Troubles with Adobe Reader 25.001.20531

Hello @Enchanted_Panther5C3A

I hope you are doing well, and thanks for reaching out.

Could you please share more details about the issue? Are you/users on a Mac or Windows machine, and what is the version? Did you install Acrobat and Reader using any deployment tool? 

This behavior suggests that Adobe Acrobat (the paid version) is being automatically reinstalled or activated, possibly due to:

• An auto-update policy or Creative Cloud deployment pushing Acrobat instead of Reader.
• A misconfigured installation package or group policy that reinstalls Acrobat.
• Adobe Reader and Acrobat share the same update channel, where Acrobat takes precedence.

When you let Reader auto‑update, the Adobe Updater sometimes “upgrades” it into the full Acrobat package (so that users get the latest PDF engine), and then the Creative Cloud background process will try to activate cloud‐connected features, hence the sign‑in prompt.

Prevent Acrobat Auto-Installation:

• • Use the Adobe Customization Wizard to create a Reader-only deployment package.
  • Ensure the bUpdater and bShowAcrobatUpgrade options are disabled.

Block Acrobat via Group Policy or Registry:

• Set registry keys to prevent Acrobat installation or upgrade prompts.
• Example: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\DC\FeatureLockDown]
  "bUpdater"=dword:00000000

Use Adobe Enterprise Toolkit:

• • If you manage multiple stations, you can control updates and installations using the Adobe Admin Console or Adobe Remote Update Manager (RUM).

Check Scheduled Tasks or Startup Scripts:

• • Look for any scripts or scheduled tasks that might be reinstalling Acrobat.

To download Reader, use this URL: https://adobe.ly/3FYSELm

Customize with the Adobe Customization Wizard

Install the free Adobe Customization Wizard DC.

Open your Reader MSI in the Wizard, and under “Install Options”:

• Uncheck “Adobe Acrobat” (so it never installs).

• Under “Updater”, set “Automatically check for updates” to Disabled.

• Under “Sign‑in”, check “Suppress product registration & EULA” or explicitly disable the sign‑in promo.

Export your transform (.mst) and save both the MSI + MST to your software distribution share.

Push via your Software Deployment tool

– Use SCCM, Intune, Group Policy software installation, or your favorite RMM to uninstall any existing Adobe products, then install your Reader MSI + MST.
– Make sure you deploy the MST transform so your custom settings apply to every machine.

To remove applications, use the Acrobat Cleaner tool to uninstall Acrobat and Reader: https://adobe.ly/4e9oFNj

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.