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nikbai
Participant
April 27, 2015
Answered

Disable online services/features in Acrobat Reader DC?

  • April 27, 2015
  • 2 replies
  • 119695 views

With the new update being released from Reader to Acrobat Reader DC, I have concerns with the use of cloud storage and storing sensitive data.

I have looked around and the only information I have found for disabling these new features are in reference to groups who use the Acrobat Customization Wizard DC, which means they would be running an Enterprise version.

I have installed and tested the new Acrobat Reader DC on both Windows and OS X, there are no obvious options for disabling the services that I am referring to.

Services I am referencing:

  • Adobe cloud storage service
  • Sending and tracking documents
  • Syncing across multiple devices (by use of cloud storage)

Is there a way to disable the use of these services on an individual (non Enterprise) install of Acrobat Reader DC?


Thanks in advanced!

Correct answer Steve Cordero

You can use the Adobe Customization Wizard DC on both Reader DC (Classic or Perpetual) versions.

Adobe Customization Wizard

You can also use the Windows Registry to turn these services OFF.

Services integration‌

Workflows (Services integration)

These preferences enable integration with Document Cloud services.

This preference category contains the following subfeature(s):

Services integration (DC)

These settings for DC products replace those used by 11.x and earlier. By default, Adobe online services are tightly integrated with the user interface so that users can leverage them in enterprise workflows. Adobe's services are rapidly evolving and allow your organization to increase its efficiency with zero infrastructure and management costs.

Summary table
bAdobeSendPluginToggleToggles the Adobe Send and Track plugin for Outlook
bToggleAdobeDocumentServicesDisables all service access except those features controlled by the other preferences.
bToggleAdobeSignDisables Adobe Send for Signature (formerly EchoSign).
bTogglePrefSyncDisables preferences synchronization.
bToggleWebConnectorsDisables 3rd party connectors.
bUpdaterDisables both updates to the product's web-plugin components as well as all services.
bUpdater
Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bUpdater
Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
Default
Version #DC
HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cServices
SummaryDisables both updates to the product's web-plugin components as well as all services.
DetailsThis new preference replaces the now deprecated HKCU services master switch bEnableAcrobatHS. It disables both updates to the product's web-plugin components as well as all services without exception, including any sign-in screen. The setting is not the same as bUpdaterwhich resides directly under FeatureLockdown and disables product updates. Possible values include:
  • 0: Disable services and service component updates.
  • 1: Enable services.
bToggleAdobeDocumentServices
Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bToggleAdobeDocumentServices
Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
Defaultnull
Version #DC
HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cServices
SummaryDisables all service access except those features controlled by the other preferences.
DetailsThis setting does not affect Adobe Send for Signature, preference synchronization, or third party connectors. Possible values include:
  • 0: Enable Document Cloud services.
  • 1: Disable Document Cloud services.
bToggleAdobeSign
Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bToggleAdobeSign
Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
Defaultnull
Version #DC
HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cServices
SummaryDisables Adobe Send for Signature (formerly EchoSign).
DetailsPossible values include:
  • 0: Enable Adobe Send for Signature.
  • 1: Disable Adobe Send for Signature.
bTogglePrefSync
Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bTogglePrefSync
Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
Defaultnull
Version #DC
HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cServices
SummaryDisables preferences synchronization.
DetailsThis preference disables and locks a new feature which synchronizes desktop preferences across devices on which the user is signed in with an Adobe ID (including phones). Possible values include:
  • 0: Ensable preferences synchronization.
  • 1: Disable preferences synchronization.
bToggleWebConnectors
Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bToggleWebConnectors
Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
Defaultnull
Version #DC
HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cServices
SummaryDisables 3rd party connectors.
DetailsAllows configuring in-product access to third party servicesfor file storage. Possible values include:
  • 0: Enable 3rd party connectors.
  • 1: Disable 3rd party connectors.
bAdobeSendPluginToggle
Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bAdobeSendPluginToggle
Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
Default1
Version #DC
HKCU PathWorkflows
HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cCloud
SummaryToggles the Adobe Send and Track plugin for Outlook
DetailsWhen enabled, an Adobe Send and Trackbutton appears in Outlook when composing an email. It enables sending large files as public links through Outlook. The attached files are uploaded to Adobe Document Cloud and public links to the files are inserted in the email body. Recipients can click the link to preview the file in a browser window and can download the file if needed. Possible values include:
  • 0: Disable Adobe Send and Track.
  • 1: Enable Adobe Send and Track.

2 replies

L Ingber
L Ingber
Participating Frequently
November 9, 2015

Doesn't Adobe see how perfectly ridiculous all these suggestions are?  Why do we have this problem at all?  Given the pain in the butt caused by this Adobe Acrobat Synchronizer "service" there should be some simple single way of disabling this service when it is not at all wanted.

    S
    Adobe Employee
    Steve CorderoCorrect answer
    Adobe Employee
    April 27, 2015

    You can use the Adobe Customization Wizard DC on both Reader DC (Classic or Perpetual) versions.

    Adobe Customization Wizard

    You can also use the Windows Registry to turn these services OFF.

    Services integration‌

    Workflows (Services integration)

    These preferences enable integration with Document Cloud services.

    This preference category contains the following subfeature(s):

    Services integration (DC)

    These settings for DC products replace those used by 11.x and earlier. By default, Adobe online services are tightly integrated with the user interface so that users can leverage them in enterprise workflows. Adobe's services are rapidly evolving and allow your organization to increase its efficiency with zero infrastructure and management costs.

