How to Uninstall Adobe Acrobat Pro x64 on Windows: A Deep Dive

So, you’ve decided to part ways with Adobe Acrobat Pro x64 on your Windows machine. Whether you’re upgrading, troubleshooting, or simply freeing up space, the uninstall process needs to be clean and thorough to avoid lingering issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide, ensuring you bid adieu to Acrobat Pro effectively. The primary method involves using the Windows Settings app or the Control Panel, followed by optional cleanup steps for a pristine system.

The Primary Uninstall Methods

Uninstalling via Windows Settings App

This method is straightforward and usually sufficient for a clean removal.

1. Open the Settings app: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app directly. Alternatively, search for “Settings” in the Windows search bar.
2. Navigate to Apps: In the Settings app, click on “Apps” then “Apps & Features.”
3. Locate Adobe Acrobat Pro x64: Scroll through the list of installed applications or use the search bar to find “Adobe Acrobat Pro x64”. Make sure you’re identifying the correct version if you have multiple Adobe products installed.
4. Uninstall: Click on Adobe Acrobat Pro x64, and an “Uninstall” button will appear. Click this button.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts: A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Uninstall” again to begin the process. You may be prompted to close other Adobe-related applications. Follow the instructions carefully.
6. Restart your computer: After the uninstall process completes, restart your computer. This ensures any remaining temporary files are removed and finalizes the uninstallation.

Uninstalling via Control Panel

This is the classic method and provides similar results to the Settings app method.

1. Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and open the application.
2. Navigate to Programs: In the Control Panel, under “Programs”, click on “Uninstall a program.” If you’re viewing the Control Panel in “Category” view, click “Programs” then “Uninstall a program.”
3. Locate Adobe Acrobat Pro x64: Scroll through the list of installed programs and find “Adobe Acrobat Pro x64”.
4. Uninstall: Right-click on “Adobe Acrobat Pro x64” and select “Uninstall”. Alternatively, select the program and click the “Uninstall” button at the top of the program list.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts: A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Uninstall” again to begin the process. Close any open Adobe applications as prompted.
6. Restart your computer: Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your computer to finalize the process.

Advanced Cleanup: Ensuring a Thorough Removal

While the primary uninstall methods usually suffice, some residual files and registry entries may remain. These remnants can sometimes cause issues with future installations or system performance. Consider these advanced cleanup steps after completing the primary uninstall method and restarting your computer.

Using the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool

Adobe provides a dedicated Acrobat Cleaner Tool to help remove leftover files and registry entries. This tool is particularly useful if you’ve encountered issues during the standard uninstall process or are planning a fresh installation.

1. Download the Acrobat Cleaner Tool: Visit the Adobe website and search for the “Acrobat Cleaner Tool” appropriate for your version of Acrobat Pro. Download the tool to your computer. Be extremely careful to download only from official Adobe sources to avoid malware.
2. Run the Acrobat Cleaner Tool: Close all Adobe applications. Run the downloaded tool as an administrator. (Right-click on the file and select “Run as administrator.”)
3. Follow the on-screen prompts: The tool will scan your system for Acrobat-related files and registry entries. Follow the instructions to remove them. This process might take some time.
4. Restart your computer: Restart your computer after the tool completes its cleanup process.

Manually Removing Residual Files and Folders (Use with Caution!)

Warning: Manually editing the Windows Registry can be risky if not done correctly. Back up your registry before proceeding. Incorrect modifications can cause system instability. This should only be considered if the cleaner tool did not work.

