How to Uninstall Acrobat Reader DC
As a format that's ubiquitous in everything from work environment documents to restaurant website menus, the PDF isn't going to die anytime soon. Still, many Web browsers provide sufficient, built-in PDF-viewing support that the need for a stand-alone program like Acrobat Reader DC is less necessary than in older days. Users also might not want the headache that comes with the cloud management options of Acrobat Reader DC – the 'DC' standing for 'Document Cloud.'
Always close out of any program before uninstalling it. Use the Activity Monitor (if you're in macOS) or Task Manager (if you're in Windows) for confirming that no Acrobat Reader processes are open in the background, or close them as need be.
When available, experts recommend that users facilitate the uninstall routine by using any developer-provided tools. The advantage of this solution is that the program should remove many or even all 'leftover' files or other components that a traditional uninstall action might neglect. The official adobe.com website provides a free download of their Acrobat Cleaner Tool, AKA AcroCleaner. Windows and macOS users should download the compatible version of the program and follow all provided instructions. Note that Adobe requires that users read terms and conditions and check the box on the download page as proof of having done so. The file download won't proceed until you do this step.
Click 'Next' when prompted, and 'Accept' the end-user license agreement at the appropriate page. You should choose 'Acrobat' as the product to remove. Additionally, users should remember the 'leave workflows intact' option. This option lets users preserve file settings that Acrobat DC and Acrobat Reader DC share. Uncheck it for removing all this 'remembered' configuration data simultaneously with the program.
However, users can always delete Acrobat Reader DC without needing the tool, for example, if there's no consistent internet connection for downloading the file. Users with a macOS system should open Finder, choose Applications, and scroll down to the Acrobat Reader DC icon. Double-clicking it will expand to a set of several related applications. Click the Acrobat Uninstaller, which lets you choose which Acrobat program you want to remove.
Windows users may open the Control Panel and click the 'Uninstall a program' link beneath Programs. Otherwise, they can type 'Add or remove a program' in the taskbar and click the result. Either way will open a list of installed programs; scroll through it until you see the Acrobat Reader entry and choose the Uninstall option (by right-clicking in the Control Panel or left-clicking in Settings). A final way is if the program has a Start shortcut. Click Start, find Adobe Acrobat Reader's shortcut, and right-click it for bringing up the Uninstall option.
Regardless of whether you're using a Mac or Windows machine, reboot the computer after finishing the uninstall routine. Some files and other components will be intact until the operating system restarts.