Fix Acrobat Reader Cannot Open Multiple PDFs from a Server
Question details
The user is unable to open more than one PDF file simultaneously from a network server or DFS share using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows Server / Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to concurrently open multiple PDF documents located on a DFS share or network drive.
- Observed behavior
- The first PDF file opens successfully, but subsequent files fail to open at the same time. This issue does not occur with local copies or when using Acrobat DC.
Ensure you have administrative privileges to install application updates or modify security settings, and temporarily copy the necessary PDFs to your local drive to verify the files are not corrupted.
Update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the Latest Version
Installing the latest software patches can resolve known DFS server compatibility bugs without compromising application security.
Adobe frequently releases updates to address networking bugs and sandboxing restrictions. Updating to version 2020.012.20041 or newer has been reported to fix issues regarding multiple PDF instances on a DFS server.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
Navigate to 'Help' in the top menu bar and select 'Check for Updates'.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install any available updates, then restart your computer before testing the PDFs again.
Disable Protected Mode and Enhanced Security
Temporarily turning off Adobe's sandboxing features can bypass the instance limitations enforced on DFS shares.
Try WPS Office for Seamless PDF Management
If strict sandboxing in Adobe Acrobat Reader continues to disrupt your workflow on network drives, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight PDF reader that allows you to easily open multiple PDFs from servers or local drives without restrictive security bugs.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 3. Open Your Network PDFs: Launch WPS Office, utilize the built-in PDF reader, and open multiple files simultaneously directly from your server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this PDF opening issue only happen on a DFS server?
The DFS (Distributed File System) environment triggers Adobe Reader's strict security sandbox limits. To prevent potential vulnerabilities, the sandbox restricts the Adobe Reader process to a single instance when accessing files from these specific network shares.
Why does Acrobat Pro not experience this problem?
Acrobat Pro operates with a different permission structure and can call trusted functions in privileged contexts. Adobe Reader, being a free viewing tool, is completely restricted by default to enforce higher security for general users.
Can I fix this without turning off Protected Mode?
Yes. The safest approach is to ensure you have the latest software patch installed (version 2020.012.20041 or newer). Recent updates often address background compatibility and network bug issues without requiring you to lower your security settings.
Will copying the files to my desktop bypass the issue?
Yes. The restriction is tied specifically to opening files directly from the DFS network share. Copying the PDFs to your local drive will allow you to open multiple files concurrently without modifying any application settings.
