Fix Adobe Collaboration Synchronizer Locking PDF Files
Question details
Users are unable to move, rename, or replace PDF files or folders because the Adobe Collaboration Synchronizer continues to lock them after the application is closed.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to move, rename, or replace PDF files immediately after viewing or editing them.
- Observed behavior
- Windows displays a 'File in use' error message indicating that the PDF or folder cannot be modified because it is still open in Adobe Collaboration Synchronizer (AdobeCollabSync.exe).
Ensure you have saved all necessary changes to your PDF documents and fully closed the Adobe Acrobat application before managing background processes.
End the AdobeCollabSync.exe Process in Task Manager
Manually terminating the synchronizer process instantly releases the file lock, allowing you to modify your PDFs.
When Acrobat closes, its background syncing tool may occasionally hang and keep handles on your recently opened folders and files. Using the Windows Task Manager to end this task forces the handle to drop.
Right-click the Windows taskbar and select 'Task Manager', or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
Navigate to the 'Processes' or 'Details' tab and scroll down until you find 'AdobeCollabSync.exe' or 'Adobe Collaboration Synchronizer'.
Right-click the process and select 'End task' or 'End process tree' to completely shut it down.
Return to your File Explorer and attempt to move, rename, or delete your PDF file again.
Create a Quick Force-Kill Batch File
Set up a one-click desktop shortcut that automatically kills the synchronizer whenever a file lock occurs.
Disable Adobe Collaboration Synchronizer Permanently
Rename the executable file and disable it from Startup apps to prevent it from launching altogether.
Read and Edit PDF Files Seamlessly with WPS Office
Avoid frustrating file locks and intrusive background syncing processes by switching to WPS Office for your PDF needs. WPS Office offers a fast, robust, and hassle-free PDF reader and editor that completely respects your system's file management operations.
- 1. Download the software: Download and install the free version of WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Set as default PDF viewer: Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps, select 'Choose default apps by file type', and assign '.pdf' to WPS Office.
- 3. Open and edit seamlessly: Double-click your PDF documents to instantly read, annotate, or modify them within WPS Office.
- 4. Manage files freely: Close the document when finished, and immediately rename, move, or delete the PDF in Windows without encountering 'File in use' errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Collaboration Synchronizer keep running in the background?
The synchronizer is designed to run in the background to continuously sync your local PDFs, annotations, and settings with Adobe Document Cloud. Sometimes it fails to release its grip on a file after synchronization finishes, keeping the file locked.
Will disabling AdobeCollabSync.exe break my PDF software?
Renaming or disabling the executable will prevent background cloud synchronization and may affect Adobe cloud sharing features. However, your standard offline PDF viewing, editing, and saving capabilities will continue to work normally.
How can I check exactly which process is locking my PDF file?
You can use the Windows Resource Monitor. Press the Windows key, type 'Resource Monitor', and open it. Go to the 'CPU' tab, and in the 'Associated Handles' section, type the name of your locked PDF. It will show you exactly which process (like AdobeCollabSync.exe) is currently holding onto the file.
