How to Disable Adobe Acrobat Reader Updates Without Losing Functionality
Are you tired of constant Adobe Acrobat Reader updates taking up your time, slowing down your computer, or even crashing your system? This guide will walk you through the steps to disable these updates without losing functionality. Whether you are using a personal computer or a workstation, these methods will help you retain the essential features while minimizing disruptions.
Method 1: Adjusting Printer Settings
One of the easiest and most immediate ways to prevent updates is by changing your printer settings. Printer-related updates can be one of the main culprits behind frequent reboots or system crashes. Here’s how to deal with it:
Step 1: Access Device Manager
To begin, you will need to access your Device Manager. This can be done through the Start Menu by going to Settings > Devices > Printers Scanners. Here, you will find all the printers and scanners connected to your system.
Step 2: Select Your Adobe PDF Printer
From the list of printers, select the Adobe PDF printer that you use most frequently to save your PDF files. For any other PDF option, follow the same steps.
Step 3: Manage Printing Preferences
After selecting the printer, go to the right sidebar and click on Manage. From there, select Printing Preferences.
Step 4: Disable Result Display for PDF Files
In the preferences, locate the option that lets you view the results of printing the PDF files. Uncheck the box that displays these results and click OK to save your changes. This will effectively prevent the Adobe Acrobat Reader from checking for updates each time you print to the PDF file.
Method 2: Disabling Update Services (Advanced Technique)
If you prefer a more advanced solution, such as disabling the Adobe Reader or Acrobat updater service, here are the detailed steps:
Step 1: Open Services Manager
To access the Services Manager, use an administrative account. Simply open the Control Panel and search for Services. You can also go through Admin Tools found in the same Control Panel or right-click on the Start Menu and search for Services.
Step 2: Locate the Adobe Reader or Acrobat Updater Service
In the list of services, find the Adobe Reader or Acrobat Updater service. These can be labeled differently depending on your setup.
Step 3: Stop and Disable the Service
Right-click on the Adobe Reader or Acrobat Updater service and select Stop. Then, click on Disable to prevent the service from starting automatically. This ensures that the update process is paused and won’t interfere with your system.
Step 4: Swift Updates (If Needed)
If at any point you decide to manually update Adobe Acrobat Reader, simply re-enable the service, restart your computer, and run the update manually. Remember to disable the service again afterward to prevent future disruptions.
Regular Maintenance and Best Practices
While disabling updates can provide relief from constant interruptions, it’s important to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the security and integrity of your software. Downloading official and latest updates from Adobe’s official website regularly can help in fixing bugs and security issues. Always consider these practices:
1. Keep Your System Up-to-Date
Ensure that your operating system and other essential software are regularly updated. This can provide significant benefits in terms of security and performance.
2. Use a Reliable Antivirus
A strong antivirus can help prevent malicious software from interfering with your Adobe Acrobat Reader and causing unwanted disruptions.
3. Regularly Scan for Malware
Regularly run a full system scan using a reliable antivirus to remove any potential threats that could cause issues with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Conclusion
By following these methods, you can effectively control the updates in Adobe Acrobat Reader, ensuring a smoother and more efficient user experience. Whether you choose to modify printer settings or disable update services, the key is to find a solution that fits your specific needs while avoiding potential complications.