Akamai Download Manager FAQ

Akamai Download Manager is an integral part of some Adobe product downloads. If you have questions about the Akamai Download Manager, read the frequently asked questions below. 

What is the Akamai Download Manager and how does it work?

The Akamai Download Manager provides for effective, efficient file downloads, especially for large files. It also lets you pause and resume downloads, and it automatically starts to install your product when the download is complete.

On Windows, Akamai downloads an executable (.EXE) file. For some especially large Windows products, Akamai also downloads a .7z file. It's necessary that both the .EXE and the .7z files are downloaded and in the same folder for the product to install successfully.

On macOS, Akamai downloads a single .DMG file.

What products use the Akamai Download Manager?

Some Adobe trial products use Akamai Download Manager, also called the Akamai NetSession Interface. Trial products that use Akamai include Acrobat X Pro, Adobe Captivate, and the Technical Communications Suite.

What are the Akamai Download Manager system requirements?

• Operating systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2003 or 2008; Mac OS X v 10.4 or later
• Browsers: Internet Explorer 7 or 8, Firefox 2.x or later, Safari, or Chrome

Where do I download the Akamai Download Manager?

When you download any trial product from Adobe.com that uses Akamai, Akamai automatically downloads and installs on your computer. Then, it automatically starts to download your Adobe product. If you download additional software or products, you don't have to redownload, or reinstall Akamai Download Manager unless you've removed it from your system. If you have removed it from your system, it installs again when you initiate the new download.

Downloading

How do I resume interrupted downloads?

Click the Resume button in the Akamai Download Manager window (trials) or in your browser (Store purchases). 

Resume a paused trial download:

If you've closed the Akamai or browser window, double-click the Resume Download icon on your desktop.

Akamai Download Manager 3 doesn't install.

If you see the Akamai Download Manager Installer window but the installer doesn't start, click Try Reopening It. Then, click Run.

You know that Akamai Download Manager 3 installs when a download progress bar appears. You may be prompted to browse to choose a location to save the download.

If the Akamai Download Manager doesn't install or if you get an error, Download the trial directly.

Akamai Download Manager 3 installs but the download never starts.

Keep the web browser and the Akamai Download Manager 3 window open until the download completes. If you close either window prematurely, the download fails.

Akamai Download Manager installs, the download starts, but then it pauses or hangs.

Download the trial directly.

Akamai Download Manager doesn't work. How do I download my software directly?

If you can't download your Adobe product with the Akamai Download Manager, use the direct download links instead:

1. Go to the Adobe downloads page and start the download.
2. In the Akamai Download Manager Installer window, click the link (or links) to download the software directly.

Important: When downloading software using direct links, you must use a browser such as Internet Explorer 8 or Firefox 5 that doesn't limit the size of file downloads.

Where are my downloaded files?

When you start the download, you select a destination folder for the files. To locate files downloaded using Akamai, navigate to the folder you selected when you started the download. If you can't find or remember that folder, see Find downloaded files.

Installing

How do install my product?

Akamai Download Manager should start your product installation automatically when it finishes downloading. If the installation doesn't start automatically, see Start the installer after downloading for instructions on how to start the installation manually.

Why does my computer stall or slow when I install my download?

Extracting or decompressing the installation files is the first step when installing a download. This process can use many system resources and, depending upon your system speed and available resources, can slow your computer. Some larger downloads can take several minutes to extract. To optimize the speed of the extraction process, close all open programs or restart your computer before installing your download.

Antivirus software can slow the performance of an installation. If you disable your antivirus during installation, reenable it after your install your product.

Where is my serial number?

After you purchase a download, your serial number is e-mailed to you. Alternatively, you can sign in to your Adobe account to find your serial number. For additional information about finding your serial number, see Find your serial number quickly.

How do I redownload my software?

Sign in to your Adobe account to download your purchased software again. Navigate to the product in My Orders (US) or Your Order History (other locations), and then click the links for the product you want to redownload.

For more information, see How to find a download link on Adobe.com and Adobe online store download policy.