QuickBooks Running Slow on Network? Diagnose & Fix Now

While working on the desktop or online version of the QB application, you may encounter some problems or glitches and experience the QuickBooks running slow issue. This can make your work process hectic, and executing even a simple task can become time-consuming. You may wonder why this is happening with your QB software. Note that this is a common issue affecting many users.

In such cases, the company file you are working on may contain a large amount of data that can cause your software to run slowly and result in various software and system glitches. Fortunately, it can be easily resolved by understanding the causes behind it and implementing the necessary methods to correct it. In this informative guide, we will cover all aspects of the QuickBooks running slow issue to help you build a comprehensive understanding and troubleshoot it with a problem-solving approach.

It is possible that you are not familiar with the technical aspects of resolving the QuickBooks running slow issue. In any scenario, if you feel less confident addressing it, so call us at +1-855-955-1942. Dedicated QB professionals are here to assist you.

Why is Your QuickBooks Running Slow? These Might be the Primary Reasons

We need to understand the causes before addressing the solutions to any issue. It will help you develop an understanding of it. There could be various reasons that cause the QuickBooks running slow issue. Here is a list of the most potential reasons.

• You might be running an outdated version of QB
• Your workstation may not be compatible with the version you are utilizing
• Maybe the company data file has reached its size limit
• It is caused by a damaged or missing QBWUSER.INI file
• Firewall security settings sometimes interrupt the connectivity with the server, which can also lead to QuickBooks running slow over network​
• Software files or the QB Desktop installation may be damaged and faulty
• It is also possible that your system consists of a corrupted or damaged hard drive
• The problem can occur because you are using a damaged Windows operating system
• If the company file stores damaged data, it can also cause it

Now, you must have understood the causes that are creating problems in your QuickBooks. Let’s now move forward to learn about the methods of eliminating it on the Desktop version so you can work seamlessly.

Here’s the List of System Requirements to Run the QuickBooks Desktop Smoothly

Firstly, you need to verify what the requirements are to use QuickBooks Desktop version 2024. The reason behind checking it is that sometimes a lack of compatibility can cause QuickBooks to run slowly.

With the help of this given table, you can verify the compatibility between your system and the application.

Section A: Here’s What You Can Do When QuickBooks Desktop Running Slow

Now, we will learn the effective methods to troubleshoot if QuickBooks running slow. To resolve the issue, carry out the instructions below.

Method 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Version

When you use an outdated version of QuickBooks, many problems can arise due to its lack of the latest features. To fix it, simply update the QB Desktop to the latest available version. This move will likely eliminate the QuickBooks Desktop running slow 2023.​

After completing the task, check whether your software is working smoothly. Try the following method if you still feel that your QuickBooks is operating slowly.

Method 2: Rename the QBWUSER.INI File

The actual problem might be lying in the way you saved the QBWUSER.ini file. If it is the case, then you need to rename it. To do so, follow the upcoming steps:

• Start by launching the Windows File Manager by pressing the Windows + E keys on the keyboard
• Head to the C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks folder
• Make sure that Display Windows Hidden Files is chosen in Windows
• Find and select the QBWUSER.ini file by right-clicking on it
• Tap on the Rename option and add .OLD at the end of the file name

After saving the file name, try using QB Desktop again. If you encounter the same issue again, follow the procedure outlined below.

Method 3: Rebuild the Company File Data Utility

A damaged or corrupted company file should be repaired as soon as possible. It can cause various problems with your company file. It may be the reason behind QuickBooks running slow today​. Therefore, it becomes essential to repair and rebuild its data integrity. Follow the instructions below to complete the task.

• Right-click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon and open it as an administrator
• Next, head to the File tab
• Find and select the Utilities option
• Choose the Rebuild Data from the given menu
• Select OK when the QB asks to create a backup before rebuilding
• Then, choose the location to save your backup and click on OK
• Now, enter a new File name and select Save
• Choose OK after you get the message Rebuild has completed
• Head to the File, choose Utilities, then select Verify Data again to check for other necessary damage

Once you’ve implemented it, try using your QB software again. You will need to follow the solution given below.

Method 4: Check the Company File Size

Suppose you have been using QuickBooks for many years, so that the company file size may have reached its limit. In such cases, you need to verify the company file size. To do so, follow the upcoming instructions.

• Start by opening the QuickBooks Desktop
• Next, find and right-click the Company file folder
• Choose Properties and check the file size
• Utilize the QuickBooks Condense Data Utility to make some storage space
• Tap on the File tab
• Choose Condense Data from the Utilities section
• Mark the box next to “keep all transactions, but remove audit train info from data” option
• Tap on Next to make the “Your company file has been successfully condensed” message appear on-screen
• Lastly, click the Close

You need to rerun the QuickBooks Desktop and verify whether it is working seamlessly now. If the issue persists, follow the procedure below.

Method 5: Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop

Even after trying many times, if QuickBooks running slow. Then, try reinstalling QB Desktop using the Clean Install Tool. You can access this tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub. With the help of this method, you will be able to eliminate all the problems that arose from a corrupted or faulty installation.

After attempting this method, verify whether the issue is resolved, then follow the next solution.

Method 6: Reinstall the Windows Operating System

You need to reinstall the Windows Operating System if the clean installation of QuickBooks doesn’t work. It is an important thing to do because by doing it, you can easily resolve the problems related to Microsoft Windows. Clean install the Windows operating system and follow all the given instructions carefully to avoid any further inconvenience.

You should review QuickBooks to ensure it is now functioning correctly. Still, QuickBooks running slow? Then, you should try the following method.

