Microsoft Edge WebView2 will be required for new Acrobat and Reader installations on Windows

What You Need to Know 

In most cases, nothing. If WebView2 is not already installed, Acrobat or Reader will prompt you during installation. 

Who it affects: All users of 64-bit Acrobat and 64-bit Reader on Windows installing new copies from November 2026 onwards who do not have MS Webview2 installed on their machines. (This does not affect 32-bit versions or existing installations). 

What’s required: Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime, Version 131 or later 

For End Users 

For fresh installations of 64-bit Acrobat or Reader from November 2026 onward, Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is required. 

Windows 11 devices running version 21H2 or later typically come with WebView2 Runtime pre-installed. If WebView2 Runtime is not installed on your device, Acrobat or Reader will prompt you to install it. 

If you’re unsure whether WebView2 Runtime is available on your device, refer to the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime documentation or see the “Check whether Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is installed section” on this page. 

Alternatively, you can simply proceed with Acrobat or Reader. If WebView2 Runtime is required, you’ll be prompted to install it. 

Existing installations: If you already have 64-bit Acrobat or Reader installed, this change does not affect you immediately. The WebView2 requirement applies only to new installations from November 2026 onward. 

Plugins and scripts: This change is not expected to affect supported plugins, add-ons, VBA scripts, or third-party integrations. If you encounter any compatibility issues after updating, let us know. 

For IT Administrators

• Validate environment compatibility: Check that your Windows infrastructure supports WebView2 Runtime (Windows 10 SAC version 1709 or later) 
• If you manage Acrobat or Acrobat Reader deployments and your environments do not currently include the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime, please plan to update your deployment packages before November 2026. 
• Pre-deploy WebView2 (optional): You can pre-install Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime on your systems before rolling out the November 2026 release or later, 

FAQ:

Q: Why is Adobe making this change?

Q: What about 32-bit Acrobat and Reader?

Q: Where can I download Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime?

Questions? 

This is an important change, and we want you to feel confident. If you have questions about your setup, system compatibility, or whether WebView2 is already on your machine, I’ll be here in the comments. Feel free to ask! 

Check whether Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is installed? 
To verify whether the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime is already installed on your Windows devices. 

Using PowerShell 
Run the following command: 

$wv2=(Get-ItemProperty "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\Clients\{F3017226-FE2A-4295-8BDF-00C3A9A7E4C5}","HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate\Clients\{F3017226-FE2A-4295-8BDF-00C3A9A7E4C5}" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Select-Object -ExpandProperty pv -First 1); if ($wv2 -and $wv2 -ne "0.0.0.0") {Write-Output "WebView2 Runtime: Installed (Version $wv2)" } else { Write-Output "WebView2 Runtime: Not Installed"}

Learn More 

• Adobe Acrobat 64-bit System Requirements 
• Adobe Reader 64-bit System Requirements