Acrobat is not responding and shows a running instance error in June 2026

Question

I am only using Adobe Reader and this problem just surfaced recently (I assume it has to do with a recent update). I can open the pdf files with MS Edge OK (which I don’t want to use). The error says “something went wrong” then it says “A running instance of Acrobat has caused an error” when I try to open the pdf with Adobe Reader like I always have. It is on a WIN10 desktop.

Ron

Tariq Ahmad Dar · Answer

Hello ​@dresdenron,Thank you for reaching out, and we are sorry to hear you are experiencing this.Please start by going to Help > Check for Updates in Adobe Reader, install any available update and restart your machine. This is the most effective first step as this error has been associated with specific versions.If the issue continues after updating, please run a Repair Installation by going to Help > Repair Installation, allow the process to complete and restart your machine.Also refer to help article for this error which includes additional troubleshooting steps: https://adobe.ly/4xKTDVfCould you also share the following so we can assist further:Your current Adobe Reader version under Help > About Adobe ReaderWhether this happens with all PDF files or specific onesWhether the PDF files are stored locally or on a network or shared drivePlease let us know how it goes and we will be happy to take it from there.~Tariq

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.