Fix Cannot Close Acrobat Because Scanner Is in Use Error
Question details
The user is unable to close Adobe Acrobat because the software incorrectly reports that a connected scanner is still in use, typically following a document jam.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A paper jam or hardware interruption occurs during a scan, causing Acrobat to freeze in a scanning state and preventing the document from closing.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat displays a warning prompt stating that the scanner is still in use and completely blocks the user from closing the application or saving the current document.
Before proceeding, check your physical scanner device to clear any visible paper jams and ensure the USB or network connection cable is securely plugged in.
Restart the Scanner and Force-Quit Acrobat
Clear the hardware state and force the Acrobat process to end so you can safely restore the application and restart your scanning task.
When a scanner jams, it fails to send a completion signal to Acrobat. The software remains locked in a 'scanning' state, assuming the hardware is still processing the document. A physical hardware reset combined with a force-quit of the software is required to break this loop.
Turn off your physical scanner using its physical power button. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then turn it back on to clear its internal memory and jam state.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on a Windows PC to open the Task Manager. If you are using a Mac, press Cmd + Space, type 'Activity Monitor', and press Enter.
Locate 'Adobe Acrobat' in the list of running applications or background processes. Select it and click 'End task' (Windows) or the 'X' button (Mac) to force the application to close.
Open Adobe Acrobat again, load your physical document into the scanner feed, and initiate a new scanning session.
Use WPS Office for Reliable PDF Scanning and Editing
Avoid heavy application freezes by using WPS Office's built-in PDF tools. It offers a lightweight, fast, and stable environment to scan physical documents directly to PDF without tying up excessive system resources.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your computer and click on the 'PDF' tab on the main home screen.
- 2. Access the Scanner Tool: Navigate to the Tools menu and select the 'Scanner' or 'Picture to PDF' feature to connect to your local hardware scanner.
- 3. Scan and Save Directly: Follow the on-screen prompts to scan your document. Once completed, save it directly as a highly compatible PDF file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat think my scanner is still in use after a jam?
When a scanner jams or loses connection momentarily, it fails to send the necessary completion signal to your computer. Acrobat remains locked in a 'scanning' state because it is still waiting for the hardware to finish sending data.
Will I lose my scanned pages if I force-quit Acrobat?
Yes, pages that were scanned in the frozen session but not yet saved to your hard drive will likely be lost. You will need to rescan those specific pages after you restart the application.
How can I prevent my scanner from freezing my PDF software in the future?
Ensure your scanner drivers are up to date via the manufacturer's website, use a high-quality and direct USB connection rather than a hub, and routinely clean the scanner's feed rollers to prevent paper jams.
