Unable to connect to the Adobe update server. Error 105

[Joerg Klaus]

Hello,

I haven't been able to update my Acrobat for about two weeks. I keep getting this error message (see screenshot):

Unable to connect to the Adobe update server. Check that you are connected to the internet and try again.
Error: 105

I've tried everything, like using the Adobe Limited Access Repair Tool, resetting the hosts file, and disabling the Mac Firewall.

NOTHING, absolutely nothing, this window keeps popping up.

Yesterday I completely reinstalled another Mac. And here, too, I can't update Acrobat. This window pops up.

Yes, I have internet, otherwise I wouldn't be able to publish this article.

What is this? It only affects Acrobat. I can update all the other apps.

Thanks

Joerg

[Amal.]

Hi there,

Hope you are doing well and thanks for sharing the details.

Error 105 usually points to a connection issue, specifically between Acrobat and the Adobe update servers, even if the rest of your internet works fine. Since you’ve already tried the common fixes (Limited Access Repair Tool, hosts file reset, firewall settings, and even a full reinstall), that rules out most local issues.

A couple of things you can still try:

1. Check Proxy/VPN settings: If you’re on a network that uses a proxy, VPN, or certain security software, Acrobat might not be able to reach Adobe’s update server. Try turning those off temporarily to see if the update goes through.

2. Manual update: Instead of the in-app updater, download and install the latest patch directly from here https://adobe.ly/3Kcz13Y 

3. Keychain/Certificates: On macOS, outdated or missing root certificates can block Acrobat from verifying Adobe’s servers. Make sure your system is fully updated, and check if any certificate warnings appear in Keychain Access.

4. Try another network: If possible, connect your Mac to a different Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot and see if the update works. This can help confirm whether it’s a local network restriction.

Let us know how it goes.

~Amal

[Joerg Klaus]

Hi Amal,

I've tried all your suggestions, and only suggestion 2, the direct manual download, worked.

But Acrobat still displays error 105 after the update.

All other updates for other CC Apps work; at least, they did a few days ago. I don't know if there have been any updates yet.

Joerg

[Amal.]

Hi there 

We are sorry to hear that the issue still exists. 

Please try to create a new test user profile with full admin rights in Win or enable the root account in MAC, try using the application there, and check. Also, if it's an IT-managed work computer, please try to contact your IT admin for further investigation. 

~Amal

[Joerg Klaus]

Hi there

I don't think your suggestions will work.

As I said, I ALSO installed it on a brand new computer. It's the same thing, error 105.

All other updates seem to be working.

Especially since it happened almost immediately (about 10 days ago, of course).

Like @adam_0306  said, we need a solution for this.

And if two people already have it, then it can't be the internet connection. Then there's a major bug somewhere.

Thanks

Joerg

[adam_0306]

exactly. we all have been suffering for the last approx 10 days...... (I do not exactly how many days, maybe 12). 

[adam_0306]

moreover, this solution also does not wornikg at all https://helpx.adobe.com/pl/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/error-codes-100-149/error105.html

[Joerg Klaus]

You're absolutely right. I've done that several times. And I still get error 105.

[Giannis30993462mg39]

I have the same issue in macOS. Error 105, unable to update. Obviously not my internet connection.

[Joerg Klaus]

Obviously not  😉

[adam_0306]

same thing here, error 105. EVERYTHING is up to date, all programs are working fine, the only exeption is this "adobe acrobat". Reading those "suggestions" from support among other things "to check internet connetcions", "to create new profile" -I'll spare you the comment, anyway, I'm speechless.... no comment. Mr Amal from adobe, I would suggest to check your programm which is working incorrectly. We have the same problem as Joerg, on all 5 machines

Mac OS 26 previosuly (last week) sequoia 15.1 -> the same error.

I would suggest adobe to come down to earth and stop daydreaming, because you are not changing the world, you are not visionaries, and you are taking up the time of our lives

[adam_0306]

philosophers from adobe, any progress ? I am connected to internet 🙂 but it does not resolve our problems

Ia sending you today's fresh communicate 🙂 

[aw.654785654]

I have the same issue, error 105 after checking for updates... Just Adobe Acrobat, OSX, iMac. No VPN, No Proxy, No Antivir and other networks tools. Other updates from Creative CLouds work fine.
I use this link for manually update, but Acrobat still displays error 105 after the update.
https://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acrobatetk/tools/ReleaseNotesDC/index.html?linkId=100000383142636

[kglad]

see if this helps (though it's for installs) https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install-discussions/installation-error-105/m-p/13450836#M565...

[adam_0306]

no, I am not able to resolve it this way. I am unrestricted user with admin privilegs. Even uninstalled acrobat with all folder/files containing "adobe" or "acrobat" and so on including the db file you mentioned in attached link. No result

Haven't you thought - adobe - that instead of encouraging users to make risky attempts, you should fix your program?

[Jeffrey_A_Wright]

@adam_0306 and @Joerg Klaus I am sorry you both continue to encounter Error 105 while updating Acrobat. Thanks for trying the suggestions offered by Kglad, and I am sorry they were unsuccessful.

@Joerg Klaus please click on https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen to speak with a member of our team who can help you investigate the cause of the error further. If you are unable to reach anyone, or redirected to this public discussion forum, then use a different device to reach us.

