QuickBooks Update Stuck on Writing System Registry Values

QuickBooks updates introduce new tools, capabilities, resolutions, and software upgrades. However, the update often freezes or stops while installing. This issue arises when Microsoft Defender or any other antivirus software scans every QuickBooks file while updating. The scan delays the procedure.

Windows Defender is the most usual reason for this error since it includes Microsoft Windows. The update often stops at 20-30 per cent while performing the “Writing system registry values” step. Failure to update often restricts users from using new features, impacting business workflow.

In this guide, the key reasons for the issue along with the troubleshooting steps to fix it have been shared.

Reasons for QuickBooks Updates Stuck on “Writing System Registry Values” error

Here are the key reasons why QuickBooks updates get stuck on your system:

• Windows Firewall restricts the QuickBooks application.
• The system has several installations of a single QuickBooks Desktop version.
• A poor internet connection disrupts the update.
• Security software disrupts the QuickBooks application.
• Your system displays the wrong time and date.
• Unstable internet connection impacts the QuickBooks application.
• The QuickBooks program folder is corrupted.
• .DLL and .CX files are not recorded.
• QuickBooks Desktop is installed improperly or corrupted.

Prerequisites before Troubleshooting QuickBooks Updates Stuck error

Take a backup before resolving the update issue. Here are the steps to take a backup:

1. Choose the “File” option and select the “Switch to Single-user Mode” option.
2. Reopen the file and place the cursor on the “Backup Company” option.
3. Click the “Create Local Backup” option.
4. Select the “Local Backup” appearing in the prompt.
5. Click the “Next” button.
6. Go to the “Local Backup Only” section.
7. Click the “Browse” option. Choose the folder for the backup file.
8. Confirm the total backup copies if required.
9. Add a backup reminder in the Local and Online Backup section.
10. QuickBooks starts a test to view the backup file condition.
11. Click the “OK” button once the test is over.
12. Choose the “Save it now” option and then click the “Next” button.
13. Once the backup is over, a confirmation message is displayed.

Note: When the data is secured, start the troubleshooting steps to complete the QuickBooks update.

Troubleshoot QuickBooks Update Stuck on Writing System Registry Values

QuickBooks updates are stuck for several reasons. It is crucial to resolve every factor to update the software without any hassle.

Here are the solutions to fix the “QuickBooks Update Stuck on Writing System Registry Values” issue:

1. Get the Latest Microsoft Windows

Windows updates add new capabilities and fixes corrupted components like Microsoft.Net Framework. These components are required by QuickBooks; hence, installing the Windows updates is crucial before starting.

Here are the steps to get the updated Microsoft Windows:

1. In the Start menu, enter “Windows Update” in the search bar.
2. Choose the option “Check for updates“.
3. Click the option “Check for updates” after the Windows Update screen is displayed.
4. Windows looks for new updates. Choose the “Download“, “Install“, or “Download and Install” in case updates are displayed.
5. Complete the on-screen steps and reboot the system when needed.
6. Check the QuickBooks application and reboot. This will verify if the update has resolved the system registry error.

2. Open QuickBooks Desktop as Administrator

QuickBooks requires admin rights to get the updated version. Logging in without admin rights leads to update errors. Run QuickBooks in admin mode using the steps shared below:

1. Log in to Windows with an admin account.
2. On the desktop, locate the QuickBooks Desktop icon. Right-click the icon.
3. Now, choose the “Run as Administrator” option.
4. Add the admin password when notified.
5. Choose the “OK” button.
6. When QuickBooks starts, begin the update once more.

3. Check the Date and Time on the System

Wrong date or time settings disrupt QuickBooks updates. Here are the steps to resolve the date and time settings:

1. On the system clock, right-click and choose the option “Adjust Date/Time“.
2. Choose the “Change date and time” option.
3. Enter the right date and time.
4. Choose the “OK” button twice.
5. Exit QuickBooks Desktop and start it once more.
6. Start the update once more.

4. Network Test

Network problems often trigger the update to become unresponsive or freeze. Here are some easy tests to determine the problems:

1. Checking the Connection

1. Review the internet speed with an online speed test. Poor speed signifies network issues.
2. Confirm DNS settings. In case the DNS is unreliable, access Google DNS servers 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
3. Use a mobile hotspot connection or a different network to verify if the main network is defective.

2. Modify the Firewall Settings

1. Use the firewall to enable QuickBooks and add it to the exception list.
2. Check if the update ports for QuickBooks are open. Ports 8019 and 80 are used by QuickBooks.
3. Deactivate the firewall for some time to check the update. Activate the firewall once the test is complete.

5. Review the Internet Network Settings

Wrong internet settings block QuickBooks updates. Change the settings using the steps shared below:

1. Choose the “Help” option appearing at the top.
2. Choose the “Internet Connection Setup” option.
3. Choose the “Use my computer’s Internet connection settings to establish a connection” option.
4. Choose the “Next” button.
5. Choose the “Advanced Connection Settings” option.
6. Click the “Advanced” tab.
7. Now, choose the “Restore Advanced Settings” option.
8. Choose the “OK” button and then click the “Done” tab.
9. Now update QuickBooks once more to check if the issue persists.

6. Start the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

This tool is used when the QuickBooks application installation is corrupted. The diagnostic tool specialises in fixing corrupted QuickBooks program files.

Here are the steps to run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool:

1. Click the “QuickBooks Tool Hub” application.
2. Choose the option “Installation Issues“.
3. Choose the “QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool” option.
4. Allow some time for the tool to run and complete.
5. Reboot the system when the tool completes.
6. Start QuickBooks Desktop and launch the company file.
7. Install the latest QuickBooks update.

7. Generate a Microsoft Defender Exclusion for QuickBooks Folders and Files

The Tool Hub comprises a capability that includes QuickBooks files in a list for Defender exclusion. This prevents Defender from checking these files while the update is loading.

Note: Users need to log in as a Windows Admin.

1. Choose the “Cancel” option to end the update.
2. Shut down the QuickBooks application.
3. Click the “QuickBooks Tool Hub” option.
4. Choose the “Installation Issues” tab.
5. Choose the option “Add Defender Exclusion“.
6. Reboot the system.
7. Start QuickBooks and begin the update once more.

8. Switch off Windows Defender Antivirus Protection

To check the update, switch off Defender for some time. Switch it on once the update is complete. Here are the steps to switch off the Windows Defender Antivirus Protection:

1. Choose the “Cancel” option to end the update.
2. Exit the QuickBooks application.
3. In Windows Security, switch off the Defender antivirus.
4. Run QuickBooks and begin the update once more.
5. Allow Defender once the update is done.

This guide shares complete information on the QuickBooks update stuck on the Writing System Registry Values error. After implementing the solutions in this guide, updating QuickBooks is easy without errors.

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