FIX: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Newer Version already installed – Error 1722 (Solved)
The following issue was encountered on a Windows based computer: Adobe Acrobat Reader DC fails to install because "Newer version already installed". The weird with this problem, is that Adobe Reader DC has not have been installed on the machine, because there isn't exist any trace of the Adobe Reader program or files either on Add/Remove programs or in the hard drive.
Additionally, when troubleshooting the installation problem "a new version already installed" of Adobe Reader DC program, the following error message occurred when trying to install the program using the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Distribution package: "Error 1722. There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A program run as a part of the setup did not finish as expected. Contact your support personnel or package vendor…."
This tutorial contains detailed steps and instructions to resolve the following errors when installing Adobe Reader DC: "A new version already installed" & "Error 1722. There is a problem with this Windows Installer package" in Windows 10/8/7 OS.
How to FIX Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Installation Problems: Newer Version already installed – Error 1722 Problem with the Installer Package.
Method 1. Remove Adobe Acrobat Products with Acrobat Cleaner Tool.
The first step to fix the installation problems of Adobe Reader DC, is to remove all previous installations of Adobe Acrobat & Adobe Reader, by using the Acrobat Reader DC & Adobe Acrobat DC Cleanup utility * and then to install Adobe Reader DC.
* The Adobe Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool is designed to clean Adobe Acrobat & Adobe Reader corrupted installations, including removing or fixing corrupted files, removing or changing permissions registry entries, etc..
Method 2. Run Microsoft's Program Install & Uninstall Troubleshooter.
1. Download the Program Install & Uninstall Troubleshooter from Microsoft.
2. Run the downloaded program and click next at the first screen.
3. When prompted click Uninstalling
4. Select the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC program and select Next.* Then follow the onscreen instructions to fix the problem.
* Note: If you don't see the 'Adobe Acrobat Reader DC' in the list, click Cancel and run the troubleshooter again. But, this time choose "Installing" when prompted.
Method 3. Install Adobe Reader using the Full Acrobat Reader DC Installer Package.
Try to Install Adobe Reader DC by using the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Distribution package.
Method 4. Start the Windows Installer Service.
1. Open Windows Services control panel: To do that:
- Press Windows
+ R keys to open the run command box. - In the Search box, type: services.msc & click OK.
- (Accept the UAC warning if appears).
2. In Services control panel right click at Windows Installer service and click Start. *
* Note: If the service is started then click Restart.
Method 5. Re-Register the Windows Installer Service.
1. Open Command Prompt As Administrator.
2. Type the following commands in order (press Enter after typing each command)
- msiexec /unregister
- msiexec /regserver
3. Close command prompt window and restart your computer.
4. Try to install Acrobat Reader DC.
Method 6. Install Windows Updates and Visual C++.
1. Install all available Windows Updates.
2. Install both the x86 & x64 vesrions of the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2013
3. Install both the x86 & x64 vesrions of the Visual C++ Redistributable Packages for Visual Studio 2015
4. Try to install Acrobat Reader DC.
That’s all folks! Did it work for you?
Please leave a comment in the comment section below or even better: like and share this blog post in the social networks to help spread the word about this solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat Reader DC fail to install on my Windows computer stating 'Newer version already installed'?
This issue may occur due to residual files or registry entries from previous Adobe installations. Even if Adobe Reader DC was not visibly installed on the machine, traces may remain that cause the installer to misread the situation.
What is 'Error 1722' during the installation of Adobe Reader DC?
'Error 1722' is a Windows Installer package error indicating that a program run as part of the setup did not finish as expected. This can prevent successful installation of Adobe Reader DC.
How can I remove old or corrupted Adobe Acrobat installations to resolve installation issues?
You can use the Acrobat Reader and Acrobat Cleaner Tool to remove or fix corrupted Adobe installations. This tool can clean up residual files, incorrect permissions, and registry entries that may be causing conflicts.
What's an alternative method if Adobe Reader DC is not appearing in the Microsoft Troubleshooter uninstall list?
If Adobe Reader DC doesn't appear in the list, you may choose 'Installing' instead of 'Uninstalling' when prompted by the troubleshooter. This may help identify and fix issues preventing installation.

May 2, 2020 @ 7:58 am
I have followed almost all methods, but it seems like method 6 is the most useful as i have tried it in other systems too. Really thank you!
June 19, 2020 @ 3:57 pm
Method # 6 worked for me. Thanks for the help !!
September 1, 2020 @ 11:31 am
First click 'show hidden files and folders' under tools–> view at folder options then go to OS drive (most cases C:) open C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Setup\{AC76BA86-7AD7-1033-7B44-AC0F074E4100} (your id value should be different) and double click on 'acroread' file and acrobat reader will be installed.
January 29, 2021 @ 5:10 pm
It worked for me ! Thanks. Why it worked ? No other modification (1-6) tried in article above…
February 16, 2022 @ 6:15 pm
Perfect: that did the job, thanks!!!
July 12, 2021 @ 4:03 am
Solved…
open C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Setup\{AC76BA86-7AD7-1033-7B44-AC0F074E4100} (your id value should be different). Run setup.exe as administrator. Ignore 1406 errors and acrobat reader will be installed anyway.
January 6, 2022 @ 12:27 pm
yes i agree.. thanks for help..