How to Fix Acrobat.dll Access Violations and Crashes
Question details
Users need to resolve a crash issue caused by Acrobat.dll access violations when opening PDF files through third-party software after the November 2020 update.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC / Reader
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening PDF files in third-party software that relies on an Adobe DLL following the November 2020 release.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat Pro DC or Reader crashes or throws an access violation error associated with Acrobat.dll.
Before making any modifications, ensure you create a complete backup of the Windows Registry, and consult your IT administrator if you are on a managed network.
Modify the Windows Registry to Prevent DLL Unloading
Adjust the FeatureLockDown and AVGeneral registry keys for Adobe Acrobat or Reader to prevent DLL unloading and delay browser-related termination.
This solution configures specific Adobe policies within the Windows Registry to stop the system from prematurely unloading the Acrobat.dll file, which is the root cause of the access violation crashes.
Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type 'regedit' into the text field and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
Navigate to 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\DC\FeatureLockDown'. If you are using Reader, go to the 'Acrobat Reader' path instead. Create or modify the DWORD value named 'bDisallowDLLUnload' and set its value data to '1'.
Navigate to 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\DC\AVGeneral' (or the equivalent 'Acrobat Reader' path). Create or modify the DWORD value named 'iDelayBeforeQuitBrowser' and set its value data to '129600' in decimal (or '1FA40' in hexadecimal).
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to ensure the new registry configurations are fully applied. Try opening your PDF files again.
Try WPS PDF as a Stable Alternative for Viewing and Editing PDFs
If Adobe Acrobat continues to crash due to DLL conflicts, consider switching to WPS Office. It includes a built-in, lightweight PDF reader and editor that operates entirely independently of Adobe DLLs, ensuring a smooth and crash-free experience.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Set as Default PDF Reader: Right-click any PDF file, select 'Open with', choose 'WPS Office', and check the box to always use this app.
- 3. Open and Edit Safely: Double-click your PDF documents to enjoy stable, crash-free viewing and editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the Acrobat.dll access violation error?
This error was primarily introduced after the November 2020 update for Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and Reader. It occurs when third-party software attempts to use an Adobe DLL to open a PDF, leading to internal conflicts and premature DLL unloading.
Will reinstalling Adobe Acrobat fix the DLL crash?
Reinstalling typically does not resolve the issue if the root cause is the specific DLL behavior introduced in the November 2020 update. Applying the recommended registry tweaks is the most effective official workaround.
Are these registry edits safe for my computer?
Yes, modifying these specific Adobe registry keys is safe and recommended as a workaround for this issue. However, you should always back up your registry before making any changes to prevent unintended system instability if a mistake is made.
Does this issue affect other PDF readers like WPS PDF?
No, this access violation is specific to Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader's DLL files. Using an alternative PDF software like WPS Office avoids this issue entirely since it uses its own independent PDF processing engine.
