How to Fix Acrobat Installation Error 71 on Windows via Parallels (M1 Mac)
Question details
The user is encountering Error 71 (network drive error) and Error 405 when trying to install Adobe Acrobat Pro in Windows 10 through Parallels Desktop on an Apple M1 Mac.
- Product
- PDF Software
- Device & OS
- Windows 10 on Apple M1 Mac (via Parallels)
- Scenario
- Installing PDF editing software inside a virtualized Windows ARM environment running on an Apple Silicon Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The installation fails with Error 71 because the installer incorrectly detects the shared Parallels folder as a network drive. After moving the file, Error 405 may appear, stating the software is not yet available for the device.
Ensure you have administrator privileges in your Windows Parallels virtual machine and enough available storage on the local C: drive to hold the full installation package.
Move the Installer to a Local Windows Folder
Resolve Error 71 by copying the installation files out of the shared Parallels Mac folder and directly onto the local Windows virtual drive.
Parallels typically shares your Mac's folders (like Downloads or Documents) with Windows by mapping them as network drives. Adobe Acrobat's installer prevents installation from network drives, triggering Error 71.
Open File Explorer in your Parallels Windows environment and find the downloaded Acrobat installer package in the shared Mac folder.
Select the entire installer folder or executable file, right-click, and select 'Copy'.
Navigate to a local drive path in Windows, such as C:\Users\YourName\Downloads, right-click in the empty space, and select 'Paste'.
Double-click the setup file from this new local directory to begin the installation process.
Resolve ARM Compatibility Issues (Error 405)
Fix Error 405 by ensuring you are downloading the correct ARM-compatible version of the software for your Apple Silicon Mac.
Edit PDFs Natively on Mac with WPS Office
Skip the complex virtual machine setups, network drive errors, and ARM compatibility issues. WPS Office provides a native, robust PDF editor that runs seamlessly on macOS and Apple Silicon without requiring Parallels.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Download and install the native macOS version of WPS Office directly to your Apple Silicon Mac.
- 2. Open the PDF Toolkit: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab located on the application's home screen.
- 3. Load your document: Click 'Open' and select the PDF file you wish to view or modify.
- 4. Edit natively: Use the comprehensive toolbar at the top to edit text, insert images, or add signatures—all without switching to a Windows environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Parallels cause Error 71 during installation?
Parallels integrates macOS and Windows by mapping Mac folders as network drives in the virtual machine. Software installers that block installation from network locations will read these shared folders as invalid sources, triggering Error 71.
What does Error code 405 mean on an M1 Mac?
Error 405 indicates an architecture mismatch. Apple M1 Macs run on ARM processors, and the Windows version installed via Parallels is 'Windows on ARM'. If you attempt to install software designed exclusively for standard Intel (x86/x64) processors, the system will block it.
Do I need Parallels to edit PDFs on an Apple M1 Mac?
No, you do not need Parallels. You can install native macOS PDF editors like WPS Office or the Mac version of Adobe Acrobat, which run perfectly on Apple Silicon and avoid virtual machine complications entirely.
