Fix Adobe Acrobat DC Compatibility Issues on macOS 10.13.6
Question details
Users need to resolve a compatibility and freezing issue when attempting to use or reinstall Acrobat DC on macOS 10.13.6.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- macOS 10.13.6
- Scenario
- Launching the PDF application or running the installer on an older Mac operating system.
- Observed behavior
- The application freezes after multiple launches and ultimately displays an error message stating the software is not compatible with the current OS, recommending an operating system update.
Verify your exact macOS version by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting 'About This Mac'. Ensure you have administrative privileges before attempting any system updates or software reinstallation.
Update macOS to Meet Acrobat DC Requirements
Updating your Mac operating system is the most reliable way to meet Adobe's current compatibility requirements and fix persistent freezing errors.
Adobe frequently updates Acrobat DC to leverage new security and performance protocols, which eventually drops support for older operating systems like macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra). Upgrading your OS resolves this root cause.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Preferences'.
Click on 'Software Update'. Your Mac will automatically scan for the latest macOS upgrades compatible with your hardware.
If a newer macOS version is available, click 'Upgrade Now' and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install.
Once your Mac restarts with the new operating system, open the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app and reinstall Acrobat DC.
Install a Legacy Version of Acrobat DC
If updating your macOS is not possible, installing an older, previously supported version of Acrobat DC can restore functionality.
Easily Edit and View PDFs on Mac with WPS Office
If Acrobat DC remains incompatible with your older macOS, WPS Office provides a robust, lightweight, and highly compatible built-in PDF editor. You can seamlessly view, annotate, edit, and manage PDF documents without heavy system requirements.
- 1. Download the App: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open' on the home screen, and select the PDF file you wish to access.
- 3. Edit and Save: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab to add text, highlight sections, or fill out forms, then click the Save icon to apply changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat DC suddenly say it is not compatible with macOS 10.13.6?
Adobe actively phases out support for older operating systems to ensure security and performance. When Acrobat DC updates in the background, it may cross a threshold where macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) lacks the required system components, triggering the compatibility error.
Can I prevent Adobe Acrobat from automatically updating on an older Mac?
Yes, if you manage to install a compatible legacy version, you can open the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app, navigate to Preferences, and turn off the 'Auto-update' toggle for Acrobat DC to prevent it from upgrading to an incompatible version.
How can I read PDFs if my Mac cannot install Acrobat DC?
Macs come with a built-in application called 'Preview' that can natively open and annotate PDF files. Additionally, you can download free third-party alternatives like WPS Office, which provides extensive PDF reading and editing capabilities without strict OS requirements.
