Fix Adobe Acrobat X 32-bit Warning and Update Error on macOS Mojave
Question details
User is unable to use or update Adobe Acrobat X after installing macOS Mojave due to a 32-bit architecture warning and a server connection error.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat X
- Device & OS
- macOS Mojave
- Scenario
- Attempting to launch or check for updates in Adobe Acrobat X 10.1.16 after upgrading the Mac operating system.
- Observed behavior
- The system displays a warning that Acrobat X is 32-bit software. Checking for updates fails with a server connection error because the application is obsolete and unsupported on the newer macOS.
Before proceeding, check your current macOS version by clicking the Apple menu and selecting 'About This Mac' to confirm you are running a 64-bit operating system.
Upgrade to a 64-bit PDF Application
Since macOS Mojave and newer versions phase out 32-bit app support, you must transition to a modern 64-bit PDF application.
Apple transitioned macOS to exclusively support 64-bit applications. Adobe Acrobat X is a legacy 32-bit program that cannot be upgraded to a 64-bit architecture. Furthermore, the server connection error occurs because Adobe discontinued Acrobat X in 2015 and permanently shut down its update servers.
Open your 'Applications' folder, locate Adobe Acrobat X, and drag it to the Trash. Right-click the Trash icon and select 'Empty Trash' to completely remove the unsupported software.
Choose a modern, 64-bit PDF editor. You can subscribe to Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, use Mac's built-in Preview, or download a comprehensive alternative like WPS Office for Mac.
Before downloading or purchasing new software, always check the developer's system requirements page to ensure explicit support for macOS Mojave or later.
Use WPS PDF to Read and Edit PDFs on macOS
WPS Office for Mac is a modern, fully 64-bit application that runs seamlessly on macOS Mojave and newer versions. It provides a comprehensive PDF toolkit to view, edit, annotate, and manage your PDF files without the compatibility issues of legacy software.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version of WPS Office.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Set as Default PDF Reader: Right-click any PDF file on your Mac, select 'Get Info', expand the 'Open with' section, choose 'WPS Office', and click 'Change All'.
- 4. Open and Edit PDFs: Double-click your PDF files to open them instantly in WPS PDF, where you can read, annotate, edit text, or convert documents without 32-bit warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get a server connection error when updating Acrobat X?
Adobe officially discontinued Acrobat X in 2015 and shut down the legacy update servers. Because the application cannot connect to the deactivated servers, it displays a connection error instead of downloading updates.
Can I force a 32-bit app like Acrobat X to run on newer macOS versions?
No. Apple completely removed the 32-bit application compatibility layer in macOS Catalina and later. You must use 64-bit software to open and edit your files on modern Mac systems.
Will I lose my PDF files if I uninstall Acrobat X?
No, your PDF files are saved independently on your hard drive. Uninstalling Adobe Acrobat X will only remove the application itself; your documents will remain intact and can be opened with any 64-bit PDF reader.
Is there a free 64-bit alternative to Adobe Acrobat for Mac?
Yes, there are several free and fully compatible alternatives. Apple includes the built-in Preview app for basic PDF viewing, and WPS Office offers a robust, free 64-bit PDF reader and editor tailored for Mac users.
