When starting acrobat reader on a RDS server 2016 we get an error The procedure entry point SetThreadDescription could not to be located in the dynamic link library c:\program files\adobe\Acrobat DC\Acrobat\AGM.dll

This is the 2nd night I’ve tried fixing this exact issue on our session host farm running Server 2016 and every time I get it working with an older version than yesterdays it just automatically updates and there doesn’t seem to be any way to stop it from updating. Windows Server 2016 (version 1607 build 14393.9512). I’ve tried both 32-bit and 64-bit installs and the same error occurs. It started as soon as it auto updated to version 26.002.21996. 

Just adding a reply to say I’m encountering the same problem in a 2016 RDS environment as well. Started a little over 24 hours ago now.

I tried re-installs and sometimes it opens on the first attempt but not again after that. I’ve just run the acrobat cleaner software on both RDS hosts and am going to reboot overnight then try another install again tomorrow morning.

Hello @CPCTechnischeDienst

I hope you are doing well, and thanks for sharing the details. Sorry for the trouble you had.

This error does not normally mean that AGM.dll is missing. SetThreadDescription is a Windows API, and Windows Server 2016 exposes it differently from newer Windows Server versions. If the installed Acrobat/Reader build does not handle that Server 2016 behaviour correctly, the application can fail while loading AGM.dll. Microsoft documents the Server 2016 API behaviour here: SetThreadDescription.

Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat installed on the machine: Win: 26.002.21996, Mac: 26.002.22008, Planned update, Oct 06, 2026. Check for any pending updates by navigating to Menu > Help> Check for Updates. Install the updates, restart the app and the machine/session if possible, and try again.

Windows Server 2016 64-bit is still listed in the current Acrobat Reader system requirements, so this should not require manually replacing any DLLs.

Please ensure the server has the latest Windows cumulative updates, restart it, and share the following:

• Acrobat/Reader version and whether it is 32- or 64-bit

• Windows Server build shown by winver

• Whether the error started immediately after an Acrobat update

Please do not copy AGM.dll from another computer or download it separately, as the DLL must match the installed Acrobat build.

I hope this helps, and please reach out if you need any assistance.

Regards,

Anand Sri.