Quit Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.
Last updated on
Sep 23, 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
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.
