How to Reduce Adobe Acrobat eSign Processing Time
Question details
The user needs to reduce the excessive processing time when digitally signing documents in Adobe Reader XI, which currently takes about two minutes and fails if focus is shifted away from the application.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / Adobe Reader XI
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Digitally signing, processing, verifying, and saving multiple PDF documents.
- Observed behavior
- Adobe Reader XI takes approximately two minutes to complete the eSign process for each document, and the operation fails entirely if the user clicks away or shifts window focus during the process.
Before proceeding, ensure you have a stable internet connection, as digital signature verification requires checking certificate revocation lists online, which can cause significant delays if your network is slow.
Upgrade to a Supported Version of Adobe Acrobat
Since Adobe Reader XI is obsolete, upgrading to the newest version of Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Sign is the most effective way to eliminate freezing and drastically improve processing speed.
Legacy software like Adobe Reader XI struggles to maintain compatibility with modern operating systems and background processes. Upgrading restores normal resource allocation, preventing the app from failing when it loses window focus.
Open Adobe Reader XI, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'About Adobe Reader' to confirm your outdated version.
Navigate to the official Adobe website and download the latest installer for Adobe Acrobat Reader or Acrobat Pro.
Run the installer. The system will typically overwrite the obsolete Adobe Reader XI with the new, supported version.
Open a PDF document in the new Adobe Acrobat, apply your digital signature, and save the file to confirm the processing time is now instantaneous.
Optimize Signature Verification Preferences
If you are unable to upgrade your software immediately, tweaking how Adobe Reader XI verifies digital certificates can temporarily reduce processing delays.
Use WPS Office for Lightning-Fast PDF eSignatures
If your current PDF reader is freezing or taking minutes to process signatures, WPS Office offers a lightweight, modern, and high-speed alternative. You can smoothly sign, verify, and save standard PDF documents in seconds without system hang-ups.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website.
- 2. Open your PDF: Launch WPS PDF and open the document you need to digitally sign.
- 3. Access the Sign Tool: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Protect' tab on the top ribbon menu.
- 4. Apply your Signature: Click 'Sign' to instantly create, insert, and verify your digital signature.
- 5. Save Instantly: Save the document. WPS processes the encryption and signature in seconds without locking your screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Reader XI freeze when I click away during signing?
Older software versions like Adobe Reader XI struggle with modern operating system memory management. When you click away, the operating system shifts CPU priority to the new active window, which can cause the outdated, resource-heavy signing process in Adobe to time out or crash.
Can a slow internet connection affect PDF digital signature speed?
Yes. When verifying a digital signature, PDF applications often connect to online Certificate Authorities to check Revocation Lists (CRLs). A slow or unstable network can cause this verification process to hang for several minutes before succeeding or timing out.
Are PDF signatures created in alternative software compatible with Adobe Acrobat?
Yes. As long as the alternative software, such as WPS Office, adheres to international PDF standards (ISO 32000), any digital signature applied will be fully recognized, verifiable, and compatible when opened later in Adobe Acrobat.
How can I check if my Adobe Acrobat version is still supported?
You can check your version by opening Adobe Acrobat, clicking 'Help', and selecting 'About'. Then, visit the Adobe Enterprise Support Lifecycle page online to see if your specific version has reached its End of Life (EOL) date.
