Controlling updates in Access

[dennis.neumannW4DQ5]

We want, that a user can install an Update via Access on his own (without Admin permissions). 

Autodesk provides the following way in an Article: 

Article: 

https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACCESS/ENU/?guid=GUID-C369BE4F-F0D9-4D48-AFE6-004E37977F45

"To use registry settings to enable Access updates to users without install permissions on their devices

Create a new key in the Local Machine area of the registry: HKLM/Software/Autodesk/ODIS folder:

1. Key name: AllowSystemContextInstall
2. REG_SZ value: 1

Users won't see a difference in the Access interface, but they won't be prompted with UAC controls (if enabled) when they do installs."

The problem is that the description is not detailed enough! Our IT tried it out but it didn't work. 
Which type should be the value for example HEX or something else... It's a try-and-error game. 

Has somebody already done it and can help with the details? Does it work sufficiently? How is the experience in the Community?  

[Simon_Weel]

I don't trust Access to do any updates. It's flaky. I use the Windows Domain shutdown script to install updates for all installed software.

[dennis.neumannW4DQ5]

But there are often Autodesk Updates for example the Autodesk Access App or the Licensing Manager is only available over Access and when you use the shutdown you still have to start via remote the update. We want, that the user can do the updates of a Version on their own without admin permissions.

[GaryOrrMBI]

REG_SZ is a basic STRING data type to the best of my knowledge.

[pendean]

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@dennis.neumannW4DQ5 wrote:

But there are often Autodesk Updates... is only available over Access...

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That's never been true, still is not. You just choose to not manage your users' installation as @Simon_Weel recommends.

[Simon_Weel]

You can download all updates from your Autodesk Account page?

And see this for the various scripts: Using Startup, Shutdown, Logon, and Logoff Scripts in Group Policy | Microsoft Learn

The shutdown script we use is a simple CMD script, no fancy tools needed. Installing an update is as simple as executing the update file, like Start "" /B /wait "<path to share>Revit_2025_4_0.exe" -q. The challenge is to determine if the update is needed. For that, I use WMIC to get the current version of a particular program. For example, Revit: wmic datafile where name='<path>revit.exe' get version /format:list and compare that version number to the one of the update. If they match, skip installation and if they don't match, start installing the update.

There are many other ways to accomplish the same job. If you know your way in Powershell, things should be pretty easy.

It does take some effort, but in the end, it's far more reliable compared to Access and probably saves you a lot of hassling with the Access application, which is not up to par...

[danny.polkinhorn]

Hi Dennis,

Sorry you're having trouble and that the help is not clear.  Likely, you'll need to restart Access or the device after setting this key as the services running on the device are already loaded without the setting.  I'll get the content updated to be clearer.

There are also some products that have full installers that will still require admin permissions.  You can find the list of these products here.