This guide covers Windows installation for both the subscription edition Acrobat Pro DC (1-Year) and the perpetual edition Acrobat Pro 2020 S&T. The installation flow is shared; activation differs by license type.
1) Download the installer
Acrobat Pro DC (1-Year Subscription)
- Open Adobe’s official Acrobat download page.
- Sign in with your Adobe ID.
- Download the Windows installer (64-bit) or install via the Creative Cloud Desktop prompt.
Acrobat Pro 2020 S&T (Perpetual)
- Open Adobe’s Acrobat 2020 downloads page.
- Download the Windows installer for Acrobat Pro 2020.
- Keep your serial number ready (required during or after install).
2) Run the setup wizard
- Right-click the installer (e.g.,
Acrobat_DC_Setup.exe or extracted Setup.exe) → Run as administrator.
- Approve the UAC prompt (Yes).
- Accept the license agreement → choose the default install location → click Install.
- When setup completes, click Finish.
3) Launch Acrobat
- Start via Start Menu → Adobe Acrobat (64-bit).
- Allow first-run initialization to complete.
4) Activate your license
Acrobat Pro DC (1-Year Subscription)
- At launch, choose Sign in and enter your Adobe ID credentials linked to your subscription.
- Activation completes once sign-in succeeds (internet required).
- If you need to move devices later, deactivate from your Adobe account, then sign in on the new PC.
Acrobat Pro 2020 S&T (Perpetual)
- In Acrobat, go to Help → Activate / Enter Serial Number.
- Enter your serial; follow prompts to complete validation.
- If you installed a trial, convert it via Help → Activate and enter your serial to switch to the perpetual build.
If prompted unexpectedly for a serial number with a subscription license, check connectivity to Adobe activation servers or sign-in state.
