Open Acrobat and select Menu> Help> Check for updates.
Last updated on
Sep 24, 2025
Learn how to fix Adobe Acrobat crashes on Windows and macOS.
Acrobat may crash while launching, opening a file, or working on a document. These crashes are caused by outdated software, installation issues, system conflicts, or problems with your license. The following methods will help you identify and resolve the issues using updates, repairs, license resets, and the Acrobat Diagnostics tool for Windows and macOS.
If Acrobat or Acrobat Reader crashes and a crash report dialog appears, select Send report to share the details with Adobe.
Note
If you don't see the crash dialog box, collect crash logs and diagnostic files from Acrobat processes. Send these files to the Adobe Support team, or ask experts in the community forums for help.
Outdated Acrobat version
Using an older version of Acrobat can cause crashes due to compatibility issues.
Watch how to update Acrobat
To update Acrobat:
- Windows: Menu > Help > Check for updates, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version.
- macOS: Help > Check for updates, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version.
Outdated operating system
Running an outdated version of Windows or macOS can also cause Acrobat to crash. Adobe recommends updating your OS to the latest version. For detailed instructions, refer to the official Windows Update Guide or macOS Update Guide.
Damaged Acrobat installation (Windows only)
Acrobat may crash or freeze due to corrupted installation files, missing components, or misconfigurations.
Watch how to repair Acrobat
To repair Acrobat installation:
Select Download if any update is available.
Follow the on-screen instructions to download the update.
After the update is installed, select Close from the Update successful dialog box
Restart your computer and launch Acrobat.
Invalid or inactive Acrobat license
An invalid or expired license may cause Acrobat to crash. To verify your Adobe account activation status, check the Adobe account plans and make sure that your Acrobat license is valid and activated.
Learn how to manage your subscription and account settings.
Corrupted license files (macOS only)
If Acrobat crashes during sign-in or fails to verify your subscription, try resetting the license files.
Watch how to refresh the license files
To reset license files:
Close Adobe Acrobat.
Press Command + Space and type Keychain Access.
Select Systems from the sidebar.
Right-click entries like Adobe User Info or Adobe App Info from the right pane, then select Delete.
Relaunch Acrobat and sign in using your account credentials.
Unresolved system issues (macOS only)
If the issue continues, use the Acrobat Diagnostics tool to collect logs and system data.
Open Acrobat and select Help > Troubleshoot Acrobat.
Select Yes to launch the Acrobat Diagnostics tool.
Select Start Diagnostics.
Do the task that led to the crash and then select Stop Diagnostics.
Fill in the information in the required fields and select Share logs.
Note
If you can’t see the Troubleshoot Acrobat option, select Preferences > General and then select Enable troubleshooting from the In the Messages from/to Adobe. If Acrobat crashes on launch, download and run the Acrobat diagnostics tool.
Damaged app files
Windows
Uninstall Acrobat and the Creative Cloud desktop app using the Adobe Cleaner Tool.
Delete all Adobe folders from:
C:\Program Files\
C:\Program Files\Common Files\
C:\Program Files (x86)\
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\
C:\ProgramData\
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Locallow\
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\
Restart your computer.
Download Acrobat 64-bit Installer and open it from your notifications or the Downloads folder.
Double-click the downloaded file and select Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Acrobat.
macOS
Uninstall Acrobat and the Creative Cloud desktop app using the Adobe Cleaner Tool.
Delete all Adobe folders and Adobe preferences from:
/Library/Application Support/
/Library/Preferences/
Restart your computer.
Download Acrobat Unified Installer file and open it from your notifications or the Downloads folder.
Double-click the downloaded .dmg file to mount the Acrobat installer volume.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Acrobat.