1. Show Hidden Files and Folders: Open File Explorer, go to the “View” tab, and check the box labeled “Hidden items”. This will reveal hidden files and folders that might contain residual Acrobat data.
2. Check Program Files: Navigate to the “Program Files” and “Program Files (x86)” folders on your C: drive. Look for any remaining Adobe or Acrobat folders. If you find any, carefully delete them.
3. Check AppData: Navigate to the “AppData” folder in your user profile folder (e.g., C:UsersYourUsernameAppData). This folder contains three subfolders: “Local,” “Roaming,” and “LocalLow.” Check each of these subfolders for any remaining Adobe or Acrobat folders and carefully delete them.
4. Edit the Registry (Advanced Users Only):
   • Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
   • Back up your registry by going to File > Export and saving a copy of your registry.
   • Use Ctrl + F to search for “Adobe Acrobat” or “Acrobat Pro”.
   • Carefully review each search result and delete any registry keys or values associated with the uninstalled version of Acrobat Pro. Be extremely cautious and only delete entries that you are absolutely sure are related to the program.
   • Close the Registry Editor.
5. Restart your computer: Restart your computer after completing the manual cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why can’t I uninstall Adobe Acrobat Pro? The uninstall button is grayed out!

   This often indicates that the program is still running in the background. Close all Adobe-related processes in the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and try again. It may also mean you lack the necessary administrative privileges. Ensure you are logged in as an administrator or have administrator rights when attempting the uninstall. Sometimes, a corrupted installation can cause this. In that case, try reinstalling Acrobat Pro and then uninstalling it.

2. How do I force uninstall Adobe Acrobat Pro if the standard methods fail?

   Consider using a third-party uninstaller tool like Revo Uninstaller. These tools can often force uninstall programs and remove associated files and registry entries. However, proceed with caution and always back up your system before using such tools. Always download uninstallers from reputable sources.

3. Will uninstalling Adobe Acrobat Pro affect other Adobe applications on my computer?

   Uninstalling Acrobat Pro shouldn’t directly affect other Adobe applications like Photoshop or Illustrator, as they are typically installed and managed separately. However, shared components might be affected. If you experience issues with other Adobe applications after uninstalling Acrobat Pro, consider reinstalling those applications.

4. Does uninstalling Adobe Acrobat Pro remove my PDF files?

   No, uninstalling Adobe Acrobat Pro will not remove your PDF files. The uninstall process only removes the application itself and its associated files. Your PDF documents will remain on your computer.

5. I keep getting an error message during the uninstall process. What should I do?

   Error messages during uninstallation can indicate various issues. Try closing all other applications, restarting your computer, and then attempting the uninstall again. If the error persists, try using the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool or a third-party uninstaller.

6. Can I uninstall an older version of Adobe Acrobat Pro even if I have a newer version installed?

   Yes, you can uninstall older versions of Adobe Acrobat Pro. However, be sure to identify the correct version you want to uninstall to avoid accidentally removing the newer version.

7. How can I prevent future installation problems with Adobe Acrobat Pro?

   Ensure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest updates and that you have sufficient system resources (RAM, disk space) before installing Adobe Acrobat Pro. Download the installer from the official Adobe website and run it as an administrator. Disable any antivirus software temporarily during the installation process.

8. After uninstalling, I still see Adobe Acrobat Pro in the list of installed programs. Why?

   This is likely a registry issue. Even after uninstalling, the registry entry might remain. Use the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool or manually edit the registry (with caution) as described above to remove the entry.

9. Is there a way to reinstall Adobe Acrobat Pro without having to download the entire installer again?

   If you have previously downloaded the installer, you can use that file again. Alternatively, if you have an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, you can download and install Adobe Acrobat Pro through the Creative Cloud desktop app.

10. What happens to my Adobe Acrobat Pro subscription if I uninstall the software?

    Uninstalling the software does not cancel your subscription. You will need to cancel your subscription separately through your Adobe account on the Adobe website.

11. I’m switching to a different PDF reader. Are there any recommended alternatives to Adobe Acrobat Pro?

    Yes, there are many excellent alternatives. Some popular options include Foxit PDF Editor, Nitro PDF Pro, PDFelement, and free options like PDF-XChange Editor (free version) and online tools like Smallpdf or iLovePDF for basic tasks.

12. Does uninstalling Adobe Acrobat Pro remove the Adobe PDF printer driver?

    Typically, yes. The Adobe PDF printer driver is usually uninstalled along with the main program. However, if you still see the Adobe PDF printer driver after the uninstall, you can remove it manually by going to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, selecting the Adobe PDF printer, and clicking “Remove device.”