To remove Adobe Acrobat DC, you can typically use your operating system's built-in uninstallation feature or, for a more thorough removal, utilize the official Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool.
Standard Uninstallation Methods
The primary way to remove Adobe Acrobat DC involves using your computer's native program uninstaller. This method is generally sufficient for most users.
On Windows
Windows offers two main routes for uninstalling applications: through the Control Panel or the Settings app.
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Using the Control Panel:
- In the Control Panel, select Programs > Program and Features.
- From the list of installed programs, select Adobe Acrobat DC.
- Click Uninstall (usually located at the top of the list).
- Click Yes in the confirmation dialog to proceed with the uninstallation.
- Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the process.
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Using the Settings App (Windows 10/11):
- Right-click the Start button and select Apps and Features (or go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features).
- Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find Adobe Acrobat DC.
- Click on Adobe Acrobat DC and then select Uninstall.
- Confirm your choice in the pop-up dialogs and follow any further instructions.
On macOS
Uninstalling applications on a Mac often involves a simple drag-and-drop or using an uninstaller if provided.
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Drag to Trash:
- Open your Applications folder.
- Locate Adobe Acrobat DC.
- Drag the Adobe Acrobat DC application icon to the Trash in your Dock.
- Right-click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash to permanently remove the application.
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Check for an Uninstaller:
- Sometimes, Adobe applications come with a dedicated uninstaller located within their application folder or as a separate utility. Check the Adobe Acrobat DC folder in Applications for an uninstaller.
Thorough Removal with the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool
If you encounter issues during uninstallation, or if you plan to reinstall Adobe Acrobat DC or another Adobe product, a more comprehensive removal using the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool is recommended. This tool helps remove leftover files, folders, and registry entries that a standard uninstall might miss.
When to Use the Cleaner Tool
- When a standard uninstallation fails or encounters errors.
- If you're upgrading or downgrading Acrobat versions and want to ensure a clean slate.
- To resolve conflicts caused by previous installations.
- When troubleshooting persistent issues with Acrobat.
Steps to Use the Cleaner Tool
- Download the Tool: Visit Adobe's official website and search for the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool specific to your operating system (Windows or macOS).
- Close All Adobe Applications: Before running the tool, ensure all Adobe applications, including Adobe Acrobat DC, are completely closed. Check your Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to confirm no related processes are running.
- Run the Tool:
- On Windows: Double-click the downloaded executable file (.exe). Follow the on-screen instructions, accepting the End User License Agreement (EULA) and selecting the version of Acrobat DC you wish to remove.
- On macOS: Double-click the downloaded .dmg file, then double-click the Cleaner Tool application inside. Follow the prompts to select the version to remove.
- Restart Your Computer: After the tool completes its process, it's crucial to restart your computer to finalize the removal of all components.
Pre-Uninstallation Checklist
Before attempting to remove Adobe Acrobat DC, consider these steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Close Acrobat DC: Make sure the application is not running in the background. Check your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (macOS) and quit the application.
- Save Your Work: Ensure all documents opened in Acrobat DC or other applications are saved and closed.
- Check for Running Processes:
- Windows: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and look for any processes related to Adobe Acrobat (e.g., AcroCEF, Acrobat.exe). End these processes if found.
- macOS: Open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor) and search for Adobe Acrobat processes. Select and quit them.
- Administrator Privileges: Ensure you are logged in with an administrator account or have the necessary permissions to uninstall software.
Comparison of Removal Methods
| Feature | Standard Uninstallation (Control Panel/Settings/Drag to Trash) | Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Completeness | Removes main application files, may leave behind residual data | Removes main application, preferences, registry entries, etc. |
| Ease of Use | Generally straightforward | Requires downloading and running a separate tool |
| When to Use | Routine uninstallation, no issues encountered | Troubleshooting, clean reinstall, persistent issues |
| Administrator Rights | Required | Required |
Removing Adobe Acrobat DC is a straightforward process, but using the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool can be highly beneficial for ensuring a complete and thorough uninstallation, especially when troubleshooting or preparing for a fresh installation.
