QuickBooks Running Slow – Advanced Ways to Boost it UP

QuickBooks has long been a popular software for accounting and financial management. However, many users have been experiencing issues with slow performance, commonly known as QuickBooks Running Slow.

QuickBooks is running slow because your system either does not meet the minimum system requirements or has other programs that are using too many system resources. If little is left for QuickBooks, then the software will either run slow or crash. In either case, you need to upgrade your system or close programs that are occupying the existing infrastructure.

Issues with internet bandwidth or insufficient RAM can adversely affect the performance of QuickBooks. The slow loading speed of QuickBooks can be attributed to various factors. In this blog, we will explore these reasons and provide you with steps to resolve the problem of QuickBooks Loading Extremely Slowly.

Clean up your QuickBooks Desktop. If you have a lot of files and folders cluttering up your Desktop, your computer will have to work harder to find and load the QuickBooks software. Clear out old files, empty the Recycle Bin, and remove unnecessary shortcuts and icons from your Desktop. Defragment your hard drive.

When your hard drive is full of files, it takes longer for the QuickBooks Desktop to find and load the software. Run Disk Defragmenter on your computer to help organize and optimize your hard drive so that QuickBooks can run faster.

The article is about how to fix Quickbooks desktop is running slow by successfully determining the source of the problem is, then troubleshooting that individual issue.

How does QuickBooks Running Slow affect your work? 

In QuickBooks, several types of issues happen when QB takes longer than usual to open. There are two types of performance problems with the QuickBooks Desktop. The first is when QuickBooks starts up slowly, and the second is when QuickBooks does not respond to any user actions.

The following are some of the most common types of QuickBooks performance problems you may encounter:

• The company file fails to update.
• Performance issue in multi-user mode.
• QuickBooks Re-installation fails.
• The data file can’t be copied or moved.
• Unable to rebuild the company data.
• The QuickBooks client machine is not able to locate the data folder on your server. 
• Unable to print the PDF files from QB.
• QuickBooks Desktop freezes while entering transactions or exporting reports.
• POS got stuck while using the QuickBooks Point of Sale.
• The QB doesn’t respond to any command.
• While updating, rebuilding, or backing up data, a blue circle continues to spin. 

What factors impact is QuickBooks Running Slow issue?

Several factors could be causing the QuickBooks Running Slow problem and unexpected behavior. Examine the reasons to determine what the best troubleshooting step will be for you.

Here are a few possibilities.

• Your company files have reached the maximum size limit.
• Using an outdated version of QuickBooks 
• The Windows Operating System is damaged. 
• Some program files or QB Desktop installations are damaged.
• Firewall Settings are misconfigured so they restrict various processes to function properly. 
• Your computer does not meet the system requirements.
• The QBUSER.INI files have reached the maximum size limit. 
• Damaged/corrupted or deleted QBUSER.INI file
• Corrupted hard drive.
• Repair damaged or corrupt QuickBooks company files.

Apart from that, there are multiple scenarios QuickBooks Running Slow issue also be seen while using the software:

• Is your QuickBooks running slow in multi-user mode?
• Does it take too much time to do anything?
• Is it taking much more time than usual to load?
• Are you receiving unrecoverable error notifications?

Don’t Worry! The below-suggested solutions will help you to easily get rid of such issues. 

Repairing damaged or corrupt QuickBooks company files:

This involves taking steps to fix any issues or errors that may be present in the files. Here’s a brief explanation of the process:

1. Create a backup: Before attempting any repairs, it’s crucial to create a backup of your QuickBooks company files. This ensures that you have a safe copy of your data in case anything goes wrong during the repair process.

2. Use the QuickBooks built-in File Doctor: QuickBooks provides a built-in tool called File Doctor that can help diagnose and repair common issues with company files. You can access this tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub or by searching for “File Doctor” in the QuickBooks Help menu. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the tool and let it scan and repair any problems it detects.

3. Verify and Rebuild Data: QuickBooks has a Verify Data and Rebuild Data feature that helps identify and resolve issues within the company files. First, run the Verify Data utility, which checks for any data integrity issues. In case it identifies any problems, follow the prompts to resolve them. Afterward, run the Rebuild Data utility, which repairs any identified issues and rebuilds the data.

4. Use third-party repair tools: In case the built-in tools are unable to resolve the issues, you may consider using third-party repair tools specifically designed for QuickBooks file repair. These tools can often handle more complex or severe file corruption problems. It’s important to choose a reputable tool and follow the instructions provided by the software developer.

5. Seek professional assistance: In case you’re unable to repair the damaged or corrupt company files on your own, it may be necessary to seek help from a QuickBooks expert or technical support. They have the expertise to handle advanced file repairs and can guide you through the process or even perform the repairs themselves.

Remember, it’s crucial to always create a backup of your company files before attempting any repairs, as there’s a slight risk of data loss or further damage.

