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

[aleksandar_1609]

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!

[Tariq Ahmad]

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

[aleksandar_1609]

Thank you, Tariq!

I did it but still the same problem.

Any advice?

[aleksandar_1609]

Any ideas?

[LeoUpdaterX]

Can you please elaborate on what exactly is starting? Provide screen shot, etc..

[aleksandar_1609]

It starts with Start page.

[aleksandar_1609]

Any ideas?

[Tariq Ahmad · Accepted solution]

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

[aleksandar_1609]

Thank you, Tariq!

It seems that option with Task Scheduler works.

Best regards, Aleksandar.