Fix Acrobat Comment Windows Will Not Close on macOS
Question details
Users are unable to close expanded PDF comment pop-ups in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, which significantly hinders the document review process.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Reviewing PDF files and attempting to close an expanded comment window to continue reading or annotating the document.
- Observed behavior
- The expanded comment window remains open and active on the screen even after clicking the close button, selecting another comment, or clicking outside the comment box.
Before beginning the troubleshooting steps, make sure to save any unsaved changes in your PDF document to avoid data loss during application restarts.
Update Acrobat to the Latest Release
Software updates often contain bug fixes for interface glitches. Updating to the newest version is the quickest way to resolve comment window issues.
Adobe frequently releases patches to address known interface bugs in Acrobat Pro DC on macOS. Ensuring your software is up to date should be your first troubleshooting step.
Open Adobe Acrobat Pro DC on your Mac. Click on the 'Help' option located in the top menu bar, then select 'Check for Updates' from the dropdown menu.
If a new version is found, follow the on-screen instructions in the Adobe Updater dialog box to download and install the latest patches.
Once the update is complete, quit Adobe Acrobat entirely and relaunch the application. Open your PDF file and test if the comment windows now close correctly.

Reset Acrobat Preferences on macOS
Corrupted preference files can cause unexpected behaviors in the Acrobat interface. Resetting them can restore normal functionality.
Repair and Reinstall the Application
If updating and resetting preferences fail, a clean reinstallation will replace any deeply corrupted application files.
Review PDF Comments Flawlessly with WPS Office
If you are experiencing persistent interface bugs with other PDF software on your Mac, try WPS Office. It includes a powerful, built-in PDF reader and editor that handles comments, annotations, and standard PDF formats smoothly without freezing.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package for macOS.
- 2. Open your PDF file: Launch WPS Office and drag your PDF document into the main workspace to open it instantly in the PDF viewer.
- 3. Manage comments easily: Navigate to the 'Comment' tab to view, expand, and reply to annotations. Click outside any comment box to close it instantly without glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do PDF comment windows freeze or stay open on macOS?
This problem is typically caused by a minor software bug within specific versions of the PDF reader or by corrupted application preference files on your macOS system.
Will I lose my PDF annotations if I reinstall the application?
No. Reinstalling the PDF software only removes and replaces the application files. Your locally saved PDF files and all the comments inside them remain perfectly safe.
Is there a free alternative to view and edit PDF comments on Mac?
Yes, WPS Office is an excellent alternative. It offers a comprehensive PDF reader and editor that is fully compatible with standard PDF annotations and is free to download for Mac users.




