How to Completely Remove Adobe Acrobat DC From Windows 10
Removing Adobe Acrobat DC from Windows 10 is straightforward. First, uninstall the software from the Control Panel. Then, delete any leftover files and folders in your system manually. Finally, clean the Windows Registry to ensure no traces are left.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Completely Remove Adobe Acrobat DC from Windows 10
Removing Adobe Acrobat DC from your Windows 10 system will free up space and improve system performance. Follow these steps to ensure the software and all its components are entirely removed.
Step 1: Uninstall Adobe Acrobat DC
Go to the Control Panel, select "Uninstall a program," find Adobe Acrobat DC, and click "Uninstall."
Once you initiate the uninstall process, follow the on-screen instructions to complete it. This removes the main program but might leave some residual files.
Step 2: Delete Leftover Files
Navigate to the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders, and delete any remaining Adobe Acrobat DC files.
After uninstalling, some files might still be lingering in these directories. Removing them manually ensures a clean slate.
Step 3: Remove Leftover Folders
Check the Common Files under Program Files and Program Files (x86), and delete any Adobe-related folders.
These folders often contain shared resources that other Adobe products might use. If you only want to remove Acrobat DC, be careful not to delete files needed by other Adobe software.
Step 4: Clean the Windows Registry
Open the Registry Editor (type "regedit" in the search bar), find and delete any Adobe Acrobat DC-related registry entries.
Be cautious when editing the registry. Deleting the wrong entries can cause system issues. Always back up the registry before making changes.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
A restart helps the system clear out any lingering processes related to Adobe Acrobat DC and refreshes the system.
After you complete these steps, Adobe Acrobat DC should be completely removed from your Windows 10 system, freeing up space and potentially improving performance.
Tips: How to Completely Remove Adobe Acrobat DC From Windows 10
- Use an uninstaller tool for a thorough clean-up. Tools like Revo Uninstaller can remove all traces more efficiently.
- Back up your data before making changes. This ensures you can restore any accidentally deleted files.
- Check for hidden folders. Some leftover files might be in hidden directories like AppData.
- Be cautious with the Registry Editor. Incorrect changes can harm your system.
- Look for any Adobe Acrobat DC-related services in Task Manager and stop them before uninstalling.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Completely Remove Adobe Acrobat DC From Windows 10
Why do I need to clean the Windows Registry?
Leftover registry entries can cause issues or conflicts if you reinstall the software or install similar programs.
Can I reinstall Adobe Acrobat DC after removing it?
Yes, you can reinstall it if needed. Just download the installer from Adobe’s official website.
Do I need administrative privileges to uninstall Adobe Acrobat DC?
Yes, you need administrative rights to uninstall software and make changes to system files and the registry.
Will uninstalling Adobe Acrobat DC affect my PDFs?
Uninstalling Adobe Acrobat DC won’t delete your PDF files, but you’ll need another program to open them.
What should I do if the uninstallation fails?
If the uninstallation fails, try using the Adobe Acrobat Cleaner Tool available on Adobe’s website.
Summary
- Uninstall Adobe Acrobat DC
- Delete leftover files
- Remove leftover folders
- Clean the Windows Registry
- Restart your computer
Conclusion
Removing Adobe Acrobat DC from your Windows 10 system might seem like a daunting task, but following these steps makes it manageable. Start by uninstalling the software via the Control Panel. Then, ensure no files or folders are left over in your system directories. Cleaning the Windows Registry is crucial for a completely clean removal, but remember to back up before making any changes. Restarting your computer finalizes the process, ensuring that all changes take effect.
Taking these steps not only frees up valuable space on your hard drive but also ensures that your system runs more smoothly. For even more thoroughness, consider using third-party uninstaller tools that can automate much of this process. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues or simply making room for other software, these techniques will help you effectively remove Adobe Acrobat DC from Windows 10.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.