Among several inbuilt features of QuickBooks, one is Multi-user mode. With the help of this feature, multiple QB users can access the same company file simultaneously without any disturbance. QuickBooks license is the must-have to use this feature. However, many times due to a disrupted network server or unstable internet connection you might end up with QuickBooks multi-user mode not working.
Wondering why QuickBooks won’t switch to multi-user mode? It’s because you must have tried to open a company file that is located on the server computer. Moreover, there are several other reasons as well due to which you are unable to run QuickBooks in multi-user mode. To get aware of the possible reasons, you must proceed to the next section.
Wondering why QuickBooks freezes when switching to multi-user mode? To get well-versed with all such reasons, we would suggest you to reach our experts by giving us a call on our Toll-Free Number +1(855)-955-1942.
Why Is QuickBooks Not Working In Multi-User Mode?
All such possible causes that can evoke QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error are mentioned below:
- When “QuickBooks Can’t be Installed on the Server Properly”.
- Mis-configured hosting settings may lead to QuickBooks multi-user mode not working issue.
- Antivirus software or Firewall is preventing communication between user computers.
- The database server is unable to open the company file.
- Incorrect setting of Windows file permissions.
Best Solutions to fix QuickBooks Multi-User Not Syncing Error
Now, you must proceed to the resolution methods that can help you overcome QuickBooks Multi-User Not Syncing Error.
Solution 1: Check the folder Permissions on your Server Computer
The folders that you want to access in the multi-user mode need to have the right Windows permissions. It ensures that the folder holding your company files has permission to be on your network.
- Click on the Windows icon and open File Explorer.
- Right-click the folder in which you have stored your company file. Then, select Properties.
- On the Security tab, select Advanced> QBDataServiceUserXX> Edit.
- Make sure to set the following settings to Allowed:
- Traverse Folder/Execute File
- List Folder/Read Data
- Read Attributes
- Read Extended Attributes
- Create Files/Write Data
- Create Folders/Append Data
- Write Attributes
- Write Extended Attributes
- Read Permissions
Steps to be followed if your Permissions aren’t set correctly:
- Right-click the folder in which your company file is saved and select Properties.
- After that, select Security followed by Edit.
- Choose QBDataServiceUserXX and select Full Control, then Allow.
- Lastly, click on Apply, then OK.
Aren’t you able to fix the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error? If yes, then, don’t panic! You can jump to the next solution.
Solution 2: QuickBooks Database Server Manager must be Installed
QuickBooks Database Server Manager allows you to share your company files with other computers over your network. Besides, it also allows you to monitor your multi-user network. It’s essential to have QuickBooks Database Server Manager running while setting up a network, for accessing the company files. A scan option for the company file on the server computer is also provided by it and ultimately help you resolve the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error.
Solution 3: Create a Windows user with Admin Rights
When you use multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop, then You have to make sure to sign in to Windows as a user with admin rights to resolve QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error. With this, firewall settings and folder permissions can be changed. Moreover, you also need to provide admin rights to programs like Database Server Manager. Follow the below-given steps to create a Windows user with admin rights so you can set up programs and change settings in Windows.
- Close QuickBooks Desktop in the first place.
- Click on the Windows icon to open the Control Panel. From there, select User Accounts.
- Further search for the QBDataServiceUserXX for your version of QuickBooks Desktop. For QuickBooks Desktop 2021, look for QBDataServiceUser31. For the 2020 version, look for QBDataServiceUser30. The number goes down for each version.
- Then, you have Change the account type option followed by Administrator. Again, you need to select Change Account Type.
- Select Apply (to save changes).
NOTE: For each version of QuickBooks Database Server Manager that you use, you need to repeat these steps.
Solution 4: Scan your folder using the Database Server Manager
Before sharing your files, scan the folders holding them using the Database Server Manager to access your file over the network:
IMPORTANT: Following the below steps might share all your folders if you’re using Database Server Manager 2019. Therefore, if you want to give access to specific users then, you must set your folder permissions.
- On your server computer (the one that hosts your company files), click on the Windows icon.
- To open QuickBooks Database Server Manager, Type Database in search space.
- Click on browse (From Scan Folders tab) to select the folders that hold your company files (QBW).

- Once done, click OK.
- At last, click on Start Scan.
Once the scan completes, you can see the folders in the QuickBooks company files found section. It will allow you to access the company files from these folders from other computers on your network.
Solution 5: Turn on Hosting on your Server Computer
You must try to turn on Multi-user Access on your server computer to resolve the QuickBooks multi-user mode not working issue. The only computer with this feature turned on is your server computer :
- Go to the File menu (In QuickBooks Desktop).
- There, select Utilities followed by Host Multi-User Access.
- Lastly, click on Yes (to confirm).
Sign in as a user (To access your multi-user network) with admin rights on your server computer and workstations.
Solution 6: Make sure QuickBooks services are running on your server computer
Follow these steps to check QuickbooksDBXX. Then, repeat them for QBCFMonitorService.
- Click on the Windows icon and type Run into the search and open Run Window.
- Type services.msc into the Run window, and then press the Enter key.
- Find and double-click QuickBooksDBXX on the list. [Here, XX notes your version of QuickBooks.]
- After that, select Automatic for the Startup Type.
- Make sure the Service status is either Running or Started. If it’s neither, select Start.
- Go to the Recovery tab and click on Restart the Service from each of these drop-down menus: First failure, Second failure, and Subsequent failures.
- Select Apply and then OK to save the changes.
- Once done, open QuickBooks on each workstation. Go to the File menu and select Switch to Multi-user Mode.
Get Instant Support If You Cannot Switch To Multi-User Mode!
By performing above-listed methods you can surely resolve QuickBooks multi-user mode not working error without any hassle. However, if you get stuck and need further assistance, we would suggest you give us a call on our QuickBooks Data Service Solutions Helpline Number +1(855)-955-1942.