Prevent automatic installation of Reader DC

[billb23828151]

Acrobat Reader DC keeps re-installing itself and assigning itself as the default pdf handler.  I have uninstalled it several times but it keeps coming back without my permission.  I have the full version of Acrobat and do not need or want Reader DC.  How can I stop this intrusive behavior?

[try67]

Is your computer a part of network (like in an office)?

[billb23828151]

It is, but I have verified with my IT department that this is not an installation that they are pushing.

[try67 · Accepted solution]

Well, it doesn't happen by itself...

[billb23828151]

Agreed. Since I have seen other postings/complaints from users with the same issue on non-networked computers, however, this is an Adobe issue that needs to be addressed. It is unacceptable for software that I do not want to get automatically installed without asking permission.

It's annoying enough when an installer bundles other unrelated software (e.g. Google Toolbar, etc.) that get's installed by default unless the user un-checks a box. but having completely no control of it is something else.

[CurbedLarry]

Well, it doesn't happen by itself...

Yes it does.

In my case the "Adobe ARM" automatic update service was left behind after uninstalling Reader.  Then on boot it was downloading and installing the latest version without prompting.  Disabled and deleted the service.

What planet are Adobe on?  Not only is Reader appalling bloatware, Adobe are using underhand methods to ensure it remains on your machine

[Anthony30377388hown]

I'm late to the game, but I just wanted to say thanks for posting this and confirming that I'm not going crazy!  I have an old copy on disk of Adobe Acrobat Professional 8, it works and I don't need anything else.  Well, after trying a trial of the latest version of Pro, I reinstalled my 8 version.  After a reboot, I ended up with DC, so all of the tools I used in Pro were gone including my version of Pro.  I thought I was going crazy. So, thank you for your post!

[geivac]

I have a Windows 10 Pro home-based workstation that is not part of any corporate network. I also have Adobe Acrobat Pro DC (fully licensed) installed, but I too have been finding repeated automated installs of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, in spite of uninstalling the Reader application more than once.

Using my Windows application log, I found at least one instance where the Reader DC app was automatically installed (without any intervention from me.) The log entry referred to the following location on my PC:

C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Setup

Look for a subfolder containing the installer file AcroRead.msi. I moved tthe subfolder (including all contents) into my Recycle Bin. (You may wish to backup these files if desired.) I then opened Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, which appeared to function normally.

So far, this appears to have resolved my issue.

[S.Lundin]

My hate for adobe grows. I love Photoshop 6 and Acrobat X. They are all I need. But I made a mistake and bought into the Photoshop CC. I think CC is an acronym for creative commerce. In my installation of Photoshop CC I "try" acrobat dc. I uninstalled it. And more than once in the last year trying to stop it from telling me I had an update. Just now I got another update notification for acrobat dc (not installed). In the CC desktop I saw the update and poked the three little dots. There was an option to uninstall acrobat dc it. This was titled Acrobat DC NOT Acrobat X. Adobe CC Desktop uninstalled my Acrobat X. I belive the only way to get rid of adbe maleware is to reinstall Windows 10 and NEVER even go to the adobe web site.

[nik_4558]

It seem they put alot of effort into this:
-You need to disable and delete the Adobe ARM in Windows service

-You also need to delete the task 'Adobe Acrobat Update Task' in the Task Scheduler
-Delete the ARM exe in 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe' to be sure