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Fix Adobe Acrobat Installation Error 136 and Disk Space Problems

Steven ParkerSteven Parker Nov 5, 2026 868 views

Question details

Adobe Acrobat DC fails to install, displaying Error 136 and false disk space issues despite the drive having enough storage capacity.

How to Fix Adobe Acrobat Installation Error 136 and Disk Space Problems
Product
Adobe Acrobat DC
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Installing Adobe Acrobat DC via the Creative Cloud desktop application.
Observed behavior
The installation process hangs for several hours and eventually fails, repeatedly showing Error 136 and incorrectly reporting that there is insufficient disk space.
Before you start

Before proceeding, verify your available hard drive space to ensure it meets minimum requirements and ensure you are logged into your computer using an administrator account. You may also want to temporarily disable any active script blockers or antivirus software that could disrupt the installation.

Solution 1Recommended

Perform a Clean Reinstallation using the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool

Completely removing corrupted cache files and reinstalling the Creative Cloud desktop app resolves persistent installation failures like Error 136.

Error 136 typically occurs due to corrupted temporary files or conflicts within the Creative Cloud app cache. A standard uninstall may leave problematic files behind, so using Adobe's official Cleaner Tool is necessary to ensure a truly clean slate.

1
Uninstall all Creative Cloud applications

Use your system's application manager to uninstall all Adobe Creative Cloud applications currently on your device, making sure to remove user preferences when prompted.

2
Uninstall the Creative Cloud desktop app

Run the dedicated uninstaller for the Creative Cloud desktop application to remove the core management software.

3
Run the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool

Download and run the official Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool from the Adobe support website to clear out any remaining corrupted installation files and temporary data.

4
Restart your computer

Reboot your system to finalize the removal of all background Adobe services and free up the incorrectly reported disk space.

5
Reinstall Creative Cloud as an Administrator

Log in using an administrator account, download a fresh copy of the Creative Cloud desktop application, and install it. Once installed, use it to download and install Acrobat DC.

Perform a Clean Reinstallation using the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool
Administrator Privileges: Running the installation on an administrator account guarantees the installer has the necessary permissions to write to system folders and bypass false disk space errors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Adobe Acrobat Installation Error 136?

Error 136 typically occurs when there is a conflict in the Creative Cloud cache, an issue with temporary installation files, or a lack of proper administrative system permissions during the installation process.

Why does Acrobat say I have disk space problems when my hard drive has plenty of room?

This false warning usually stems from corrupted temporary installation files or an outdated Creative Cloud desktop application that is failing to properly read your system's available storage space.

What is the Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool?

The Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool is an official utility provided by Adobe. It is designed to remove corrupted, cached, or leftover files from previous Adobe installations, resolving stubborn errors like Error 136.

Do I need administrator privileges to install Adobe Acrobat DC?

Yes, installing the Creative Cloud desktop application and Acrobat DC requires a user account with full administrator rights so the installer can write files and modify required system directories.