With the release of version 10.0 in May 2020, Foxit Software removed the Foxit PDF Printer, as well as other "create PDF" features, to refocus the free reader primarily on viewing and annotation. Consequently, version 9.7.2 is the last free version to offer integrated PDF creation via a virtual printer. This has created a dedicated user base that continues to rely on v9.7.2 for its combined utility.
For the sysadmin, it is a liability. For the reverse engineer, it is a textbook. For the nostalgist, it is the last time a PDF reader opened before you finished clicking the icon. It stands as a monument to the trade-off we all make:
Apply digital signatures using your handwritten signature image, or utilize secure eSign workflows. Why Users Specifically Choose Version 9.7.2 foxit reader v9.7.2
For mass deployment via Microsoft SCCM, Group Policy (GPO), or Microsoft Intune, administrators can utilize standard silent command switches:
Do you need advanced features like or text editing? With the release of version 10
Foxit Software released Foxit Reader version 9.7.2 as a maintenance and security update to its widely-used PDF reader. While later versions (Foxit 10, 11, and 12) have since introduced new interfaces and cloud features, version 9.7.2 remains notable for users who prefer a classic layout or work on legacy Windows systems.
Uses a fraction of the RAM required by competing PDF suites. For the sysadmin, it is a liability
Do not use the online stub installer (which fetches the latest version). Search for FoxitReader972_Setup_IS.exe (Enterprise IS version) or FoxitReader972_Setup_MSI.msi (for mass deployment). Verify the SHA-256 hash if available.