@adam_0306 I don't see any active subscriptions or registered software titles under the account you used to post to this public discussion forum. The link I shared with @Joerg Klaus only works for individuals with active subscriptions. If you have an individual subscription, then please log in with the account associated with your purchase and then click on https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen so that Error 105 can be investigated. If your subscription or device is managed by an organization, then please contact whoever manages the device and subscription for help. Individual solutions are often not applicable to devices managed by a company, school, or other organization.

[adam_0306]

dear @Jeffrey_A_Wright , first of all, please do not think that @Joerg Klaus and I are only involved. I am pretty sure, 99,99% of active users even not know that there is something like "help -> check updates".The company you work for releases a program that doesn't work properly. It's wasting users' time. If I understand correctly, you offer Acrobat DC Reader without a subscription? What subscription do I need to purchase to get updates? How much do I have to pay, and will the updates actually work after payment? I sincerely doubt it. Instead of thanking us for bringing this to your attention and urgently fixing the program, as we are the recipients (users), not testers or Adobe employees, you're instead dangling a subscription at me? That's weak, sir...

[Jeffrey_A_Wright]

Thanks for clarifying that you are using Adobe Reader and not a purchased license for Acrobat, @adam_0306. Please remember that the solutions in these discussion forums are designed for individuals. If you are using a computer, device, or network that is managed by an organization, then let them know you are encountering these problems.

Free subscribers are still welcome to contact us directly at https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen , although the technical support offered may be limited. You are welcome to follow this discussion to see if any of the paid subscribers are offered a solution that you can utilize, @adam_0306 .

For all viewers of this discussion, you can find information on how to resolve Error 105 at https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install-discussions/installation-error-105/m-p/13450836#M565.... The error is related to the level of access provided to the User account when attempt to read or modify critical licensing files, so if the computer or device is managed by an organization, then please involve the people within your organization who manage the device to update the level of access you are provided while applying updates, or have them apply the update for you.

[nohi79]

I'm having the same problem on several Macs in my company. The problem started at the beginning of September 2025. I've completely reinstalled several computers, but the error message still appears when updating Acrobat, both Acrobat Reader and Acrobat Pro.
Please fix this problem as soon as possible, as it means that clients can no longer receive security updates. Manually downloading updates cannot be a permanent solution.
PS: Updates for other Adobe applications work without any problems!

[nohi79]

@Jeffrey_A_WrightThis is not an isolated issue; you are currently experiencing a global problem. Please escalate this issue and prioritise fixing the error.

[Jeffrey_A_Wright · Accepted solution]

I appreciate that many people may be encountering this error, @nohi79 . I see that your subscription is managed by an organization. Please don't hesitate to start a new public discussion in the Enterprise and Teams community at https://community.adobe.com/t5/enterprise-teams/ct-p/ct-enterprise-and-teams?page=1&sort=latest_repl...

For future viewers of this discussion, if the computer, device, or subscription is managed by an organization, then this public discussion is not relevant to you. If you have an individual subscription and the suggestions offered at https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install-discussions/installation-error-105/m-p/13450836#M565... are not successful, then click on https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen to speak directly with a member of our team so the cause of the error can be investigated.

For more information on where to find help on a variety of download and install-related topics, please see https://community.adobe.com/t5/download-install-discussions/download-and-install-community-guide/td-....

[nohi79]

@Jeffrey_A_WrightThe problem is not limited to business accounts. I also have several Macs at home, where I have a private account, and they have exactly the same error.

[Joerg Klaus]

@Jeffrey_A_Wright  I'm slowly losing the ability to respond sarcastically. 

Like @adam_0306  and all the others, there's error 105. And as it turns out, we are not the only ones with Error 105. It started happening to me at the beginning of September. I have a CC subscription. And on two computers—sorry, I only have two Macs—I'm getting Error 105.

The second computer was also completely reconfigured.

I've tried all sorts of fixes, from dhpim.db to changing my internet connection. The error is still there. Even after manually installing the update, Error 105 is still there. And like I said, I'm not the only one with this. SO IT HAS TO BE A BUG. And Adobe should make an effort to fix this, and as soon as possible. We all pay a lot of money for the CC subscription. Apps are simply taken off the market. Apps don't work properly, and we're supposed to waste our time on some useless fixes. It's still a mystery to me why Acrobat isn't updated via CC; it's the only program that has its own updater.
Please, please, please fix it and provide us with decent software.

[Jeffrey_A_Wright · Accepted solution]

Thanks, @Joerg Klaus, I can also confirm that you have an active subscription, but you have not reached out to us about the current error you are experiencing. I would encourage you to click on https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html?rghtup=autoOpen to speak with a member of our team and have a support case opened. You can use the steps listed at https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/customer-support-portal.html to review and update the status of your support case. 

Most of the other participants of these discussions either have a free license or have a subscription and device managed by an organization. Due to the nature of the error, it could be by design, so I would encourage each of you to work with your IT department or whoever manages your devices. They may need to apply the necessary update with an elevated account. You are also welcome to start a separate discussion in the Enterprise & Teams discussion forum at https://community.adobe.com/t5/enterprise-teams/ct-p/ct-enterprise-and-teams?page=1&sort=latest_repl....