Types of Performance Issues that Most Users Experience in QuickBooks:

Performance issues in QuickBooks can vary among users, but they generally fall into two main categories. The first category involves extended loading times during startup, where QuickBooks takes longer than usual to load. The second category relates to instances where QuickBooks becomes unresponsive and fails to respond to any user actions.

Let’s explore some of the most common performance issues that users encounter in QuickBooks Desktop:

• QuickBooks Desktop doesn’t respond when attempting to execute a command: This can happen when trying to perform various tasks within the software, leading to delays and frustration.
• QuickBooks Point of Sale (POS) gets stuck or freezes while using it: This issue can occur when using QuickBooks’ Point of Sale functionality, impacting the smooth operation of sales and inventory management processes.
• QuickBooks doesn’t respond when attempting to open company files in multi-user mode:  This issue can hinder collaboration and cause delays when multiple users are trying to access the company files simultaneously.
• While updating, rebuilding, or backing up data, a spinning blue circle appears and keeps spinning:  This can occur during important data management tasks, affecting efficiency and workflow.
• One blue circle starts spinning when users attempt to update, rebuild, or back up data: This issue can disrupt the progress of these critical operations.·        
• QuickBooks freezes when exporting reports or entering transactions: This performance issue can impede financial reporting and data entry, causing frustration and delays in day-to-day operations.

Minimum system requirements for QuickBooks version to avoid the “QuickBooks Running Slow” issue?

A. For QuickBooks Desktop users

The Pro edition has a minimum of 1 user and a maximum of 3 users, while the Premier edition has 1 to 5 users and the Enterprise edition has 1 to 30 users. (Windows 10, 8.1, and Windows Server 2019 are supported.)

Requires a minimum of 4 GB RAM for a single user or more depending on the number of users accessing the program at the same time; for example, if 1 to 3 users are accessing the company data folder at the same time, you’ll need 8 GB RAM, and so on. RAM should be increased as the number of users in your organization grows. 

B. For QuickBooks Online users

QuickBooks Online is a fully web-based service running on any browser or OS; however, some services rely on the processing power of your device’s memory (RAM), and a high-speed internet connection is recommended for QBO to load quickly. We’ll investigate the various causes of QuickBooks Online’s slow performance and how to improve QBO’s performance.

C. For Mac Users

QuickBooks Mac 2020 comes with a single-user license that works with the most recent Macintosh OS version (Catalina). This version of the program is only compatible with Mac computers and requires at least 4 GB of RAM (RAM).

Precautions need to be taken into consideration  

• Consider running a proper system check-up, updating the software components, and scanning the company file for errors if you’re using one of the many versions of QuickBooks Desktop on Windows and experiencing “QuickBooks Running Slow” or performance issues with QB Pro. 
• Check the QB version you’re using and the hardware configuration of the PC on which the software is installed to make sure it meets the minimum system requirements.
• To run your software smoothly or as usual, the system configuration is important. However, the size of your company data file grows over time, and a slow company file is one of several reasons why QuickBooks runs slowly on Windows.
• It is truly said that proper system requirements must be met and QuickBooks Desktop must be configured correctly to speed up, this may not be the only cause of your QuickBooks Desktop performance issues but also affects your workflow.

If You’re Using QuickBooks in Single Mode

The process to Resolve QuickBooks Running Slow problem or Improve the QuickBooks Desktop Performance

Steps to Fix QuickBooks Slow Performance Issue Using QuickBooks Repair Tool:

To fix the issue of QuickBooks running slow and encountering the “This Is Not A QuickBooks Data File Or Is Damaged” error, you can utilize the QuickBooks Repair Tool. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Start by downloading and installing the QuickBooks Repair Tool on your computer.
2. Open the tool and click on the “Select File” button.
3. Choose the corrupted .QBW file that you want to repair.
4. Alternatively, you can use the “Find” button to search for the corrupted .qbw file on a specific drive.
5. The tool will display a list of QuickBooks files found on the selected drive. Select the corrupt file and click on the “Scan File” button to initiate the scanning process.
6. Once the scanning process is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to preview the data.
7. You can now preview the company information, customers’ details, vendor information, and employee data. Click on the respective buttons (Company, Customers, Vendors, Employees) to view the specific information.
8. To save the repaired file, click on the “Browse” button and specify the path where you want to create a new blank file.
9. Select the appropriate QuickBooks version for the file.
10. Finally, click on the “Start” button to begin the saving process.
11. After successfully saving the repaired QuickBooks file, you will see a message from the software indicating that the repair process has been completed successfully.

If You’re Using QuickBooks in Multi-User Mode

Why is QuickBooks slowing down in multi-user mode?

• Too many users are trying to open or use the same company file at the same time.
• The company data file size is too big compared to the system requirements.
• Either due to errors or the size of the file, the database is taking too long to open.
• There are administrator permission issues on the server. 
• The computer on which the data file is stored is generally performing poorly. 
• There is a large report running on a data file.  

