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January 11, 2018
Question

Re: Have to click multiple times to open PDF files with Reader XI

  • January 11, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 3274 views

I have tried all methods listed and the issue persists. This does not affect all of my users but a handful of them. There are no previous versions of the software installed and protected mode is already disabled via group policy. I have tried re-enabling protected mode but this doesn't help either. I have found on the odd device that once a PDF has been opened with the 4 clicks once it can be opened as normal from there on. If anyone could provide a fix it would be much appreciated.

    2 replies

    New Participant
    May 9, 2025

    I have the same problem and ruining my career. I'm seriously behind in work and it's getting worse everyday. I've taken video. It takes about 5 double clicks to open a file to Adobe with wait time between each to see if it will happen. There's something very wrong with the software. This just started a month ago and has persisted across multiple devices. My company set me up with a new computer and it's happening on that one as well. 

    AnandSri
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    May 9, 2025

    Hello Rachel!

     

    I hope you are doing well. Thanks for reaching out, and we're sorry for the trouble you had. I've noticed that you posted this question on an old community thread. Please note that Acrobat and Acrobat Reader 11 are no longer supported products.

     

    What version of the app is currently installed? Is it Acrobat or the free Acrobat Reader? To identify, go to Menu > Help > select About Adobe Acrobat, and you can share a screenshot of the version details. Are you on a Windows or a Mac machine, and what is the version?

    Are you having this issue with a specific PDF, or do all PDFs require multiple clicks to open? Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat installed on the machine: 25.001.20474 (Win) | 25.001.20476 (Mac), Apr 28, 2025. Check for any pending updates from the Menu > help > check for updates, install the updates, restart the app and the machine, and try again.

     

    Disable Protected Mode (Temporary Test): Go to Menu > Preferences > Security (Enhanced). Uncheck “Enable Protected Mode at startup”. Click OK and restart Acrobat Reader. 

    Note: This is a test step. If this solves the issue, it suggests a conflict with Windows security or third-party tools. You can re-enable it later and whitelist Reader in your antivirus software.

     

    You may also try the suggestion from the following article: https://adobe.ly/4mg9J3J

     

    Let us know how it goes.

    Thanks,

    Anand Sri.

    New Participant
    June 12, 2025

    Hello @Jeffrey352093866o6d!

     

    I hope you are doing well, and I am sorry for the delayed response and trouble.

     

    Could you please share more details about the issue? Are you on a Mac or Windows machine, and what is the OS version? Is it happening with all the PDFs, or with a specific PDF? Are you using the freeware Acrobat Reader desktop app or the paid Acrobat?

     

    Have you tried the suggestions from my previous posts? If not, please try once, and let us know how it goes.

     

    Thanks,

    Anand Sri.


    I use windows, Version 22H2.   It happens on all pdf files.  I'm using the paid Acrobat.   I've tried suggestions from many posts.   Why doesn't it open with the standard two clicks ?

    AnandSri
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    January 18, 2018

    Hello jakeg83912993

    We apologize for the inconvenience caused, as per the description above, you are not able to open PDF file in as it's taking multiple clicks to open the PDF file in Adobe Reader 11, Is that correct?

    Please make sure before opening any PDF file, no other  Adobe Reader process are loading in Task Manager. Close all the tasks/process related to Adobe Reader, and reboot the machine, and then open any PDF and see if this brings any difference.

    Please install Adobe Reader DC, and see if this issue is reproducible with Adobe Reader DC.

    Please share the following details:

    Let us know your findings.

    Regards,

    Anand Sri.