| Feature | Foxit v9.7.2 | Foxit v2024 (Latest) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Price | Free (perpetual) | Freemium (nags for Pro) | | Cloud Storage | None | Deeply integrated (OneDrive, Google, Box) | | E-signature | Manual digital signing only | DocuSign & Foxit eSign built-in | | File Size | 140 MB | 450 MB+ | | RAM Usage | ~45 MB | ~180 MB | | Telemetry | Minimal (opt-out) | Extensive (opt-out via registry) | | Dark Mode | No | Yes (partial) | | PDF/A Validation | Basic | Full, with preflight | | AI Assistant | No | Yes (Foxit AI) |
The Verdict: Use v9.7.2 for speed and privacy. Use v2024 for collaboration and compliance.
Foxit 9.7.2 patched several vulnerabilities, including:
All Foxit Reader users on the 9.x branch were strongly urged to upgrade to 9.7.2 or later.
Foxit Reader 9.7.2 is a legacy version released in mid-2020. While it was stable at the time, it is now outdated and contains multiple public, unpatched vulnerabilities. Using this version poses a significant security risk for any system.
Foxit Reader v9.7.2, released in April 2020, was a major milestone for the popular free PDF software before it was rebranded to "Foxit PDF Reader" with version 11. It was highly regarded for being a lightweight, fast, and feature-rich alternative to Adobe Acrobat, specifically designed to minimize system resource consumption. Key Features and Improvements foxit reader v9.7.2
This version introduced several critical enhancements and bug fixes:
Enhanced Navigation: Users could view multiple PDFs simultaneously using a multi-tab display and customize their experience with Read Mode, reverse view, and advanced zooming tools like the Loupe and Magnifier.
Security & Stability: Version 9.7.2.29539 addressed critical security vulnerabilities and stability issues. It also fixed a notable bug where Digital IDs failed to appear in the "Sign Document" dialog.
Cloud Integration: It improved workflows for opening files directly from Google Drive and enhanced the ConnectedPDF features, allowing document owners more control over shared reviews.
Touch Screen Support: This update resolved critical issues for Microsoft Touch Screen users, such as being unable to exit Full Screen Mode or move annotation objects. Current Status and Support As of 2026, version 9.7.2 is considered a legacy release. | Feature | Foxit v9
End of Life (EOL): Foxit typically discontinues support for older perpetual versions. For instance, support for version 12 and older ended in August 2025, meaning version 9.7.2 no longer receives security updates, technical support, or new features.
Compatibility: While it remains functional for users on older operating systems like Windows 7, modern users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest stable release (e.g., v2026.x) for security and access to new tools like the AI Assistant.
Legacy Downloads: If you need this specific version for compatibility with older hardware, it can still be found on archival sites like Uptodown.
Are you looking to install this specific version for compatibility reasons, or would you like help upgrading to the newest version? Foxit PDF Reader Version History & Release Notes
Document Version: 1.0 Date: October 2023 Target Audience: General Users, Administrative Professionals, and Students Foxit 9
To customize Foxit Reader v9.7.2:
In the landscape of digital documentation, PDF (Portable Document Format) is the industry standard for preserving document fidelity. Foxit Reader emerged as a primary alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader, distinguishing itself through speed and a smaller installation footprint.
Version 9.7.2, released in late 2020, represents a mature iteration of the software. It balances a classic, ribbon-style interface with advanced features such as ConnectedPDF, comprehensive annotation tools, and integration with cloud services. This guide serves as a manual for users operating this specific version to maximize their productivity.
Historically, v9.7.2 sits right before the massive CVE-2022-28672 and the "Follina"-esque template injection attacks. In this build, the Launch action and URI handling were functional but not yet locked down. A clever adversary could embed a file:// URI that points to an SMB share, forcing NetNTLMv2 hash leaks—a technique that was textbook in 2020-2021 red team engagements.