Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks

QuickBooks is one of the most popular accounting software solutions for small and medium-sized businesses worldwide. It helps manage everything from invoicing and payroll to taxes and expense tracking. However, users sometimes face connectivity issues when Windows Firewall blocks QuickBooks, preventing it from functioning properly.

Windows Firewall is a built-in security feature in Microsoft Windows that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. While it protects your computer from unauthorized access, it can sometimes interfere with legitimate programs like QuickBooks by blocking essential communication ports or applications.

If you encounter an error or notice that QuickBooks is unable to connect to the internet or your company file, the Windows Firewall might be the culprit. This article walks you through why this happens and how to resolve it.

Why Does Windows Firewall Block QuickBooks?

Windows Firewall works by filtering network packets based on rules and policies. QuickBooks requires certain ports and programs to be allowed through the firewall to communicate with the internet and networked devices. If these exceptions are not set, Windows Firewall treats QuickBooks as a potential threat and blocks its network access.

Common reasons for this issue include:

Missing firewall exceptions: QuickBooks programs and services are not added to the allowed list.
Blocked ports: QuickBooks uses specific TCP and UDP ports to communicate. If these ports are blocked, QuickBooks cannot access your company files or the internet.
New firewall settings: A recent Windows update or security software update may have reset or tightened firewall rules.
Network profile change: Switching between public and private networks can change firewall behavior.

How to Check if Windows Firewall Is Blocking QuickBooks

You might notice errors like "QuickBooks is not responding," "Connection to the company file lost," or messages indicating network or server issues. To confirm if Windows Firewall is the cause:

Temporarily Disable Windows Firewall:
- Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
- Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off on the left.
- Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both private and public networks.
- Try opening QuickBooks and see if the problem resolves.
Note: Remember to re-enable the firewall after testing.
Check Event Logs:
Look for firewall-related alerts or blocked programs in the Windows Event Viewer under Windows Logs > Security.

How to Fix Windows Firewall Blocking QuickBooks

If Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks, follow these steps to allow it through safely:

1. Add QuickBooks Programs to Firewall Exceptions

You need to add QuickBooks executable files (.exe) to the firewall’s allowed programs list:

Open Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Change settings.
Click Allow another app… then Browse to find the following QuickBooks programs:
- QuickBooks.exe
- QBUpdate.exe
- QBW32.exe
- QBCFMonitorService.exe
Add each and ensure both Private and Public checkboxes are ticked.
Click OK to save.

2. Open Required Ports for QuickBooks

QuickBooks needs certain TCP and UDP ports open depending on your version:

QuickBooks Version Ports to Open

QuickBooks 2023 8019, 56728, 55378-55382

QuickBooks 2022 8019, 56727, 55373-55377

QuickBooks 2021 8019, 56726, 55368-55372

QuickBooks 2020 8019, 56725, 55363-55367

To open ports:

Go to Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced Settings.
Click Inbound Rules > New Rule.
Select Port, click Next.
Select TCP, enter the port numbers separated by commas (e.g., 8019,56728).
Click Next, select Allow the connection.
Choose when to apply the rule (Domain, Private, Public).
Name the rule (e.g., QuickBooks TCP Ports).
Repeat for UDP ports as needed.

3. Configure QuickBooks Database Server Manager (For Multi-User Mode)

If you use QuickBooks in multi-user mode, ensure the QuickBooks Database Server Manager is allowed through the firewall:

Open QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
Click Scan Folders and select the folder where your company file is stored.
After scanning, open the Windows Firewall settings and add QBCFMonitorService.exe as an allowed program.
Ensure the necessary ports are open.

4. Check Your Network Profile and Firewall Settings

Make sure your network is set to Private if you trust the network, as the firewall is less restrictive in private mode.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
Click Change connection properties.
Select Private under Network Profile.

Conclusion

Windows Firewall is essential for protecting your computer but can sometimes interfere with QuickBooks connectivity. By adding QuickBooks programs and services to the firewall exceptions list and opening the required ports, you can resolve most firewall-related issues. If the problem persists, you may want to consult with IT support or QuickBooks support to ensure your network and firewall policies are optimized for QuickBooks.

FAQs: Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks

Q1: How do I know if Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks?
A: Symptoms include QuickBooks failing to open company files, losing connection in multi-user mode, or receiving firewall-related error messages. You can temporarily disable the firewall to test if QuickBooks works and check firewall logs for blocked programs.

Q2: What ports need to be opened in Windows Firewall for QuickBooks?
A: QuickBooks uses specific TCP and UDP ports depending on the version. For example, QuickBooks 2023 requires ports 8019, 56728, and 55378-55382 to be open. You need to open these ports in your firewall settings to allow communication.

Q3: Can I keep Windows Firewall enabled and still use QuickBooks?
A: Yes, by adding QuickBooks executable files to the firewall’s allowed apps list and opening the necessary ports, you can keep Windows Firewall active without blocking QuickBooks.