How to Fix QuickBooks Update Error 1625 (Installation is Forbidden By Policy)?

QuickBooks Update Error 1625 shows the message “Installation is forbidden by policy.” This error occurs when Windows system policies or Group Policy settings block QuickBooks installation or updates. The Windows Installer service may be disabled, corrupted, or restricted by security settings, stopping the software from installing or updating correctly. Other causes include low user permissions, strict User Account Control (UAC) settings, missing or damaged system files, or compatibility issues between QuickBooks and Windows. 

To fix QuickBooks Update Error 1625, allow installations in Group Policy and ensure the Windows Installer service is running. Run the installer as an administrator, lower UAC settings temporarily, use SFC to repair files, and turn off antivirus or firewall during setup. If needed, use the Clean Install Tool for a fresh reinstall. Before starting, confirm admin rights, back up company files, and check Windows compatibility. To prevent future errors, keep system settings and QuickBooks updated and ensure proper permissions. Here are 7 effective methods to fix QuickBooks Update Error 1625 (Installation is Forbidden By Policy).

Method 1: Disable the Prohibition on Non-administrators

QuickBooks update error 1625 can appear when system settings block installations for non-administrator users. To fix this, adjust the group policy settings as shown below:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
3. In the Local Group Policy Editor, go to Local Computer Policy.
4. Open Computer Configuration > Windows Settings.
5. Click Administrative Templates, then double-click Windows Components.
6. Select Windows Installer.
7. Double-click Prohibit non-administrators from applying vendor-signed updates.
8. Set it to Disabled, click OK, and restart your PC

This change allows installations without admin restrictions and may fix error 1625. 

Method 2: Adjust User Account Control (UAC) Settings

QuickBooks update error 1625 can also appear due to strict User Account Control (UAC) settings. To reduce these restrictions, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Start menu and go to Control Panel.
2. Click User Accounts, then click it again.
3. Select Change User Account Control Settings.
4. Click Continue, if asked.
5. Move the slider to Never Notify.
6. Click OK to save.
7. Restart your computer.

Lowering the UAC settings can remove the error and allow the update process to complete. Try installing the update again after restarting.

Method 3: Update the Software Restriction Policy

Error 1625 may occur if the system’s software restriction policy blocks QuickBooks updates. To fix this, adjust the policy settings using the steps below:

1. Open the Control Panel and click on System and Security.
2. Select Administrative Tools, then open Local Security Policy.
3. In the left panel, choose Software Restriction Policies.
4. Right-click and select New Software Restriction Policies when no policies are listed.
5. Double-click Enforcement.
6. In the Enforcement Properties window, choose All users except local administrators.
7. Click OK and restart your PC.

These steps help ensure QuickBooks has permission to install updates without being blocked by system policies.

Method 4: Use the Registry Editor to Fix Error 1625

Error 1625 may also be resolved by creating a backup of the Windows Installer settings in the Registry Editor. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Click the Start button.
2. In the search box, type a command but do not press Enter yet.
3. Hold Ctrl + Shift, then press Enter.
4. In the permission dialog box, click Yes.
5. A black window with a blinking cursor will appear.
6. Type regedit and press Enter.
7. In the Registry Editor, open the File menu and select Export.
8. In the File name field, enter a name for the backup file.
9. Under Export range, choose Selected branch.
10. Choose a location and save the file with a .reg extension.
11. Click OK to save.

This process creates a backup of the Windows Installer registry, which can help resolve update-related errors like 1625. Make sure to follow the steps exactly to avoid changes to other registry settings.

Method 5: Enable the Windows Installer Service

Error 1625 can occur if the Windows Installer (MSI) service is disabled. Follow these steps to turn it on:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Installer.
4. Double-click it to open Properties.
5. Under the General tab, set Startup type to Automatic.
6. Click Start in Service status.
7. Click Apply, then OK.

With the installer service running, try updating or installing QuickBooks again. This may resolve error 1625.

Method 6: Remove Duplicate QuickBooks Desktop Installations

Having multiple copies of QuickBooks Desktop can trigger update errors like 1625. Remove extra installations to avoid conflicts by following these steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type Control Panel and click OK.
3. Go to Programs and Features > Uninstall a Program.
4. Look for duplicate QuickBooks Desktop versions.
5. Select extra copies and click Uninstall/Change.
6. Keep one QuickBooks Desktop version and try updating again.

Removing duplicate installations can prevent conflicts and help fix error 1625. 

Method 7: Update Outdated Drivers

Error 1625 may result from outdated or incompatible drivers, especially after a recent Windows update. Refresh your system drivers using the steps below:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Look for devices with a yellow warning icon.
3. Right-click the device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find and install the latest version.
5. Repeat for all flagged devices.
6. Restart your computer.

Using up-to-date drivers ensures system stability and may help resolve QuickBooks error 1625.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Update Error 1625?

1. Have administrative rights on your computer.
2. Back up your QuickBooks company files.
3. Keep Windows updated and compatible.
4. Temporarily disable antivirus and firewall.
5. Close all running programs before starting the fix.
6. Ensure Windows Installer service is running.

How to Identify QuickBooks Update Error 1625?

1. Error shows “Installation is forbidden by policy” during QuickBooks setup.
2. Installation or update fails or stops.
3. Windows Event Viewer logs installation errors.
4. Group Policy blocks software installation.
5. Windows Installer service is disabled or limited.
6. UAC prompts block installation.
7. Lack of admin permissions for installation or update.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Update Error 1625?

1. Check and update Group Policy to allow installs.
2. Keep Windows Installer service on.
3. Use admin account for QuickBooks setup.
4. Keep Windows and QuickBooks updated.
5. Don’t block installations with security settings.
6. Disable antivirus/firewall only during installs.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Update Error 1625?

Seek professional help for QuickBooks Update Error 1625 if the issue continues after basic fixes like changing Group Policy, enabling Windows Installer, running as admin, and disabling antivirus. Also, contact us  if you’re unsure about changing system settings or if the error involves serious system or network problems. This prevents further damage and ensures the problem is properly fixed.