Resolve Acrobat Reader download issues (2024)

Having trouble downloading and installing Adobe Acrobat Reader? Try these solutions in this order.

Why didn't Acrobat Reader download successfully?

Occasionally, you might face issues when downloading Acrobat Reader. Typically, this occurs for one of the following reasons:

  • Your computer is not connected to the Internet, or there is a problem with your Internet settings.
  • Your antivirus software needs to be updated.
  • You may not be connected to the Adobe server.

How to fix download and installation issues for Acrobat Reader

If you're having trouble installing Acrobat reader, try the following:

From time to time, your antivirus software may incorrectly identify the Acrobat Reader installer as malware. False error reports include "TrojWare.Win32.Trojan.Agent.Gen," "Trojan/JmGeneric.bcy," and "Suspicious." Users also report "Failed to Initialize" errors and having the installer quarantined.

Antivirus software vendors and service providers actively update their software so that the Acrobat Reader installer is recognized as legitimate. Ensure that your antivirus software is up to date.

Certain conditions on your computer, such as security settings or browser cookies, can prevent the Acrobat Reader Installer from downloading. Often, the easiest way to resolve an unsuccessful download is to try the download again using a different browser. Try any of the following browsers that you are not already using:

  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Apple Safari
  • Google Chrome

If you still have trouble downloading Acrobat Reader, try using this direct download link. Select your operating system, language, and version, and then click Download now. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the download.

An unstable Internet connection can prevent you from downloading from other websites.Try downloading a file from another website, such as www.microsoft.com, www.apple.com, or www.mozilla.com. If the problem persists, contact your network administrator, help desk resource, or Internet service provider (ISP). See Resolve an unstable Internet connection to the Adobe website or FTP site for details.

After you establish a stable Internet connection, try to download the file again. If the original attempt to download the file was interrupted, restart the download process within the web browser you were using.

Note:

A high volume of activity can interfere with an Internet connection. For best results, try to download files when there is less activity (for example, late in the evening, early in the morning, or on weekends).

Video card manufacturers frequently update their software drivers. If you haven't recently updated the video card driver, download an updated driver from the manufacturer's website. (To determine the manufacturer of a video card, view the card's properties in Device Manager.)

If one of the following errors occurs when you try to connect to or download from the Adobe website, work through the tasks below.

  • Nothing happens.
  • A file stops downloading prematurely.
  • Any of the following errors occur:
    • "The server returned extended information."
    • "Connection failure has interrupted the download. Check your Internet settings and click retry."
    • "Cannot connect to server, server cannot be found."

A system freeze or an error message indicates a specific problem with your computer or the installation process. To troubleshoot further, see the solution associated with the error in the table below.

Symptom or error

Solution

  • "Metafile download failed" error
  • "Actionlist not found" error
  • "Retrieving install..." message, but no activity for several minutes.
  • Can't download Reader from the Adobe website.
  • Can't open the Reader installation file.
  • "The extraction failed for an unknown reason. The program has been closed without installing...." This error can occur after you download Reader successfully or if you download the installation file and double-click it to start the installation.

Installation starts but a frozen cursor, frozen screen, or an error message interrupts startup.

(Windows only)
Error 1402: Could not open key[key name]
Error 1406: Could not write value folders to key[key name]

(Windows only)
Error 1606: Could not access network location Startup

(Windows only)
Error 1635: This patch package could not be opened

Still need help?

Visit the forums.See if other users are experiencing similar download and installation problems by visiting theReader user-to-user forum, or theon AcrobatUsers.com. Try posting your problem on the forums for interactive troubleshooting. When posting on forums, include your operating system and your product's version number.

Resolve Acrobat Reader download issues (2024)

FAQs

How to fix download and installation issues for Acrobat Reader? ›

Use a different browser. Often, the easiest way to resolve failed downloads is to try the download again using a different browser. For example, if you're using Internet Explorer on Windows, try Firefox. If you're using Firefox on Mac OS, try Safari.

Why are my Adobe downloads failing? ›

Check your connectivity. Visit the Adobe website to make sure that you are connected to the Internet. Temporarily disable any firewalls and antivirus software. See the firewall or antivirus documentation for information on temporarily disabling the firewall or virus check.

