How to Fix QuickBooks Stopped Working Or Not Responding Error (2025)

QuickBooks may close unexpectedly and show the message: “QuickBooks has stopped working.” Windows may also display: “A problem caused the program to stop working correctly” or “Windows is checking for a solution to the problem.” After closing the message, the error often reappears when reopening QuickBooks.

Sometimes, QuickBooks freezes without showing an error. The screen may become unresponsive, and the program stops working. This article explains the main reasons for these issues and lists simple steps to fix them. Follow the article to restore QuickBooks and prevent future crashes.

What is the QuickBooks Has Stopped Working Error?

The error message “QuickBooks has stopped working. Windows is looking for a solution to the problem, could emerge. Check online for a solution, and close program / Close program” usually appears due to specific system or software issues. Common causes include corrupted QuickBooks program files or low system resources that prevent QuickBooks from running properly.

Fix QuickBooks Not Working or Stopped Working Error with these Solutions

Here are the mentioned updated solutions that you can follow to fix the QuickBooks not responding or QuickBooks has stopped working error:

Solution 1: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub and Run ‘Quick Fix My Program’

• Close QuickBooks.
• Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub and save it where you can find it easily.
• Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation.
• Follow the instructions and accept the terms to complete the setup.
• Open the Tool Hub from your desktop.
• Go to Program Problems.
• Click Quick Fix My Program.
• Let the tool run and finish the repair.
• Open QuickBooks and your company file to see if the problem is fixed.

Solution 2: Run QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

• Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Open the installer file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe) and follow the steps to complete the setup.
• Close all running programs before using the tool.
• Launch the Tool Hub from your desktop.
• Click on the Installation Issues tab.
• Select QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
• Let the tool run. It may take up to 25 minutes.
• After the repair, restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks to check if the issue is fixed.

Solution 3: Rename the QBWUSER.ini File

• Find the folder where QBWUSER.ini is stored:
  • \Users[Your User Name]\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]
• Enable hidden files and folders if you can’t find it.
• Right-click QBWUSER.ini, select Rename, and add .old at the end (e.g., QBWUSER.ini.old).
• Rename EntitlementDataStore.ecml in the same folder.
• Open QuickBooks.
• Try opening a sample company file:
  • If the sample file opens but your company file doesn’t, copy your company file to a local folder and open it from there.
  • If it opens, the original folder may be damaged or restricted.
  • If it doesn’t open, the company file may be corrupted.
• Restore a backup if needed.
• If QuickBooks still doesn’t open or even the sample file fails, the issue may be with the installation.

Note: A new QBWUSER.ini file is created automatically after renaming the old one.

Solution 4: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

• Restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks Desktop.
• If the issue continues, temporarily turn off your antivirus software.
• Try opening QuickBooks again.

Note: If the “QuickBooks has stopped working 2010” error still appears, antivirus interference may be the cause. Contact your IT professional for help with this step.

Solution 5: Repair Hard Drive Errors

• Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
• Right-click the C: drive and select Properties.
• Go to the Tools tab and click Check now under Error-checking.
• Select both options:
  • Automatically fix file system errors
  • Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors
• Click Start to begin the scan.
• After the scan completes, restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks and check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 6: Reinstall Windows

• Back up your QuickBooks company file. Reinstalling Windows will remove QuickBooks and related data.
• Ask your IT administrator to handle the Windows reinstallation, or contact support for help.
• After reinstalling Windows, use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool from the Tool Hub to reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 7: Use the QuickBooks Refresher Tool

• Close QuickBooks.
• Download and run the QBRefresher Tool.
• Click Fix my QuickBooks to let the tool diagnose and fix the issue.
• Reopen QuickBooks and check if it works properly.

Solution 8: Use the QuickBooks System Repair Tool

• Download and save the QuickBooks System Repair Tool to your desktop.
• Close all background programs.
• Run the tool and install QuickBooks File Doctor.
• Open the tool, select your company file, and click Continue.
• Wait about 20 minutes for the scan and repair to finish.
• Restart your computer and check QuickBooks again.

You may also read this: Why Is QuickBooks Online So Slow

Why does QuickBooks Not Responding or QuickBooks Stopped Working Error occur?

Understanding these causes helps lower the chance of the problem happening again. Below are the most common reasons:

• Missing or damaged QBWuser.ini file
• QuickBooks files are stored on a damaged or unstable hard drive.
• The company file name is too long
• The system doesn’t meet QuickBooks requirements
• A harmful program is blocking QuickBooks functions.
• Other installed programs are conflicting with QuickBooks.
• Windows system files are corrupted.
• QuickBooks files or the installation are damaged.
• The QuickBooks installation is incomplete or incorrect.
• Firewall or antivirus settings are blocking QuickBooks.

Symptoms of the QuickBooks Has Stopped Working Error or Not Responding

When QuickBooks stops working, you may see these signs:

• The computer freezes or runs slowly
• Mouse and keyboard respond with delays
• QuickBooks keeps crashing and shows an error message
• The system shuts down without warning
• QuickBooks won’t open or load the dashboard
• QuickBooks closes on its own with the error message
• Other programs may freeze or crash on Windows

How to Avoid the QuickBooks Has Stopped Working Error in the Future

Here’s how to avoid the “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working” error in the future:

• Keep QuickBooks updated to the latest version.
• Use QuickBooks Tool Hub to run tools like Quick Fix My Program and Program Diagnostic Tool.
• Make sure your system meets the required specs for your QuickBooks version.
• Run Verify Data and Rebuild Data regularly to fix file issues.
• Avoid large or damaged company files; archive old data when needed.
• Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall during QuickBooks updates.
• Use a stable internet connection, especially in multi-user mode.
• Run QuickBooks as an administrator.
• Close unused background apps to reduce conflicts.
• Scan your system for malware often.
• Back up company files regularly to prevent data loss.

Summary

The “QuickBooks Has Stopped Working” error can disrupt productivity and compromise data integrity. Taking proactive steps—such as keeping the software updated, maintaining system compatibility, monitoring file health, and using built-in diagnostic tools—helps prevent the issue from recurring. Regular maintenance, backups, and a clean system environment ensure QuickBooks runs smoothly and supports your business without interruption.

Frequently Asked Questions