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Participating Frequently
March 28, 2025
Answered

Can't stop Adobe Acrobat reader launching on startup windows 10

  • March 28, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 2929 views

Adobe Acrobat Reader keeps starting on startup in Windows 10. I searched for it in Task manager/Startup programs but it is not there, so I can't disable it. Any ideas? Thank you!

Correct answer Tariq Ahmad

Any ideas?


Hi @aleksandar_1609

 

Thanks for sharing the details; it seems to be a system-specific issue. You may try the following suggestions and let us know if any of those helps: 

 

Note: If you are unsure about editing the registry, seek assistance from an IT professional.

 

1. Check the Startup Folder

 

Sometimes, applications add themselves to the Windows Startup folder. To check:

  • Press Win + R, type shell:startup, and press Enter.

  • If you see a shortcut to Adobe Acrobat Reader, delete it.

 

2. Use System Configuration (msconfig)

 

Even if not visible in Task Manager, some startup items can be managed via System Configuration:

  • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

  • Navigate to the Startup tab.

  • Click on Open Task Manager.

  • Look for Adobe Acrobat Reader in the list. If found, right-click and select Disable.

 

3. Check Task Scheduler

 

Adobe applications might schedule tasks that trigger on startup:

  • Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter.

  • In the Task Scheduler Library, look for any tasks related to Adobe Acrobat Reader.

  • If found, right-click the task and choose Disable.

 

4. Review Adobe Acrobat Reader Settings

 

Within the application, certain settings might cause it to launch at startup:

  • Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.

  • Go to Edit > Preferences.

  • In the General category, uncheck any options related to starting the application with Windows.

 

5. Modify Registry Settings (Advanced)

 

Note: Editing the registry can be risky. Proceed with caution and consider backing up the registry first.

  • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

  • Navigate to:

     

    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

     

  • Look for any entries related to Adobe Acrobat Reader. If found, right-click and delete the entry.

 

 


~Tariq

1 reply

Community Manager
March 28, 2025

Hi @aleksandar_1609

 

Sorry for the troubled experience. 

Ideally, that shouldn't be happening. The next thing I can think of is whether this machine is your personal or Office (IT Managed), If it is IT-managed, you may check with your IT team.  

 

If this is your personal machine, try using the Cleaner Tool: https://adobe.ly/3XwEQx9

 


~Tariq

Participating Frequently
March 28, 2025

Thank you, Tariq!

I did it but still the same problem.

Any advice?

Participating Frequently
April 6, 2025

Any ideas?