How to Fix Adobe Acrobat DC Crashing and Not Opening Multiple PDFs
Question details
The user is experiencing frequent crashes, an inability to open multiple PDFs at once, and editing failures in Adobe Acrobat DC after a recent update.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Trying to open multiple PDF files simultaneously or edit existing PDF documents.
- Observed behavior
- The application opens only one PDF at a time, crashes frequently, fails to close properly, and does not allow PDF editing. The issue persists after reinstallation but works on a new Windows user profile.
Ensure you have saved any open work in other applications before troubleshooting, as you may need to restart your computer during this process.
Check for Acrobat Updates
Installing the latest patch can resolve known bugs introduced in previous updates.
Software updates often contain bug fixes for crashing issues and application instability. Checking for the latest version should be your first troubleshooting step.
Launch Adobe Acrobat DC on your computer.
Navigate to the top menu and click on "Help", then select "Check for Updates".
Install any available updates prompted by the system, and then restart your computer to apply the changes.

Reset Acrobat Preferences
Corrupted user preferences can cause Acrobat to crash or limit functionality. Resetting them can restore normal operation.
Create a New Windows User Profile
Since the application works on a new profile, your current Windows user profile might be corrupted.
Edit and Manage Multiple PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office
If Adobe Acrobat DC continues to crash or disrupt your workflow, try WPS Office. It features a robust, built-in PDF editor that easily handles viewing multiple PDFs in tabs, editing text, and managing pages without draining system resources.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office from the official website.
- 2. Open the PDF Tool: Launch WPS Office and click on the "PDF" tab on the home screen interface.
- 3. Open Multiple Files: Click "Open" to select your PDF files. They will open seamlessly in smooth, manageable tabs at the top of your workspace.
- 4. Edit Your Document: Navigate to the "Edit" menu to modify text, insert images, and rearrange pages instantly without performance lag.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat DC only open one PDF at a time?
This usually happens due to corrupted application preferences or a conflicting setting in your Windows user profile after a software update. Resetting Acrobat's preferences often resolves the restriction.
How do I fix Acrobat crashing immediately after opening a file?
Try updating the software via Help > Check for Updates. If that fails, attempt to repair the installation through the Windows Control Panel, or try launching the application from a new Windows user profile.
Does WPS Office support editing PDF files?
Yes, WPS Office includes a powerful built-in PDF editor that allows you to modify text, add images, merge documents, and convert PDFs to Word or Excel formats seamlessly.
Will my existing PDFs open correctly in WPS Office?
Absolutely. WPS Office is fully compatible with standard PDF files created in Adobe Acrobat and other third-party PDF software, ensuring your formatting remains intact.




