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Last updated on
Nov 19, 2025
Learn how to resolve error code 160 "Unable to create registry key" during Adobe app installation on Windows.
Error 160 occurs when the installer doesn’t have permission to create or modify a Windows registry key. This can happen due to corrupted permissions from a previous installation, a damaged user profile, or system-level permission conflicts.
The Windows registry is a system database that stores settings and options for your computer and installed programs. Adobe installers use the registry to set up software properly. Error 160 occurs when the installer is unable to write its settings to the registry. Granting the necessary permissions ensures the Adobe app can install correctly.
You don't have the necessary permissions for the registry key
This occurs when your user account is unable to write to the registry key. The installer needs permission to complete the installation.
Caution
Back up the Windows registry before making any changes to avoid system issues.
Type regedit and select OK. If prompted by User Account Control, select Yes.
Navigate to the registry key shown in the error message (for example, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths).
Right-click on the registry key and select Permissions.
In the Permissions dialog box, select Administrators or the user account you are using.
Under the Allow column, check the box for Full Control and select OK.
The registry key is owned by the System account
If you’re unable to grant Full Control permissions, the registry key might be owned by the System account. Follow these steps to change the ownership to your account.
In the Permissions dialog box, select Advanced.
Verify the Owner of the registry. Change it from System to your current user account.
Select Replace owner on subcontainers and objects, and then choose OK.
If the registry path shown in the error includes multiple folders or subkeys (for example, a folder under SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths), repeat the permission or ownership steps for each subkey in the path.
Close the Registry Editor.
Relaunch the Adobe installer to complete the installation.