    Summary table
    bAdobeSendPluginToggleToggles the Adobe Send and Track plugin for Outlook
    bToggleAdobeDocumentServicesDisables all service access except those features controlled by the other preferences.
    bToggleAdobeSignDisables Adobe Send for Signature (formerly EchoSign).
    bTogglePrefSyncDisables preferences synchronization.
    bToggleWebConnectorsDisables 3rd party connectors.
    bUpdaterDisables both updates to the product's web-plugin components as well as all services.
    bUpdater
    Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bUpdater
    Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
    Default
    Version #DC
    HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cServices
    SummaryDisables both updates to the product's web-plugin components as well as all services.
    DetailsThis new preference replaces the now deprecated HKCU services master switch bEnableAcrobatHS. It disables both updates to the product's web-plugin components as well as all services without exception, including any sign-in screen. The setting is not the same as bUpdaterwhich resides directly under FeatureLockdown and disables product updates. Possible values include:
    • 0: Disable services and service component updates.
    • 1: Enable services.
    bToggleAdobeDocumentServices
    Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bToggleAdobeDocumentServices
    Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
    Defaultnull
    Version #DC
    HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cServices
    SummaryDisables all service access except those features controlled by the other preferences.
    DetailsThis setting does not affect Adobe Send for Signature, preference synchronization, or third party connectors. Possible values include:
    • 0: Enable Document Cloud services.
    • 1: Disable Document Cloud services.
    bToggleAdobeSign
    Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bToggleAdobeSign
    Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
    Defaultnull
    Version #DC
    HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cServices
    SummaryDisables Adobe Send for Signature (formerly EchoSign).
    DetailsPossible values include:
    • 0: Enable Adobe Send for Signature.
    • 1: Disable Adobe Send for Signature.
    bTogglePrefSync
    Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bTogglePrefSync
    Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
    Defaultnull
    Version #DC
    HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cServices
    SummaryDisables preferences synchronization.
    DetailsThis preference disables and locks a new feature which synchronizes desktop preferences across devices on which the user is signed in with an Adobe ID (including phones). Possible values include:
    • 0: Ensable preferences synchronization.
    • 1: Disable preferences synchronization.
    bToggleWebConnectors
    Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bToggleWebConnectors
    Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
    Defaultnull
    Version #DC
    HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cServices
    SummaryDisables 3rd party connectors.
    DetailsAllows configuring in-product access to third party servicesfor file storage. Possible values include:
    • 0: Enable 3rd party connectors.
    • 1: Disable 3rd party connectors.
    bAdobeSendPluginToggle
    Supported on WindowsSupported on MacSupported by AcrobatSupported by Adobe ReaderTop > Workflows > Services integration (DC) > bAdobeSendPluginToggle
    Data typeboolean: DWORD value > REG_DWORD
    Default1
    Version #DC
    HKCU PathWorkflows
    HKLM PathHKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Adobe\(product name)\(version)\FeatureLockdown\cCloud
    SummaryToggles the Adobe Send and Track plugin for Outlook
    DetailsWhen enabled, an Adobe Send and Trackbutton appears in Outlook when composing an email. It enables sending large files as public links through Outlook. The attached files are uploaded to Adobe Document Cloud and public links to the files are inserted in the email body. Recipients can click the link to preview the file in a browser window and can download the file if needed. Possible values include:
    • 0: Disable Adobe Send and Track.
    • 1: Enable Adobe Send and Track.
    ProDesignTools
    Community Expert
    ProDesignToolsCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 10, 2015

    Thank you Steve, this is very helpful...

    Do all these work for Acrobat DC Pro/Standard (individual licenses) as well?

    Also, is there an equivalent for Mac OS?

    Thanks!

    S
    Adobe Employee
    Steve Cordero
    Adobe Employee
    May 11, 2015

    Is should be available via PLIST.  This link explains the translation:  Preference Reference for Acrobat and Adobe Reader

    This has the naming convention and location:  Macintosh Deployments — Enterprise Administration Guide

    Disabling updateshttp://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/AdminGuide/mac.html?highlight=plist#disabling-updates

    Disabling the Updaterhttp://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/AdminGuide/mac.html?highlight=plist#disabling-the-updater

    With version 10.1.1 and later, it is possible for IT to disable and lock the Updater settings so that updates won’t happen and users can’t change the setting.

    1. Navigate to <machine root>/Library/Preferences.
    2. Create a new file called com.adobe.(Acrobat.Pro | Reader).plist This file does not exist by default.
    3. Open the plist with an editor.
    4. Set the version value in the key. For 11.x, this is 11. For DC, this is either DC for the Continuous track or DC for the Classic track.
    5. Add the entries shown below.
    6. Save and close the plist.

    Locking and disabling the Updater

    <dict> <key>11</key> <dict> <key>FeatureLockdown</key> <dict> <key>bUpdater</key> <false/> </dict> </dict> </dict>

    Set the update mode (DC)http://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/AdminGuide/mac.html?highlight=plist#set-the-update-mode-dc

    The update mode is set on a per user basis as follows:

    1. Open /Library/Application Support/Adobe/ARMDC/Registered Products/com.adobe.<product name>.<track name>.plist
    2. Set UpdateMode:
      • 0: Don’t check for updates.
      • 3: Automatically download and install updates.
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