Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is a widely used software application developed by Adobe Inc., primarily for viewing, printing, annotating, and digitally signing PDF (Portable Document Format) files. It’s often pre-installed on many Windows systems or downloaded separately due to its universal compatibility with PDFs across industries and platforms. Despite its usefulness, some users may wish to uninstall Adobe Acrobat Reader to reduce system bloat, resolve performance issues, or switch to alternative PDF readers like Foxit, SumatraPDF, or the built-in Windows PDF viewer.
This guide presents several methods to completely remove Adobe Acrobat Reader from your Windows device. We will highlight important distinctions between 32-bit and 64-bit systems, as well as differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. Each method includes detailed step-by-step instructions, key points, precautions, success rate estimates, and an analysis of its drawbacks. The final method introduces Perfect Uninstaller, a third-party tool designed for deep and comprehensive software removal. At the end, we provide a professional conclusion to help you choose the best uninstallation strategy.
Method 1: Uninstall via Settings App (Windows 10 / Windows 11)
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Press
Win + Ito open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps
- In Windows 10, navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
- In Windows 11, go directly to Installed apps under the Apps section.
- Search for Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Use the search bar at the top and type “Adobe Acrobat Reader” or “Adobe Reader”.
- Uninstall the App
- Click on Adobe Acrobat Reader and then click Uninstall.
- Confirm when prompted and wait for the process to complete.
Notes:
- Works identically on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- Fully compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- This method removes only the main application; user data, cache, and registry entries may remain.
Success Rate:
- ~85–90% successful removal of the installed package.
Drawbacks:
- Does not remove residual configuration files, cached documents, or registry entries unless manually deleted.
- Cannot uninstall deeply embedded services or leftover registry keys.
- Not suitable for removing all traces of the application or related components like plugins or shortcuts.
Method 2: Using Control Panel (Legacy Interface)
The Control Panel remains a reliable option for managing installed applications, especially for advanced users or those who prefer a more traditional interface.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel
- Type “Control Panel” in the Start menu and open it.
- Navigate to Programs > Uninstall a Program
- Locate Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Scroll through the list and select Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or similar.
- Uninstall the Application
- Click Uninstall and follow the prompts to complete the process.
Notes:
- Compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- Works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, though the layout may differ slightly.
Success Rate:
- ~87–92% successful removal of the main program files.
Drawbacks:
- May not fully clean up user profiles, shared system folders, or plugin directories.
- Less intuitive than the modern Settings interface.
- Still leaves behind some configuration and cache files.
Method 3: Manual File and Registry Cleanup (Post-Uninstall)
After uninstalling via any of the above methods, you can perform manual cleanup to remove any remaining files or registry entries.
Steps:
- Delete App Data Folders
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files\Adobe C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe (for 64-bit systems) C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Adobe C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Adobe
- Clear Temp Files
- Delete:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp\Adobe*
- Clean Registry Entries
- Open Registry Editor (
regedit) as admin. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Adobe
For 64-bit systems, also check:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Adobe - Delete these keys if they exist.
- ⚠️ Warning: Always back up the registry before making changes.
Notes:
- This method requires technical expertise.
- Works on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- Especially useful for advanced users or system administrators.
Success Rate:
- ~95–97% complete removal if executed properly.
Drawbacks:
- Time-consuming and error-prone.
- Risk of accidental file or registry deletion.
- Not recommended for novice users.
Method 4: Using Perfect Uninstaller (Third-Party Tool)
Perfect Uninstaller is a powerful utility designed to perform deep and comprehensive software removal, including leftover files, registry entries, and cached data that standard uninstallers often miss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Download Perfect Uninstaller
- Visit the official website of Perfect Uninstaller (ensure it’s a trusted source).
- Download the correct version based on your system:
- 32-bit systems: Install 32-bit version.
- 64-bit systems: Install 64-bit version for full compatibility.
Step 2: Install and Launch the Software
- Run the installer and follow the setup instructions.
- Launch the application after installation.
Step 3: Locate Adobe Acrobat Reader
- In the main interface, scroll through the list of installed programs.
- Find “Adobe Acrobat Reader DC” or “Adobe Reader” and click on it.
Step 4: Initiate Uninstallation
- Click the Uninstall button.
- The tool will begin removing Adobe Acrobat Reader, displaying real-time progress.
- During uninstallation, it will remove:
- Application files
- Registry entries
- Startup items
- User-specific data
Step 5: Perform Deep Cleanup
- After uninstalling, use the Scan for Leftovers feature.
- Let the tool scan for any remaining files or registry fragments.
- Select all found items and click Delete to ensure a clean system.
Notes:
- Perfect Uninstaller offers automated and comprehensive removal.
- Works seamlessly on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Ideal for users who want to avoid manual file hunting and registry editing.
Success Rate:
- ~98–100% complete removal, depending on software version and database updates.
Drawbacks:
- Requires downloading third-party software, which may raise security concerns.
- Some versions may include bundled software or ads.
- Paid versions often offer better support and functionality.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Adobe Acrobat Reader on Windows can vary in effectiveness depending on the method used. While basic tools like the Settings app and Control Panel are sufficient for casual users, they often leave behind residual files and registry entries. Performing manual cleanup ensures thoroughness but demands technical knowledge.
From a professional standpoint, Perfect Uninstaller stands out as the most effective solution, offering guaranteed, complete removal of Adobe Acrobat Reader along with all associated data. With a success rate of up to 98–100%, it’s ideal for maintaining a clean, optimized system free from unnecessary bloatware.
However, caution should be exercised when using third-party tools — always download from verified sources to avoid potential malware or unwanted software. Whether you’re streamlining your system, troubleshooting performance issues, or simply no longer using Adobe Acrobat Reader, understanding how to fully remove it empowers you to maintain a secure and efficient computing environment.
In summary, while native tools offer basic uninstallation capabilities, Perfect Uninstaller remains the best choice for deep, safe, and guaranteed removal — especially for non-technical users seeking a one-stop solution.