Problems converting/combining multiple .docx files to .pdf.

Have two desktop computers, each Windows 10 running Acrobat XI Pro.

On computer #1, I can select .docx files in Windows Explorer, right click and select "Combine Files in Acrobat".  Once the "Combine Files" button is clicked, the process begins and essentially runs independently in the background - I can work in other programs and complete other tasks simultaneously without affecting the conversion, or my work affecting its progress.

On computer #2, once the combine process begins, it opens an instance of MS Word, converts the file, saves a temporary file in Acrotray, closes MS Word, moved to next .docx, opens Word again, etc., and this cycle repeats for each .docx file.  At the top of each cycle the mouse/cursor focus is put back into that process and if I am typing or happen to click when the focus shifts, it is a wrench in the works and the conversion process fails.

I have tried to compare various features and settings between the two computers but have not been able to get #2 to perform like #1.  Has anyone ran into this issue or have any suggestions?  Anything will be appreciated.