Select Control Panel > All Programs.
Last updated on
Sep 23, 2025
Learn how to troubleshoot when Adobe Acrobat fails to load the core file.
Acrobat may display the following error due to missing or corrupted DLL files, version mismatches, incorrect installation paths, or restricted system permissions:
Acrobat failed to load its core DLL
Corrupted or missing DLL files
Right click Adobe Acrobat and select Repair.
Follow on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer after the repair is complete.
Protected mode is turned on
Open Acrobat.
Select Menu > Preferences.
Select Security (Enhanced) under Categories.
Uncheck Enable Protected Mode at startup under Sandbox Protections.
Confirm the prompt and select OK.
Corrupted application files
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.
Unsupported installation location
Acrobat must be installed on the local system drive. Installing on a mapped or network drive is not supported and can lead to DLL loading errors.
