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How to Fix QuickBooks Update Error 1625 During Installation

· 6 min read
Debits

Introduction​

QuickBooks Error 1625 is an installation or update error that occurs when the system policies on your Windows operating system prevent the update or installation of QuickBooks. This error usually appears with the message:
“Error 1625: This installation is forbidden by system policy.”

This issue is often caused by restrictive Windows User Account Control (UAC) settings, group policy restrictions, or incomplete QuickBooks installation files. In this guide, we’ll walk you through troubleshooting and resolving QuickBooks Update Error 1625 so you can complete your installation or update process without any interruptions.

What Causes QuickBooks Error 1625?​

Error 1625 is typically triggered by one or more of the following reasons:

  1. Restrictive System Policies: Windows policies or settings may block software updates or installations.
  2. Corrupt Installation Files: The QuickBooks update files or installer may be incomplete or corrupted.
  3. Outdated Windows Installer: An outdated or improperly configured Windows Installer can block QuickBooks updates.
  4. Windows User Permissions: Insufficient administrative permissions on your Windows account may restrict updates.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 1625​

  • QuickBooks update or installation process stops abruptly.
  • Error message “Error 1625: This installation is forbidden by system policy” appears on the screen.
  • QuickBooks becomes unresponsive or crashes during updates.
  • You’re unable to complete software updates or install new features.

Steps to Fix QuickBooks Update Error 1625​

Step 1: Check and Update Windows Settings​

Since Error 1625 is related to system policies, the first step is to adjust Windows settings.

1.1: Turn Off User Account Control (UAC)​

  1. Open Control Panel:
    • Go to the Start menu, type “Control Panel,” and press Enter.
  2. Access UAC Settings:
    • Click on User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings.
  3. Adjust the Slider:
    • Move the slider to Never notify to disable UAC temporarily.
  4. Restart Your Computer:
    • Restart your system and retry the QuickBooks installation or update process.

Note: Remember to re-enable UAC after successfully completing the installation or update to maintain system security.

Step 2: Modify Local Group Policy Settings​

Error 1625 may occur due to group policy restrictions that prevent software updates. Adjusting these settings can resolve the issue.

  1. Open the Run Dialog:
    • Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Launch Group Policy Editor:
    • Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  3. Navigate to Software Restriction Policies:
    • Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Installer.
  4. Modify Policy Settings:
    • Locate the policy setting labeled Prohibit User Installs.
    • Double-click it and change the setting to Disabled.
  5. Save Changes:
    • Click Apply, then OK.
  6. Restart Your Computer:
    • Restart the computer and try updating QuickBooks again.

Note: Group Policy Editor is not available in Windows Home editions. For these systems, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Update the Windows Installer​

An outdated or corrupt Windows Installer can trigger Error 1625 during QuickBooks updates. Updating or reinstalling it can help.

  1. Check the Current Version:
    • Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
    • Type msiexec /? and press Enter. The current version of Windows Installer will be displayed.
  2. Download the Latest Installer:
    • Visit the official Microsoft website and search for the latest version of Windows Installer.
  3. Install the Update:
    • Download and install the updated Windows Installer package.
  4. Restart Your System:
    • Restart your computer and try updating QuickBooks again.

Step 4: Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool​

The QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool can automatically detect and resolve installation or update errors.

  1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub:
    • Visit the official Intuit website to download the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
  2. Install Tool Hub:
    • Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  3. Run the Install Diagnostic Tool:
    • Open QuickBooks Tool Hub and go to the Installation Issues tab.
    • Select QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool and let it run.
  4. Follow the Prompts:
    • The tool will identify and fix issues related to your QuickBooks installation or update.

After running the tool, restart your computer and attempt the update or installation again.

Step 5: Reconfigure System Registry (Advanced)​

If the error persists, you may need to make adjustments to the Windows registry. This step requires advanced knowledge. Proceed with caution.

  1. Open Registry Editor:
    • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Locate the Installer Key:
    • Navigate to the following location: 
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer
  3. Modify the DisableMSI Value:
    • Double-click DisableMSI.
    • Change the value to 0 to enable MSI (Microsoft Installer).
  4. Exit the Registry Editor:
    • Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Warning: Incorrect changes to the registry can harm your system. Consider creating a backup of the registry before making changes.

Step 6: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop​

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop may resolve the error.

6.1: Uninstall QuickBooks​

  1. Go to Control Panel:
    • Navigate to Programs > Programs and Features.
  2. Find QuickBooks:
    • Select QuickBooks Desktop from the list of installed programs.
  3. Uninstall:
    • Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen prompts.

6.2: Reinstall QuickBooks​

  1. Download the Installer:
    • Visit the official Intuit website and download the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Run the Installer:
    • Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall QuickBooks.
  3. Activate QuickBooks:
    • Enter your license and product information to activate the software.

Troubleshooting Tips​

Issue: Error Persists After Disabling UAC​

  • Solution: Ensure you’re logged in as an administrator. Right-click the QuickBooks installer and select Run as Administrator.

Issue: Updates Still Blocked After Group Policy Change​

  • Solution: Verify that your system is connected to a domain. Domain policies may override local group policies.

Issue: Error 1625 Occurs on a Windows Home Edition​

  • Solution: Update Windows Installer and disable UAC, as Group Policy Editor is not available on Home editions.

Conclusion​

QuickBooks Update Error 1625 can interrupt your workflow, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can resolve the issue and continue with your updates or installation. Whether it’s adjusting system policies, updating the Windows Installer, or running diagnostic tools, these solutions address the root causes of Error 1625.

If the error persists, consider contacting QuickBooks support or consulting a certified QuickBooks professional for further assistance.