Fix Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Not Opening Issue in Windows

In this tutorial, we will show you the steps to fix the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC not opening issues on your Windows PC. Whether you wish to create, edit, print, or just wish to view any Portable Document Format file, then this is the go-to choice. Likewise, you could also sign, and annotate PDFs. However, as of late, some Windows users are having a tough time dealing with this software. Many users aren’t able to launch the Acrobat Reader app on their Windows setup.

They have also voiced their concern about this issue over at the Adobe Support Community as well. With that said, in this guide, we will make you aware of all the plausible reasons for this error. More importantly, we will list out all potential fixes to rectify those issues, which in turn will fix the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC not opening issues on Windows. Follow along for the complete instructions.

Fix Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Not Opening Issue in Windows

There could be quite a few reasons for the aforementioned issues. To begin with, one of the software’s background processes might conflict with the proper running of the app. Along the same lines, if Adobe hasn’t been granted the required permissions, it might show in the above error. In some instances, there could also be some compatibility issues with the app or even its setup. On that note, here are the required fixes that you could carry out to rectify this issue.

Fix 1: End Process of Adobe RdrCEF

This is a software component of Adobe Acrobat that is given the task to manage cloud connectivity features. Along the same lines, it handles network interaction and Document Cloud services. However, it seems this service could well be one of the culprits of this issue. In this regard, the only way forward is to stop this process via Task manager.

Do keep in mind that once you do so, you might have an issue or two making use of the software’s online features, but you would at least be able to use the app. Hence, launch the Task Manager using the Ctrl+Shift+Esc shortcut key combinations. Then search for the Adobe RdrCEF process, select it, and click on End Task. Now launch the app and the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC not opening issue should be rectified. If it’s still there, there here are a few other workarounds that you could try.

Fix 2: Use Acrobat Cleaner Tool

Adobe also has a pretty handy tool that is able to remove all the corrupt and conflicting installation files. And since it comes directly from the app’s publisher, you could easily count on it. So go ahead and download the Adobe Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool from Adobe Labs.

Then open the setup and proceed with the installation steps. Then launch the tool, which would be having a command-line interface, type in the number next to the required option, and let it carry out its intended job. Once the process is complete, reboot your PC. Now see if the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC not opening issue has been fixed or not.

Fix 3: Run in Windows 7/8 Compatibility Mode

Some users have reportedly fixed this issue while running the app in the Compatibility Mode. They had Windows 10 installed on their PC, and upon running the app in Windows 7 or 8 compatibilities, they were able to use the app to its full potential. Hence, here are the required steps to carry out the aforementioned task:

1. Right-click on the Adobe icon and select Properties. If the icon isn’t visible, then refer to our guide on How to fix the Adobe Acrobat DC icon not showing in Windows 10?
2. Then head over to the Compatibility tab and enable the ‘Run this program in compatibility mode for’ option.
3. Select Windows 7 or Windows 8 from the drop-down. Click Apply followed by OK.

Now launch the app and the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC not opening issue might be fixed with this. If your answer is in a negative tone, then here are some other tips that might help you out.

Fix 4: Reinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

If none of the above methods managed to give out desirable results, then you should consider reinstalling the app, with a few extra tweaks along the way.

1. So first and foremost, download the Acrobat Reader DC from the official site.
2. Once that is done, right-click on it select Properties.
3. Then go to Compatibility > Select Windows 7/8 Compatibility Mode. Click Apply > OK.
4. Now launch the setup and proceed with the onscreen instructions to install it. After the installation is complete, restart your PC.
5. Now right-click on the Adobe icon, select Properties, and again go to the Compatibility tab.
   
6. Select Run this program as an Administrator and click Apply followed by OK. Launch the app and the issue should be rectified by now.

With this, we conclude the guide on how to fix the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC not opening issues on Windows. We have shared four different fixes for the same, let us know in the comments which method managed to rectify your issue. Likewise, here are some iPhone Tips and Tricks, PC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Trick that deserve your attention as well.