PitStop Pro in Adobe Protected Mode

Protected Mode support in PitStop Pro 

Adobe Acrobat Protected Mode is a built‑in security feature designed to help protect computers from potentially malicious PDF files. When a PDF is opened, it runs in a sandboxed environment that isolates the file from the rest of the computer, preventing access to critical resources such as system files, the Windows registry, other applications, and user data outside approved locations. 

PDFs can include JavaScript, embedded files, and interactive content, which may be exploited by attackers. Protected Mode reduces this risk by blocking unauthorized actions and preventing malware or exploits within a PDF from causing harm, even if a vulnerability is exploited. 

Up to version 26.03, PitStop Pro could not operate when Protected Mode was enabled. This was because Protected Mode prevented PitStop Pro from accessing the file system, which is required for core functionality such as saving presets. As a result, users had to disable it in Acrobat preferences to continue working. However, doing so introduced the very risks it was designed to prevent.

Why we added Protected Mode support 

Some customers work in security‑sensitive or IT‑controlled environments where Protected Mode is enabled by policy, or where running Acrobat with stricter security settings is a requirement. 

To support these workflows — and to help users anticipate potential future changes in Acrobat behavior — Enfocus is introducing full support for Protected Mode in PitStop Pro 26.07. This allows PitStop Pro to run normally even when Protected Mode is enabled in Acrobat. 

What this means for PitStop Pro users 

  • PitStop Pro 26.07 and later can be used with Protected Mode enabled. 
  • Earlier versions of PitStop Pro cannot run under Protected Mode. 

If Protected Mode is enabled by company policy, required by security guidelines, or becomes non‑optional due to changes in Acrobat configuration, older PitStop Pro versions will no longer function in that environment. 

Plan ahead to avoid workflow interruptions 

We recommend you plan the upgrade to PitStop Pro 26.07 in advance, especially in environments where validation, testing, or IT coordination is required. 

  • Customers with an active subscription or maintenance contract are entitled to upgrade to PitStop Pro 26.07.
  • Customers using a perpetual license without maintenance are encouraged to contact their reseller to discuss available options to get their (older) version upgraded.  

Being prepared ensures continuity and avoids unexpected interruptions should Protected Mode be required in your workflow.