Drake Software is one of the most trusted tax preparation tools used by CPAs, tax professionals, and accounting firms. It’s known for being reliable, fast, and packed with useful features. But like any software, Drake is not completely error-proof—especially when it comes to updates.
Many users face Drake Software update errors right when they’re trying to install a new version or apply the latest tax updates. These errors can be frustrating, particularly during peak tax season when every minute matters.
In this blog, we’ll explain what Drake Software update errors are, why they happen, common error types, and most importantly, how you can avoid them—all in simple, easy-to-understand language.
What Are Drake Software Update Errors?
Drake Software update errors occur when the software fails to download, install, or apply updates properly. Updates are essential because they include:
- New tax laws and IRS changes
- Bug fixes and security patches
- Performance improvements
- Updated forms and calculations
When an update doesn’t install correctly, Drake may not work as expected. In some cases, the software may not open at all, display incorrect information, or crash repeatedly.
Why Drake Software Updates Are So Important
Skipping or failing updates can cause serious issues, such as:
- Incorrect tax calculations
- Missing or outdated tax forms
- Compliance problems with IRS rules
- Security vulnerabilities
- Reduced software performance
That’s why fixing update errors quickly—and preventing them altogether—is extremely important for tax professionals.
Common Drake Software Update Errors
Let’s look at the most common Drake Software update problems users face.
- Internet Connection Errors
What happens:
Drake requires a stable internet connection to download updates. If your internet is slow, unstable, or disconnected, the update may fail.
Typical error signs:
- Update gets stuck at a certain percentage
- “Unable to connect to server” message
- Update download fails repeatedly
Why it happens:
- Weak Wi-Fi connection
- Network firewall blocking Drake
- Temporary internet outage
- Insufficient User Permissions
What happens:
Drake Software needs administrator rights to install updates. If you’re logged in as a standard user, the update may not complete.
Typical error signs:
- “Access denied” message
- Update installs but doesn’t apply
- Software crashes after update
- Antivirus or Firewall Interference
What happens:
Sometimes antivirus software or firewalls mistakenly block Drake updates, thinking they are suspicious files.
Typical error signs:
- Update fails without a clear reason
- Files missing after update
- Drake won’t launch post-update
- Corrupt or Incomplete Update Files
What happens:
If the update download is interrupted, files can become corrupted.
Typical error signs:
- “Update failed” or “File not found”
- Drake freezes during update
- Error messages on startup
5. Outdated Operating System
What happens:
Running Drake on an outdated version of Windows can cause compatibility issues.
Typical error signs:
- Update installs but software doesn’t open
- Unexpected crashes
- Performance issues after updating
- Low Disk Space
What happens:
If your system doesn’t have enough free space, Drake updates won’t install fully.
Typical error signs:
- “Insufficient disk space” warning
- Update stops halfway
- Partial installation
How to Fix Drake Software Update Errors
Now let’s talk about how to fix these issues step by step—no technical jargon, just simple actions.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Before updating Drake:
- Make sure your internet is stable
- Restart your router if needed
- Avoid updating during peak usage hours
If possible, use a wired internet connection for better stability.
- Run Drake as Administrator
This is a simple but powerful fix:
- Right-click on the Drake Software icon
- Select “Run as Administrator”
- Try installing the update again
This ensures Drake has permission to modify system files.
- Temporarily Disable Antivirus & Firewall
Before updating:
- Pause antivirus protection for a few minutes
- Add Drake Software to your antivirus whitelist
- Re-enable protection once the update is complete
Don’t forget to turn your antivirus back on!
- Download Updates Manually
If automatic updates fail:
- Visit Drake’s official update section
- Download the update manually
- Install it using administrator rights
This often solves issues caused by interrupted downloads.
- Clear Temporary Files
Too many temporary files can interfere with updates:
- Use Disk Cleanup
- Delete unnecessary temp files
- Restart your system
This frees up space and improves performance.
- Update Your Operating System
Ensure your Windows version meets Drake’s requirements:
- Install pending Windows updates
- Restart your computer
- Retry the Drake update
How to Avoid Drake Software Update Errors in the Future
Fixing errors is good—but avoiding them is even better. Here’s how you can prevent Drake update issues long-term.
- Keep Your System Clean and Updated
- Regularly update Windows
- Remove unused software
- Maintain enough disk space
A healthy system reduces update failures.
- Use a Stable Hosting Environment
Many tax professionals now use Drake hosting to avoid local system issues. With Drake hosted on the cloud:
- Updates are handled by professionals
- No local system conflicts
- Better security and performance
- Access Drake from anywhere
This significantly reduces update errors and downtime.
- Schedule Updates During Off-Hours
Avoid updating during busy work hours:
- Update early morning or late night
- Close other programs before updating
- Ensure uninterrupted internet access
- Backup Data Before Updating
Always create a backup before installing updates:
- Protects against data loss
- Makes recovery easy if something goes wrong
This is especially useful during major version updates.
- Choose Cloud Hosting for Tax Software
If you’re using multiple tax applications like Drake and Lacerte, cloud hosting is a smart move.
With lacerte hosting and Drake hosting:
- Updates are faster and smoother
- No compatibility issues
- Automatic backups
- Enhanced data security
Cloud hosting removes most of the technical headaches that come with local installations.
Also Read : What Is Cloud-Native Software Development & Why It Matters
Drake Hosting vs Local Installation: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Local Installation | Drake Hosting |
| Updates | Manual & error-prone | Managed & automated |
| Security | Depends on local system | High-level cloud security |
| Accessibility | Office-only | Anytime, anywhere |
| Maintenance | User responsibility | Hosting provider handles it |
For busy tax professionals, drake hosting offers peace of mind—especially during tax season.
Final Thoughts
Drake Software update errors can be annoying, stressful, and time-consuming—but most of them are avoidable with the right approach. Understanding why these errors happen is the first step toward fixing and preventing them.
Simple actions like maintaining a stable internet connection, keeping your system updated, and running Drake with proper permissions can make a big difference. For long-term ease and reliability, moving to Drake hosting or combining it with Lacerte hosting can eliminate most update-related issues altogether.
