Fix Adobe Acrobat Error: The Selected Document Cannot Be Opened
Question details
The user receives an error message stating 'The selected document cannot be opened' when trying to open a second PDF file while another is already active in Acrobat.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open an additional PDF file by double-clicking it in a file manager or email client while Adobe Acrobat is already running with an open document.
- Observed behavior
- The second PDF fails to open via double-clicking and displays an error message, but it opens successfully if accessed manually through the File > Open menu inside Adobe Acrobat.
Verify that your PDF file is stored on a local drive rather than an unreachable network location, and ensure you have the necessary file permissions to read the document.
Repair Adobe Acrobat and Set as Default Program
Repairing the installation resolves background application glitches, and resetting default app settings ensures Windows associates PDF files correctly with Acrobat when double-clicking.
Often, background registry errors or corrupted installation files prevent Adobe Acrobat from properly managing multiple document instances. Running the built-in repair tool usually fixes this.
Open Adobe Acrobat. Click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, select 'Repair Installation', and follow the on-screen prompts. Restart your computer once the repair completes.
Right-click any PDF file on your computer and select 'Open with' > 'Choose another app'.
Select Adobe Acrobat from the list, check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files', and click 'OK'.
Enable Tabbed Viewing in Preferences
Adjusting viewing preferences forces Acrobat to open new documents as tabs within the same window, preventing errors caused by launching multiple separate application instances.
Use the In-App Open Menu (Quick Workaround)
If you urgently need to view the file without modifying system settings, bypassing the file manager and opening the file directly from within Acrobat will usually succeed.
Open and Manage Multiple PDFs Easily with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat continues to show opening errors, try WPS Office. Its built-in PDF reader uses a lightweight, intuitive tabbed interface, allowing you to seamlessly open and switch between multiple PDFs without crashing or locking up.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website.
- 2. Open Your First PDF: Right-click your PDF file, choose 'Open with', and select 'WPS Office' to view your document.
- 3. Open Additional PDFs: Simply double-click any other PDF files on your computer. They will automatically open as new tabs next to your current document without generating errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat say the selected document cannot be opened when I double-click it?
This typically occurs due to an internal software glitch, conflicting background processes, or corrupted default app settings that prevent Acrobat from securely initiating a second window while one is already active.
Can the file's storage location cause this Acrobat error?
Yes. If your second PDF is stored on a disconnected network drive, a restricted cloud folder, or an external drive with strict permission controls, Acrobat might fail to open it via the file explorer.
How do I ensure PDFs always open in the same Acrobat window?
To keep files organized and avoid multiple-instance errors, go to Edit > Preferences > General in Acrobat, and enable the 'Open documents as new tabs in the same window' option.
