Other PDF Issues

Fix Acrobat Comment Windows Will Not Close on macOS

Tauseeq MagsiTauseeq Magsi Nov 5, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to close expanded PDF comment pop-ups in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, which significantly hinders the document review process.

How to Fix Acrobat Comment Windows That Will Not Close on macOS
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 you start

Before beginning the troubleshooting steps, make sure to save any unsaved changes in your PDF document to avoid data loss during application restarts.

Solution 1Recommended

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.

1
Check for updates

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.

2
Install available patches

If a new version is found, follow the on-screen instructions in the Adobe Updater dialog box to download and install the latest patches.

3
Restart the application

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.

Update Acrobat to the Latest Release
Update Successful: Keeping your application updated prevents most minor UI glitches and improves overall software stability on macOS.
Seamless PDF Management

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. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installation package for macOS.
  2. 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. 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.
Lightweight and optimized for macOS performance.Fully compatible with standard PDF formats and Acrobat annotations.Provides an all-in-one suite including Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

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.