Bypass protected view restrictions

Last updated on Aug 16, 2025

Learn how to bypass protected view restrictions for trusted content in Adobe Acrobat.

When Protected View is enabled in Acrobat, PDFs open in a restricted sandbox environment with limited functionality. While this improves security, it can be inconvenient for trusted documents. You can bypass these restrictions for specific files, folders, or locations that you trust.

Go to Menu > Preferences.

Select Security (Enhanced) under Categories.

Uncheck Enable Enhanced Security under Enhanced Security.

The Preference dialog box displays the Enable Enhanced Security option unchecked.
Turn off the Enable Enhanced Security option to bypass Protected View.

Add files, folders, and locations to the Privileged Locations section.

Select OK.