How to overcome the “QuickBooks Running Slow” issue in multi-user mode?

Steps to Boost QuickBooks Desktop Performance in Multi-User Mode

• Upgrade to the most recent version of QB Desktop
• Ensure that your network and workstations are equipped with Gigabit network components
• Make manual and monthly backups of your data files
• Instead of using a shared drive, try using a URL to access your database
• Make sure that all of the devices on which you’re running QB are up-to-date and free of junk.

Check for integrity issues in the data file:

• Ensure that all QuickBooks users have exited the program
• Select File >> Utilities >> Verify Data from the File menu
• To begin the verification process, press the “OK” button
• Verifying data will automatically prompt you to repair the database if there are any integrity issues
• Rebuild your company file if the verification process finds an error
• Make a point of looking through the QBWin.log file for any errors.

What to do if you’re unable to perform any kind of company file activity because of “QuickBooks Running Slow” issue

Well, the performance issue is not only seen in the above scenarios, it can also be experienced if you recently upgraded your QuickBooks to the latest. 

How can you make your QB faster than ever even after upgrading it?

Fortunately, there are certain ways that if impaired properly can enhance the performance of your QuickBooks. To make your software performance faster, below are some quick solutions and tips that you can easily apply:

• The best way to enhance the performance is by increasing the memory of the server or the PC on which you’re using QuickBooks. It is preferred to increase the memory up to 8GB for optimum results. 
• It is also important to check that it is not taking too much memory from your PC or the server.
• Also, fixing any corrupted files on QuickBooks can enhance its performance. To find out if there is any hidden corrupted file on QB and try to remove it right away. You can also do this by creating and restoring a portable data file. There is one more way to fix the problem which is using QuickBooks Data Recovery service. 
• You can also make your slow-running QB better by running a Rebuild at least once time in every 3-4 weeks. After that, make sure you run a Verify and fix any kind of error in the QBWin.Log file.
• Always remember whenever you upgrade QuickBooks, don’t go for automatic updates, and instead, install QuickBooks updates manually. 
• It is highly advised to use a good Antivirus on the host computer to quarantine QB against any sort of malicious thing, which might make it sluggish and slow. 
• Do you know that decreasing the number of lists in your data file can also help in enhancing the performance of QuickBooks?
• If possible, it is preferred and advised to store your entire QBW data file to some different drive, not the operating system-Solid State Drive is the best option. 

Important Note: One of the biggest culprits that makes QuickBooks slow and sluggish are third-party applications, as they can cause serious corruption issues. Primarily, avoid using IIF files. 

Tips to avoid QuickBooks slow performance, follow these steps:

Optimizing QuickBooks performance also means ensuring that your computer meets the recommended system requirements. Keep the QuickBooks software up to date by installing updates and fixes. It’s important to note that the performance improvements may vary based on factors like the size and complexity of your company file, computer hardware, and overall system environment. Here are a few tips on how to avoid QuickBooks slow performance issues with a few simple things to keep in mind:

1. Close the company file before exiting QuickBooks. Adjust program settings to open with fewer windows, which speeds up loading time.
2. Check the number of file fragments. If it’s too high, reduce the count to a single-digit number for optimal performance. Convert the company file to a portable version and then back to a company file, as it can significantly enhance software performance.
3. Delete any pending forms in the printing queue, as having many jobs can decrease overall performance.
4. Use the clean-up utility to decrease the company file size. It’s advisable to keep it below 100 MB or even smaller for better performance. This utility removes unnecessary list items and consolidates closed transactions, resulting in fewer and smaller files.
5. Avoid excessive use of sub-accounts, sub-items, and sub-customers. These accounts require more processing and can impact performance. While a few of them won’t cause significant issues, excessive use may lead to lower performance.
6. Regularly perform backups. QuickBooks has its backup feature, but sometimes the backup file can be larger than the actual company file. Using a manual backup that is verified can help reduce the file size.

Conclusion

To enhance QuickBooks performance, consider optimizing the company file by condensing or archiving old data, regularly updating the software to the latest version, and ensuring that the computer meets the system requirements. Other steps include minimizing the number of open windows or tabs within QuickBooks, closing unnecessary background applications, and performing regular maintenance tasks such as disk cleanup and defragmentation. In some cases, consulting with a QuickBooks expert or technical support can provide tailored guidance to address specific performance issues.

Hopefully, this valuable insight to overcome the “QuickBooks Running Slow” issue will help several users. We believe that they’ll surely be able to manage the speed up of their QuickBooks performance by now, just by following all the solutions in this article. In case of struggling with any other performance issue due to data corruption or damage issues, you’re suggested to reach out to Professionals to get instant help via LIVE CHAT.

---

FAQs

---