acrobat.exe

What is acrobat.exe?

acrobat.exe is the executable for Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, the desktop PDF viewer and editor. It starts to render PDF documents, manage annotations, print, and perform background tasks such as updates and security checks. You may see multiple acrobat.exe processes when viewing several PDFs or using plugins.

Acrobat uses a modular, multi‑process model where the main application delegates rendering, form handling, JavaScript, and plugin tasks to separate processes. This improves stability and isolates PDFs from the OS.

Types of Acrobat Processes

• Main Application Process: The primary user interface and control logic for Acrobat Reader DC (1 instance).
• Renderer Process: Renders PDF content for each document (multiple instances).
• Updater Process: Handles product updates and patch checks.
• Plugin Process: Adobe plugins and embedded content run in separate processes.
• Background Task: Background security checks, indexing, and synchronization tasks.
• Protected View Sandbox: Isolates potentially unsafe PDFs to protect the system.

Is acrobat.exe Safe?

Yes, acrobat.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Adobe downloaded from official sources (adobe.com/downloads or installed by the vendor).

Is acrobat.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real acrobat.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes uses similar filenames to impersonate Acrobat.

How to Tell if acrobat.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat Reader DC\Reader or C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat Reader DC\Reader. Any acrobat.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click acrobat.exe > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show "Adobe Systems Incorporated" as the signer.
3. Resource Usage: Typical usage is modest when idle; monitor for unusually high CPU or memory when no PDFs are open.
4. Behavior: Acrobat should run when you open a PDF or when updates run. Multiple hidden instances when no documents are open is suspicious.

Why Is acrobat.exe Running on My PC?

acrobat.exe runs when you open Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or when Acrobat is performing background tasks such as updates, security checks, or document indexing.

Reasons it's running:

• Active PDF Use: You're currently viewing or editing a PDF; each document may spawn its own renderer process.
• Background Services: Updater, synced plugins, or protected view components run in the background to ensure security and feature updates.
• Startup and Auto-Launch: Acrobat may be configured to start automatically when Windows starts or when a user logs in.
• Security and Protected View: Acrobat uses sandboxed processes to handle potentially risky PDFs, which can keep multiple processes active.
• Plugins and Extensions: Installed plugins or integrated services (e.g., digital signing) may run as separate processes.

Can I Disable or Remove acrobat.exe?

Yes, you can disable acrobat.exe. It's safe to close Acrobat when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different PDF viewer.

How to Stop acrobat.exe

• Close All PDFs: Close every open PDF document and exit Acrobat completely.
• Disable Startup: Windows Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
• End Acrobat Processes: Open Windows Task Manager > Processes > right-click Acrobat.exe / AcroRd32.exe > End Task.
• Pause Updates: In Acrobat, go to Help > Check for Updates and pause or delay updates if available.
• Stop Background Apps: In Acrobat > Edit > Preferences > General, disable 'Enable Protected View' or related background tasks if appropriate.

How to Uninstall Acrobat Reader DC

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Adobe Acrobat Reader DC → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Adobe Acrobat Reader DC → Uninstall
• ✔ Consider alternatives: Foxit Reader, Nitro PDF, or PDF-XChange Editor

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If acrobat.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too many PDFs open: Each document can spawn a renderer process. Close unused PDFs or use the window list to manage documents.
• Background or auto-update tasks: Check for updates manually and adjust automatic update settings in Preferences.
• Outdated Acrobat version: Update to the latest version from Help > Check for Updates and restart.
• Plugins or add-ins: Disable unnecessary plugins: Edit > Preferences > General > Enable or disable plug-ins.
• Hardware acceleration: Toggle hardware acceleration: Edit > Preferences > General > Use hardware acceleration when available.
• Corrupted preferences: Reset Acrobat preferences: Close Acrobat, delete the preferences file at C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Acrobat\DC\Preferences, then restart.

Related Processes