AcroCEF and RdrCEF process error

Last updated on Aug 16, 2025

Learn how to troubleshoot issues with essential background processes used by Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader.

AcroCEF.exe and RdrCEF.exe processes support network-based features such as Fill & Sign, Send for e-signature, and Share for review. If these processes malfunction, you may see an error dialog while using these services.

Background processes are not responding

Windows

Quit Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open Task Manager.

In the Processes tab, find and end all instances of AcroCEF.exe and RdrCEF.exe.

Close Task Manager and relaunch Acrobat.

macOS

Quit Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.

Select Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.

Select and stop all AcroCEF and RdrCEF processes.

Relaunch Acrobat.

Insufficient folder permissions

Check the following paths and ensure your user account has access and permissions to edit these directories.

For Adobe Acrobat

Windows:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat DC\Acrobat\WebResources

macOS:
/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Acrobat/DC/WebResources

For Acrobat Reader

Windows:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat Reader\WebResources

macOS:
/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Acrobat Reader/DC/WebResources

Antivirus software causes performance issues  

Some antivirus programs may prevent Acrobat from functioning properly. Ensure your antivirus software is up to date.

  • If issues persist, try temporarily turning off your antivirus software during the launch.
  • If it opens, add Acrobat as an exception in your security software settings.

Remember to re-enable your antivirus software after testing to maintain your system's security.  

Corrupt installation file

Windows

Open Acrobat. 

Select Menu > Help > Repair installation

Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the files.   

Restart your system after the repair is complete.  

macOS

Open Acrobat. 

Select Help > Repair installation

Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the files.   

Restart your system after the repair is complete.  

Damaged app files 

Windows 

Uninstall Acrobat and the Creative Cloud desktop app using the Adobe Cleaner Tool

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

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.