QuickBooks Update Stuck on Writing System Registry Values [Fixed]

Accounting

When a QuickBooks update gets stuck on Writing system registry values,” it’s often due to interference from security applications on your system. The issue may also arise when antivirus or anti-malware software scans QB files and blocks them from running the processes. You can try temporarily turning off the real-time protection until updates are done or creating a Defender exclusion for QuickBooks files. Read this blog to explore what’s hampering the update and what you can do to advance your QuickBooks version successfully.

Why is the QuickBooks update stuck or not working?

Let’s discover what’s hampering the QuickBooks update and why it got stuck at writing Windows registry:

• Slow internet connection
• Microsoft Defender might be blocking your QuickBooks files
• Bitdefender Antivirus or other antivirus anti-malware software
• Damaged or corrupted QuickBooks Desktop installation
• You might not be using an up-to-date version of Windows

Read More- How to Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Release

What to do when Desktop upgrade freezes on Writing system registry?

An active internet connection is important to get the updates successfully. Additionally, you can perform the troubleshooting methods mentioned below to address the problem of why your QuickBooks update gets stuck on writing system registry values.

An active internet connection is important to get the updates successfully. Additionally, you can perform the troubleshooting methods mentioned below to address the problem of why your QuickBooks update gets stuck on writing system registry values.

Prerequisites

Create a company file backup for data security

You can back up yourself anytime if the automatic one fails or to keep your data safe during the troubleshooting:

• Select File in QuickBooks and then choose Switch to Single-user Mode.

• Return to the File menu and hover over Back up Company. Then, click on Create Local Backup.

• Choose Local Backup in the prompted window and click Next.
• Scroll down to the Local Backup Only section and click Browse. Now, choose the location to save your backup company file.
• Set the number of your backup copies (optional).

Tip: You don’t need to pencil it into your calendar to remember the backup date. Simply set the backup reminders in the Online and Local Backup section.

• This will run a quick test on your backup file to ensure it is in good shape before saving it.
• When everything is done, click OK.
• Now, choose Save it now and Next.
• When it’s done, you will receive a confirmation message.

Once your data is secured, you can perform the troubleshooting solutions below to complete your QuickBooks update.

1. Create a Microsoft Defender exclusion of QuickBooks files

For security reasons, Microsoft Defender may block your files, which is why QuickBooks Update is stuck on writing system registry values. To address this, QuickBooks Tool Hub has introduced a feature to create an exclusion for these files. When you add them to the exclusion list, Microsoft Defender will no longer scan them during installation or when updating, allowing you to receive your software updates as expected.

Here’s how to use the QuickBooks Tool Hub feature:

Note: You must be signed in to your computer as an admin to create these exclusions. If you do not have admin rights, the option to exclude files in Windows Defender will be grayed out. You can also ask your admin to grant you admin permissions or log in as an admin.

• Choose Cancel to stop your QB update.
• Exit QB Desktop.
• Launch your QuickBooks Tool Hub.

– Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub to the latest release if you haven’t installed it already.

• Navigate to Installation issues in the left pane.
• Tap on Add Defender Exclusion.
• Now, restart your computer to apply the changes.
• Open your QuickBooks Desktop and try to update it again.

2. Turn off Windows Defender antivirus protection

The creating exclusion does not affect or still blocks the update, turn off the Windows protection to finish the QuickBooks update by following the below steps:

Note: Permanently disabling Microsoft Defender may put your computer at a security risk. Be sure to enable it when the update is finished.

• Stop the update by selecting Cancel.
• Exit your QuickBooks Desktop.
• Disable the Windows Defender antivirus protection from Windows security.
  • Press the Windows+R keys> type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  • Follow this path: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
  • Select Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus from the right panel.
  • Double-click on the same and select Enabled. Then, click OK.
  • Restart your computer to apply these changes.
• Open your QuickBooks and try to update it again.
• Once the update is complete, enable Windows Defender antivirus security to protect your system.

Also Read- Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks

3. Update Windows

An outdated Windows version can cause incompatibility with your QuickBooks software, which can hamper updates. Let’s see how you can advance your Windows update to the latest version:

• Launch the Windows Start menu.
• Search for Settings and press the Enter key.
• From the left pane, select Windows Update.

• Now, click on Check for Windows updates to find the available updates.
• Select Download & Install if updates are available. Once done, restart your computer to apply the updates.

Read Also- Create QuickBooks Antivirus Exclusions

4. Exclude files from Bitdefender Antivirus scan

Bitdefender antivirus on your computer can also block your QuickBooks to perform specific operations such as updates. Exclude your QuickBooks files from the antivirus by following the below steps:

Note: If you use any other antivirus or anti-malware software on your computer, create an exclusion in the application for QuickBooks files. Visit the official software site for the reference.

• Go to the navigation bar in Bitdefender antivirus and select Protection.
• Now, click Open from the Antivirus pane.

• Move to the Settings tab and select Manage Exceptions.

• Hit the +Add an Exception button.

• Now, fill in the relevant field with the path of the file or folder you wish to have excluded from the scan.

• Turn on the switch you see next to Antivirus.
• Finally, select Save.

5. Reinstall QuickBooks using the latest full version installer

Re-installing QuickBooks Desktop with the latest software offers several benefits, including improved security, a simplified installation process, and the ability to manage dependencies and configure settings.

This way, you can receive software updates while resolving issues that may be interfering with the update.

Before you start

• Get the installer of the same version as your QuickBooks Desktop.
• Note down the license number. You will find it on the original package. If you bought it online, check the purchase confirmation email.

Note: You can also get all this information on the account management portal.

a. Uninstall QuickBooks

• Press the Windows logo key and type Control Panel in the search field
• Choose Control Panel from the search results to open.
• Go to Programs and Features or select Uninstall a Program.

• Choose the QuickBooks Desktop version you use to remove from the list of programs.
• Hit on Uninstall/Change, Remove, and then Next.  
• If you can’t see this option, sign out and then sign in again to Windows as an admin.

b. Install Your QB Desktop again

• Make sure your computer has an active internet connection.
• Locate the QuickBooks program file, QuickBooks.exe.
• Select
  • Express install – This will install over your old version of QuickBooks and save all of your preferences. To get your old version back, you’ll have to reinstall it using a custom install.
  • Custom and Network Options – This allows you to leave older versions installed and install the latest version somewhere else. The new version does not include your previous version choices.
• Select Next and click on Install.
• When it’s done, choose Open QuickBooks.

Workaround: Install the update directly from the Downloads and Updates page

As a workaround, you can update your QuickBooks Desktop directly from Intuit’s official Downloads & Updates page. Here’s how you can advance your software to the latest release:

• Visit the Downloads & Updates page.
• From the Select Country drop-down, choose your region (United States (US) on the Standard setup screen.
• Choose your QuickBooks desktop product from the Select Product drop-down and the specific year version.
• Hit the Search button.
• Click on the Get the latest updates link to install the update on the Here’s your product screen.

Summary

When you download the latest version of your software, it advances the version, updates the security and software, fixes bugs & technical issues, and more. If your QuickBooks update stuck on writing system registry, it can be a security threat or may hamper the overall performance.

The information provided above will help you address the issues with the update and ensure a seamless performance. For further queries, dial Call Us : +1-866-408-0444 to talk to QuickBooks ProAdvisors now!