How to Install Adobe Acrobat Pro DC on a Different Drive
Question details
The user wants to install Adobe Acrobat Pro DC on a secondary drive instead of the default system drive.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user needs to free up space on their primary C: drive or prefers to manage software installations on a specific secondary drive.
- Observed behavior
- The user is looking for the correct settings menu within the Adobe installation process to designate a new target directory before completing the download.
Ensure you have the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application installed and updated to the latest version, as individual application directories are managed centrally through its settings.
Change the Default Install Location via Creative Cloud Preferences
Modify the global installation path in the Creative Cloud app before downloading and installing Acrobat Pro DC.
Adobe relies on the Creative Cloud desktop application to manage all software installations. To install Acrobat Pro DC on a different drive, you must first change the global installation location setting within the Creative Cloud app. Any app installed after this change will be routed to the new destination.
Launch the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application on your computer.
Click on the three dots (More actions) located in the upper-right corner of the Creative Cloud window.
Select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu to open the main settings window.
Click on the 'Apps' or 'Creative Cloud' tab in the sidebar to view the installation settings.
Locate the 'Install Location' dropdown menu. Click the folder icon or dropdown and select your preferred drive (such as the D: drive) or a specific target folder.
Return to the main Creative Cloud app catalog and click 'Install' next to Acrobat Pro DC. The software will now install in your newly designated location.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move an already installed Acrobat Pro DC to another drive?
No, you cannot simply drag and drop the installation folder to a new drive as it will break registry links and software functionality. You must uninstall Acrobat, change the installation path in Creative Cloud preferences, and then reinstall the application.
Why is the 'Install Location' option greyed out or missing in Creative Cloud?
The setting may be locked if another Adobe application is currently updating or installing in the background. Wait for all active processes to complete, or restart the Creative Cloud app to access the preferences.
Will changing the install location affect my other Adobe apps?
Yes. Once you change the default installation path in the Creative Cloud preferences, any newly installed Adobe applications will default to that new drive. Already installed apps will remain in their original locations until reinstalled.
