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Using Remote Update Manager

Using Adobe's Remote Update Manager

The Adobe Remote Update Manager (RUM) provides a command-line interface that admins can use to remotely install updates of Adobe apps. This allows updates to be installed without logging in to each client machine. RUM works with SCCM, Munki, and other deployment/remote management tools.
Use Adobe Remote Update Manager

Important Change in Update Approach

Due to frequent Adobe security updates, we recommend using RUM for ongoing updates instead of reinstalling packages.

  • Packages are for initial installation
  • RUM is the supported method for ongoing updates
  • Security updates may not be immediately reflected in packages

Local Automation Method

(For IT staff not using centralized management tools)

Before You Begin

  • RUM only works on existing Adobe installations
  • Install an Adobe package from WebStore first (NU or SDL)

Step 1 — Locate RUM

RUM is already included in your Adobe package.

Typical locations:

Windows

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\OOBE\PDApp\RUM\RemoteUpdateManager.exe

Mac

/usr/local/bin/RemoteUpdateManager

If not present, it can be copied from the package build output.

Step 2 — Test Run (Required)

Run manually once to confirm it works.

Windows (Run as Administrator)

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\OOBE\PDApp\RUM\RemoteUpdateManager.exe" --silent

Mac (Terminal)

sudo /usr/local/bin/RemoteUpdateManager --silent

Step 3 — Verify Logs

After running, check logs:

  • Windows:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\OOBE\PDApp\RUM\Logs\RemoteUpdateManager.log

  • Mac:

    /Library/Logs/RemoteUpdateManager.log

Windows Option A — Simple Batch File

Create a file called run-rum.bat:

@echo off  
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\OOBE\PDApp\RUM\RemoteUpdateManager.exe" --silent

Create run-rum.ps1:

Start-Process -FilePath "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\OOBE\PDApp\RUM\RemoteUpdateManager.exe" -ArgumentList "--silent" -Wait -NoNewWindow

Mac — Shell Script

Create run-rum.sh:

#!/bin/bash  
/usr/local/bin/RemoteUpdateManager --silent

Make it executable:

chmod +x run-rum.sh

Step 5 — Schedule It

  • Run: Weekly
  • Run whether user is logged in or not
  • Run with highest privileges

Program/script:

powershell.exe

Arguments:

-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "C:\Path\to\run-rum.ps1"

Mac — LaunchDaemon (Example)

Create:

/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.company.rum.plist
Example contents:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" 
"http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
    <key>Label</key>
    <string>com.company.rum</string>

    <key>ProgramArguments</key>
    <array>
        <string>/usr/local/bin/RemoteUpdateManager</string>
        <string>--silent</string>
    </array>

    <key>StartInterval</key>
    <integer>604800</integer> <!-- 7 days -->

    <key>RunAtLoad</key>
    <true/>
</dict>
</plist>

Load it:

sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.company.rum.plist

What This Does

  • Checks for Adobe updates
  • Downloads and installs them silently
  • Keeps systems secure without reinstalling packages

Recommendation

Run RUM:

  • Weekly at minimum
  • Or more frequently for high-security environments

🔗 More Information

Use Adobe Remote Update Manager