if a separate Acrobat DC subscription is required.
Before uninstalling your current software, check your Adobe account online to see exactly which Creative Cloud or Document Cloud services are already included in your active subscription.
Verify Your Adobe Subscription and Install Acrobat DC
If you already pay for Adobe cloud services, Acrobat Pro DC might be included for free. Otherwise, a new subscription is required.
Adobe Acrobat XI is an obsolete product and has reached its end of support. It cannot be updated to Acrobat DC through standard software updates. You must perform a clean installation of the new version.
Go to the official Adobe website and sign in with the Adobe ID associated with your current cloud subscription.
Navigate to your 'Plans and Payment' section to see your active subscriptions. Look under your Creative Cloud or Document Cloud plan to see if Acrobat Pro DC is included.
If Acrobat DC is included in your plan, open your computer's Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac) and completely uninstall Acrobat XI to prevent software conflicts.
Download and install Acrobat DC directly from your Adobe account dashboard or by using the Creative Cloud desktop application.
Use WPS Office to Edit PDFs Instead of Upgrading
If you don't want to pay for an expensive Adobe Acrobat DC subscription, WPS Office provides a robust, built-in PDF editor. You can easily view, edit, merge, and convert PDFs without a steep learning curve or high monthly fees.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office suite for your device.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open' on the homepage, and select the PDF file you previously used in Acrobat XI.
- 3. Edit and Save: Use the 'Edit' tab at the top of the screen to modify text, images, or annotations, then save your updated PDF document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep using Adobe Acrobat XI?
It is generally not recommended. Acrobat XI no longer receives security updates from Adobe, which leaves your computer vulnerable to security risks and malware hidden in unverified PDF files.
Can I upgrade Acrobat XI to Acrobat DC for free?
No, Acrobat DC is a separate product that operates on a subscription model. You can only get it without extra cost if your existing Adobe Creative Cloud subscription already includes it.
Do I have to uninstall Acrobat XI before installing Acrobat DC?
Yes. Having multiple versions of Acrobat installed on the same machine can cause application conflicts and file association issues. It is highly advised to uninstall Acrobat XI completely before installing Acrobat DC.
Can WPS Office replace Adobe Acrobat for basic PDF tasks?
Yes, WPS Office includes a comprehensive PDF tool that allows you to read, annotate, edit, sign, and convert PDFs, making it a great lightweight alternative if you choose not to subscribe to Acrobat DC.
