Acrobat Reader Popup Trying to Force Me to Install Adobe Photo Express

Question

A search on the internet clearly shows that Adobe has been making extremely poor decisions with Adobe Photo Express. Despite the massive backlash, Abobe does NOT seem to have not learned it’s lesson! Today, when opening my Acrobat Reader to view a PDF while on a conference call, a popup appeared that was trying to force me to install Adobe Photo Express. It took me several minutes for us to figure out how to get rid of the popup as the only option presented was to install it, which I was unwilling to do. I could not access my PDFs until I got rid of it. We finally found the tiny checkbox to close the popup. This is ridiculous! You are making it near impossible to prevent the installation of this unwanted bloatware. If I wanted to install this application, I would have! I would not be writing this if I got an email suggesting the application, but this popup message is malicious! This is what viruses do, not legitimate software from a reputable company. This needs to STOP! Why do you want to destroy your company’s once-good name? What makes you think this behavior is acceptable?

This is a question forum, so my question is this: I applied the registry key (bDisableHarmonyInstallationFeature in HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\DC\FeatureLockDown) that was suggested in other posts, but I worry that only impacts Adobe’s attempt to forcibly install the software using the Updater process. These popups and forced installs need to go away! I already unchecked the box “Show me messages when I launch Adobe Acrobat” and I have checked “Don’t show messages while viewing a document”. Neither stopped this from occurring. It is clear that we do NOT want this software forced upon us! I will NEVER install your awful photo express, so stop trying to make me! So, I need to know how I can permanently stop Adobe from trying to force software on me, whether behind my back or via these abusive popups. Otherwise, I might have to give FoxIt a try and I may never come back!

BaniVerma · Accepted Answer

Hi @HereticAZ,Thank you for sharing your experience and explaining the steps you've already taken. We understand how disruptive an unexpected installation notification can be, particularly when you're trying to access a PDF during a conference call.To address your question about the registry setting, the bDisableHarmonyInstallationFeature policy is designed to suppress the Adobe Express Photos installation notification in Acrobat Reader. This setting is not limited to controlling installation through the Acrobat updater.For reference, the policy should be configured as follows:Registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\Adobe Acrobat\DC\FeatureLockDownValue name: bDisableHarmonyInstallationFeatureType: REG_DWORDValue data: 1This setting suppresses the Adobe Express Photos installation notification in Acrobat Reader.Adobe Express Photos is not automatically installed through Acrobat Reader. Installation requires the user to initiate it from the notification. For additional details, please refer to the Adobe Express Photos FAQs for administrators.We recognize the importance of having control over installation notifications and appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns. Your feedback will be shared with the relevant teams.If the notification continues to appear after the policy is applied, please let us know so we can assist further.Thanks,^BS

HereticAZ · Answer

Hi BaniVerma,Thank you, I have that setting on all my computers and will monitor it closely. I will note that I shouldn’t have to do this to opt out of this forced installs of Express Photos (or any other software I didn’t authorize).

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