Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks – What is the Plan of Action?

QuickBooks is a dynamic accounting application that has been designed in a way to reduce manual labor, increase business productivity, along structuring financial growth. It runs on the fuel of the internet, as most of its operations involve real-time record maintenance. There can be connectivity issues, or the system security blocks the communication between QuickBooks and the internet. This can result in several errors, one of which is where the Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks. Since the reason for this glitch is not clearly defined, it becomes hard to identify and nullify the cause and effect of the same. We will now discuss some of this in our blog below.

Experts suggest that you lead the troubleshooting guide only if you are well aware of how things work on QuickBooks. However, if you are not so tech-savvy, we have an alternative for you. Get in touch with our experts at 1.800.579.0391 to receive immediate assistance

Causes – Windows firewall is blocking QuickBooks desktop?

1. Third-party antivirus program blocks QuickBooks.
2. Windows Firewall recognizes QuickBooks as a threat, thus prohibiting its connection with the server.
3. The ports that QuickBooks using to access webpages and websites is disabled on the device.

Preliminary Checks-

1. Ensure that QuickBooks and Windows latest updates are installed.
2. Run the QuickBooks Tool Hub on your computer to scan for any potential threats.
3. Run the QuickBooks File Doctor to identify and resolve the issue system is going through.

If these checks fail to recognize and erase the error, proceed to the steps below.

Troubleshooting Windows firewall is blocking QuickBooks 2021

If your current settings block your path to a smooth run of the QuickBooks tasks, you may have to configure them manually. Here is how you can do so-

Method 1: Add an exception for QuickBooks in Firewall Ports

Firewall ports can be amended automatically using certain applications. These are the steps to do it yourself-

1. Click on the Windows button.
2. In the search bar, type Firewall.
3. Hit Enter.
4. Click on the Windows Firewall option.
5. Tap on the Advanced Settings button.
6. Right-click on the Inbound Rules field.
7. Choose New Rule.
8. Click on Port.
9. Hit Next.
10. Choose TCP.
11. Now, you need to add the relevant port requirements according to the year version of your QuickBooks application-
    a. QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8019, XXXXX.
    b. QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
    c. QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
    d. QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.
12. Hit Next.
13. Click on Allow the Connection.
14. Hit Next.
15. In the following window, mark all the profiles.
16. Tap on Next.
17. Now you need to create a rule.
18. It is recommended that you name it in the format “QBPorts (year) for easy access.
19. Click on the Finish button.
20. Now, follow the steps above again to create Outbound Rules.
21. Restart your computer.
22. Access QuickBooks to check if the issue is resolved.

Method 2: Exclude QuickBooks from Firewall

Even if QuickBooks ports are open, the Firewall may tend to continue block it from accessing the internet. Which is why it is essential to add QuickBooks as an exception-

1. Click on the Windows button.
2. In the search bar, type Firewall.
3. Hit Enter.
4. Click on the Windows Firewall option.
5. Tap on the Advanced Settings button.
6. Right-click on the Inbound Rules field.
7. Choose Program.
8. Hit Next.
9. Click on This Program Path.
10. Click on Browse.
11. Choose one of the executable files (.exe) of QuickBooks.
12. Tap on Next.
13. Select the Allow the Connection option.
14. Hit Next.
15. On the following pop-up, mark all profiles.
16. Click on Next.
17. Now you need to create a rule.
18. It is recommended that you name it in the format “QBFirewallException(name.exe)” for easy access.
19. Now, follow the steps above again to create Outbound Rules.
20. Reboot your device.
21. Access QuickBooks to check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 3: Review Anti-Virus Settings

Here you need to check if your Anti-Virus is obstructing your Internet applications. You must provide accurate access and permissions for the QuickBooks program through your Anti-Virus settings or through the official website of the Anti-Virus. Since steps vary from program to program, you may need to get in touch with the respective technicians of the same.

The most possible trigger for the Windows Firewall is Blocking QuickBooks” error is a misconfigured internet connection. We hope that our quick manual fixes are supportive to help you get rid of it. Yet, if you are not satisfied with the solutions above, we suggest you get in touch with our certified specialists right away to work this out. Contact at 1.800.579.0391.