How to fix Adobe Acrobat Reader? ›

Repair Adobe Reader/Acrobat
  1. Close Acrobat/Reader and all open web browser windows.
  2. Select the Start button at the bottom left of your screen.
  3. Type Control Panel, then press Enter.
  4. Select Programs and Features.
  5. Select Acrobat or Adobe Reader, then Uninstall/Change.
  6. In the Setup dialog box, select Next.
Feb 12, 2024

Why can't I download Adobe Acrobat Reader? ›

Issue: Unable to download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader

Download issues may occur due to one of the following reasons: Your computer isn't connected to the Internet, or there is a problem with your Internet settings. Your antivirus software needs to be updated. You may not be connected to the Adobe server.

How do I repair Adobe PDF installation? ›

Launch the app and go to Help > Check for updates. Repair installation. If the PDF still doesn't work after updating Acrobat Reader, go to Help > Repair installation. Restore previous version.

Why does Adobe keep failing to install? ›

How to fix "failed to install" or "failed to update" errors. The Creative Cloud desktop app fails to install or update usually because the Creative Cloud apps on your machine have become corrupted or your machine can't connect to the Adobe servers.

Why are PDF downloads failing? ›

If you're trying to download a PDF and see a "failed" message, its likely the PDF you're trying to make is just too large to download through your browser. Generally we'd advise keeping books to a smaller size if you're sharing as a PDF. We also offer some different view options to help reduce the size.

Why do I keep getting failed downloads? ›

This error means that your computer's security settings blocked the file. Learn more about blocked downloads. On Windows: Windows Attachment Manager could have removed the file you tried to download. To check which files you can download or why your file was blocked, check your Windows internet security settings.

How do I fix a PDF that won't download? ›

If you're facing the issue of “PDF Drive Won't Download,” consider following these steps one by one:
  1. Check Your Internet Connection. ...
  2. Refresh the Page. ...
  3. Use a Different Browser. ...
  4. Clear Browser Cache. ...
  5. Check File Availability. ...
  6. Download Manager. ...
  7. Wait and Retry. ...
  8. Contact Support.

How do I download the full version of Adobe Reader? ›

How do I download free Acrobat Reader desktop and mobile apps?
  1. Desktop app: Visit the Acrobat Reader download page to get Reader for your desktop. Once there, you can select your language, operating system, and connection speed.
  2. Mobile app: To download this app, visit the Google Play or the iTunes App Store.

Why doesn't Adobe Reader work? ›

Your PDF reader or preferred program is out of date and needs an update. Your PDF application is potentially damaged or needs to be rebooted. The PDF is potentially damaged or tampered with. A potential virus or malicious attack is embedded into a PDF file.

Is it OK to download Adobe Acrobat Reader? ›

(Adobe Reader app is the free, trusted standard for viewing, printing, signing, and annotating PDFs.)

Is Adobe Acrobat Reader no longer free? ›

No. Acrobat Reader is a free, stand-alone application that you can use to open, view, sign, print, annotate, search, and share PDF files. Acrobat Pro and Acrobat Standard are paid products that are part of the same family. See the Acrobat product comparison to explore the differences.

How to fix Adobe Acrobat not responding? ›

Please try to remove the application using the Acrobat cleaner tool https://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/Labs/cleaner.html , reboot the computer and reinstall the application using the direct link https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/acrobat-dc-downloads.html and see if that works.

Why am I having trouble downloading PDF files? ›

Slow or Unstable Internet Connection: A sluggish or unreliable internet connection can impede the download procedure. Downloads may fail or take an excessively long time. Server Overload: PDF Drive's servers may experience high traffic, causing delays in downloads or making files temporarily unavailable.

How do I download and install Adobe Reader? ›

How to download and install Acrobat Reader. Select Download Acrobat Reader below to begin downloading Acrobat Reader. Follow the onscreen instructions to install and sign in.

How to fix suspended installation errors for Acrobat on Windows? ›

Solution 1: Stop any in-progress installations
  1. Click Start > Run.
  2. Type regedit and click OK.
  3. Navigate to the key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\ and check if Inprogress key exists.
  4. Delete the key and restart the installation.
May 23, 2023

How do I fix Adobe Reader plugin not installed or enabled? ›

If you haven't installed Adobe Reader, download and install it onto your computer. Launch Google Chrome, and type "chrome://plugins/" into the address bar, Hit enter to launch the plugins settings tab. In the list of plugins, you should be able to see Reader or Adobe Acrobat. Click "Enable" to activate it.

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