Adobearm.exe: What It Is & Should I Remove It?

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Have you ever noticed a process called Adobearm.exe running on your computer and wondered what it is? Adobearm.exe is a legitimate process that belongs to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, a popular PDF reader software. However, some users have reported issues with this process, such as high CPU usage, slow performance, and even security concerns. In this article, we will explore what Adobearm.exe is, how it works, and whether you should remove it from your computer.

Windows Task Manager

What Is Adobearm.exe?

Adobearm.exe is a process that belongs to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, a free PDF reader software developed by Adobe Systems. The process is responsible for checking for updates and installing them automatically. It runs in the background and starts automatically when you start your computer. The process is located in the C:Program Files (x86)Common FilesAdobeARM1.0 directory and has a file size of around 1.5 MB.

Adobearm.exe is not a virus or malware. It is a legitimate process that is required for the proper functioning of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. However, some users have reported issues with this process, such as high CPU usage, slow performance, and even security concerns.

How Does Adobearm.exe Work?

Adobearm.exe works by checking for updates and installing them automatically. It runs in the background and starts automatically when you start your computer. The process communicates with Adobe’s servers to check for updates and downloads them if available. Once the updates are downloaded, the process installs them automatically without any user intervention.

Adobearm.exe also creates a scheduled task in the Windows Task Scheduler to check for updates regularly. The scheduled task runs in the background and checks for updates at regular intervals. If any updates are available, the process downloads and installs them automatically.

Should I Remove Adobearm.exe?

Whether you should remove Adobearm.exe depends on your specific situation. If you are experiencing issues with this process, such as high CPU usage, slow performance, or security concerns, you may want to consider removing it. However, if you are not experiencing any issues, it is recommended to keep the process as it is required for the proper functioning of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

If you decide to remove Adobearm.exe, you can do so by following these steps:

  1. Open the Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
  2. Click on the Processes tab.
  3. Find Adobearm.exe in the list of processes.
  4. Right-click on Adobearm.exe and select End Task.
  5. Open the C:Program Files (x86)Common FilesAdobeARM1.0 directory.
  6. Delete the Adobearm.exe file.

However, it is important to note that removing Adobearm.exe may prevent Adobe Acrobat Reader DC from checking for updates and installing them automatically. This may leave your computer vulnerable to security threats and may also cause compatibility issues with other software that relies on Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

How to Fix Issues with Adobearm.exe?

If you are experiencing issues with Adobearm.exe, such as high CPU usage, slow performance, or security concerns, there are several things you can do to fix them:

  • Update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC: Make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC installed. You can check for updates by opening the software and clicking on Help > Check for Updates.
  • Disable Automatic Updates: If you are experiencing issues with automatic updates, you can disable them by opening Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and clicking on Edit > Preferences > Updater. From there, you can select “Do not download or install updates automatically” and click on OK.
  • Scan for Viruses and Malware: Adobearm.exe is not a virus or malware, but it can be exploited by hackers to spread malware. Make sure you have a reliable antivirus software installed and scan your computer regularly. We recommend using Malwarebytes Free, a popular and effective antivirus software.
  • Clean Your Registry: Adobearm.exe may leave behind registry entries that can cause issues. You can clean your registry using a reliable registry cleaner software.

Conclusion

Adobearm.exe is a legitimate process that belongs to Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. It is responsible for checking for updates and installing them automatically. While it is not a virus or malware, some users have reported issues with this process, such as high CPU usage, slow performance, and even security concerns. Whether you should remove Adobearm.exe depends on your specific situation. If you are experiencing issues, you may want to consider removing it. However, if you are not experiencing any issues, it is recommended to keep the process as it is required for the proper functioning of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. If you decide to remove Adobearm.exe, make sure you have a reliable antivirus software installed and scan your computer regularly to prevent security threats.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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