QuickBooks keeps saying to reboot when launching as Admin to install updates.

Hi @jndiwjdwd,

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble with QuickBooks updates. I know how frustrating it can be when you can't get your software to work properly. Here are some possible solutions that might help you fix the issue:

• - Make sure you have the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop installed on your computer. You can check for updates by going to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
  - Try running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool, which can automatically detect and fix common installation problems. You can download it from this link: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/update-products/download-the-quickbooks-tool-hub/0...
  - If the tool doesn't work, you can try manually repairing your QuickBooks installation by following the steps in this article: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/update-products/repair-your-quickbooks-desktop-for...
  - If none of the above methods work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop using a clean install. This will remove any corrupted or damaged files that might be causing the problem. You can find the instructions for a clean install here: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/update-products/reinstall-using-a-clean-install/00...

I hope this helps you resolve the issue and get back to your business. If you have any other questions or need more assistance, please let me know. I'm happy to help. Have a great day!

Thanks 

Paul

It can be challenging when you can't install the latest update, jndiwjdwd. I'm here to help you resolve this.

I appreciate you for performing some troubleshooting steps to fix the error.

There are several reasons that cause QuickBooks to require a reboot, and I've listed them below:

• Corrupted or Damaged Hard Disk
• Damaged or missing QBWUSER.INI file
• A lengthy Company Name
• Wrong Installation of QuickBooks Desktop
• Old an outdated operating system

To fix this, make sure to access an administrator account to resolve this problem. Then, take the methods that are listed below to fix the error:

1. You have to log in to Windows using your administrative account.
2. Go to the Start menu, then select the Control Panel, and click on Programs.
3. Choose to turn Windows features on or off.
4. Next, you have to turn on .NET Framework 3.5.
5. After that, reboot your system.

Then, install the QuickBooks update again. Here's how:

1. Go to Help and select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Hit Update Now, then Get Updates.
3. Close and reopen QuickBooks to install the update again.
   

If the issue persists, I recommend uninstalling the Microsoft Visual C++. Then, reinstall the Visual C++ for 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2017. Once done, update the program again. To do so, please follow the steps above.

Feel free to ask if you have further questions or need more help managing your books. I'm always here to provide answers and ensure your experience is smooth. 

@jndiwjdwd Depending on how your company / group policy is setup, a user on the machine must remain an admin through the entire update process. This can be done either using an admin user or elevating the standard user to admin, then running the update. 

As an Admin user: complete the update / reboot / LITERALLY WAIT 5-10min after logging back in (ie walk away and don't touch keyboard), then launch QB to see if the update succeeded. If it does, log out / log in as the standard user and check QB again. 

As the Standard User: Try elevating the user to Administrator group (can do through elevated Computer Management console or Control Panel - Users) / log out / log in / then install the update / reboot / again WAIT 5-10min and check QB again (the user should remain as an admin through this entire process). 

WOW. We are dead in the water.

We can't get by the reboot computer to finish installation and somehow we have to get to the help screen to update.

We also have to become computer IT guys to reinstall C++

Good morning, @P2w2001. 

Thanks for chiming in on this thread. 

If none of the steps worked above by my colleague, I recommend contacting our Customer Support Team for further assistance. Here's how: 

1. Go to the Help menu. 
2. Press the QuickBooks Desktop Help option. 
3. Click the Contact Us button. 
4. Enter your question and tap Let's talk. 
5. Scroll down and pick to Get a callback. 

Keep us updated on how the call goes. I'm only a post away if you need me again. Take care! 

I installed the updates and then started getting the following, " Quickbooks requires you REBOOT your computer to complete the installation."  I have rebooted several times, run all possible diagnostics through QB ToolHub, been on the phone with QB help for over 2 hours, uninstalled and reinstalled QB at QB help's suggestion, and even reached out to our IT team to see if it was user permission setting on the computer.  Nothing has worked. I might add that the the message only appears when trying to run the desktop version As Administrator; the program opens fine when not running it as administrator.  I need to get QB to open/run as administrator so I can sync outside information/data with it. Any suggestions are welcome....or better yet, Intuit, please come up with a fix that can be done through the Tool Hub.

1. Select the QuickBooks Desktop Help option from the Help menu.
2. Click the Contact Us button.
3. Please enter your question, then tap on Let's Talk.
4. Scroll down and pick to Get a callback.

The account completing the update is required to remain an Administrator through the update cycle form initialization, through the reboot, to launching QB after logging in. 

Note: literally WAIT 5min after logging in to launch the QB program OR you will get the prompt "Quickbooks requires you REBOOT your computer to complete the installation" again. 

Thanks, Eric! I waited 15 minutes after a reboot (instead of diving right in), and we broke out of the loop. I'm beyond stoked and happy it is a straightforward fix for our team.

Here's the fix to your problem. It's strange, but it works 100% of the time.

1. Logon as any administrator level user (if you are using a standard user and elevating for updates)
2. Run Wordpad. (Not Notepad because Windows autosaves notepad files)
3. Type some random characters in the Wordpad
4. Restart the computer but when it prompts to shutdown Wordpad, say no
5. That will clear the "reboot" flag and you can run QB

Chewy, 

I found your post on Reddit.  I have been an IT guy for 25 years and had not heard of the "Continual Reboot" issue until today.  Rebooted that machine multiple times, in Admin mode, ran through usual QB fixes and your work-around with WordPad.exe is what got it to work for me!  Extra Great Karma your way!  Atizador

I have been trying to install the update and am not even able to logon as administrator without getting the message that a reboot is required.  I have tried rebooting and waiting for at least 5-10 minutes to attempt to login again as administrator.  I have also tried having WordPad open.  The other suggestions are beyond my capabilities.  Since you are only allowed so many logins when an update needs to be installed I have run out, so am not able to access QuickBooks at all.  We have a tech person, but he has had a major medical issue, otherwise I would be asking him for assistance.  Since I can't login I'm not able to contact anyone through chat via the software.

@TMNursery 

Which QB Desktop year version? 2024 or earlier?

Desktop version 2024

Pro Plus 2024.  I have to log off until tomorrow, but will look forward to your response.

You can reach out to our support team outside the QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) program, @TMNursery. Let me provide the direct link below.

I appreciate you for performing some workarounds shared above. Since the issue persists and you're unable to access your QBDT company file, I suggest contacting our technical support team outside the program. 

You can go through this link and sign in with your Intuit Account: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/contact. Then, choose your QuickBooks product and their corresponding edition.

Once you regain access to your company file, you'll want to explore the following articles to deepen your understanding of the various reports available within the software and learn how to personalize them to meet your specific needs:

• Understand reports
• Customize reports in QuickBooks Desktop

I'm always around and ready to help if you have more questions about updating your QBDT software. Click the Reply button to add your comment so I can assist you further.