Method 7: Verify the UNC Path from the Server

Sometimes, when QuickBooks is unable to locate the UNC path, this kind of issue could occur. So, when your QuickBooks running slow, you need to verify if you are able to locate the UNC path. To do so, follow these instructions.

• Hit the Windows + E keys on your keyboard to move on to the server name from the network location field
• After successfully locating it, access it. You can see the mapped drives in the following order: X:\, Z:\, Y:\, and so on
• Next, save the server name in the exact location so that you can combine it with the computer’s server name and the shared folder (\ServerName\SharedFolderName) and save the pathname
• Access your QB to restore the company file
• Then, select the required company file and tap on Next
• Enter the UNC path in the name field
• Hit the Enter key
• Locate and select the company file

Move back to the QB and then utilize it to verify whether QuickBooks is still operating slowly or not. Still, if the QB continues to experience slow performance issues, consider the next method as an alternative resolution.

Method 8: End the Background Applications

Occasionally, when using QuickBooks Desktop, unnecessary applications can be running in the background. These programs might be consuming your RAM, which can make your QuickBooks running slow. In such cases, you should terminate all applications that are running in the background. Now, you can easily manage all these applications from the Task Manager. Let’s say you want to clean up the RAM to optimize QuickBooks’ performance. For that, follow the steps given below:

• Press the CTRL + Shift + ESC keys to open the Task Manager
• Next, you can see easily all the programs that are currently running on the computer
• Then, select the tasks that are not important and contribute nothing to the QB, giving it maximum bandwidth to launch
• Lastly, right-click on the programs to end the task

When you end all the unnecessary processes running in the background, it will provide QuickBooks with maximum bandwidth. This factor will help the QB run smoothly. Once, check whether the problem is solved. If it does, then follow the procedure given below.

Method 9: Upgrade your Computer System

You should ensure that you do not store files on third-party servers; instead, store your files on the actual server. Then, you must fill the RAM slots to the highest capacity. You should use a 64-bit system with a high-speed processor of 2.2 GHz. Additionally, you need to use a hard drive.

Next, remember to create a backup of recent files, as this will help you resolve QB performance issues, as the process will reset the TLG file. To do so, follow the instructions in the given order.

• Open the QB Desktop and head to the File menu
• Choose a backup company and then select the Create Local Backup
• Tap on the options button from the Local Backup tab
• Choose the Desktop to store your backup file
• After doing the complete verification, tap on the OK button
• Select the Save it now option and then tap Next
• Now select Desktop, followed by the Save button in the Save Backup Copy Window

After saving the backup, you need to check whether your QB is now working normally. Still, if QuickBooks running slow, then you need to follow the next given solution to fix it.

Method 10: Rename the .ND and .TLG Configuration Files

If you want to use QuickBooks to access company files through a network, then it is necessary to ensure that your essential configuration files, such as the Network Data and Transaction Log files, are secure. These files are required to run QuickBooks and to open the company. Therefore, if your .ND and TLG configuration files are damaged, which is probably why you’re facing the QuickBooks running slow issue. Follow the steps below to rename these files to resolve this issue.

• Navigate to the QuickBooks company file folder.
• Find the files with (.ND) and (.TLG) extensions within your company file.
• Right-click on each file and select ‘Rename‘.
• Enter ‘.old’ after each file and hit Save.

Note: In case you are unable to find the .ND and .TLG configuration files, ensure that you have tickmarked the ‘show hidden files and folders’ box in File Explorer.

Once you rename these configuration files, verify whether the QuickBooks running slow issue has been resolved or not. If you still face performance issues, then move on to the next step.

Section B: Troubleshooting Methods to Take When QB Online Running Slow

Let’s delve into working solutions to resolve the QuickBooks running slow issue in the QBO version. Read through the following procedures as outlined to minimize the effort required for fixing it.

Method 1: Access QuickBooks Online in Incognito Mode

The QB running slow error might be occurring because of the accumulated cache and cookies in your browser. You can open QBO in incognito mode or on a private window in your preferred web browser using the provided shortcuts.

Method 2: Delete Cache and Cookies from Browser

QuickBooks running slow can occur due to the build-up of browser data, cache, and cookies. Follow the steps below to delete cookies and cache on your preferred browser to prevent this error in QBO.

Google Chrome

• You can take these steps on Google Chrome to delete cookies and cache.
• Head to settings and open the Privacy and Security tab.
• Locate and select Third-party cookies.
• Find the See all cookies and site data option.
• Enter “Intuit” in the search box and hit Enter.
• Now select ‘Remove all shown’ to delete.

Apple Safari

• These steps can be taken on Apple Safari to delete the cookies and cache for Intuit.
• Open Safari, and navigate to Preferences.
• Head to the Privacy section and select Manage Website Data.
• Click on the search box and type in ‘Intuit’, then press Enter.
• Now choose ‘Remove All‘ followed by ‘Remove Now‘.
• Once done, restart the Safari browser.

Mozilla Firefox

• Delete the cookies and cache on your Mozilla Firefox through the following process.
• Go to Mozilla Firefox and open Settings.
• Click on Security and Privacy and select Cookies and Site Data
• Now, under the Manage Data section, search for “Intuit” and hit enter.
• Choose “Remove All Shown” and hit “Save Changes“.

After you have deleted the cookies and cache, the QuickBooks running slow issue should not occur anymore, and your browser should be working better than before. In case your QBO is still running slow, you should ensure that your internet connection is good.

Method 3: Verify your Internet Connection and Speed

Ensure that your internet connection is strong, along with a good internet speed, as QuickBooks running slow can be due to a weak and poor network connection. Follow the process below to verify your network connectivity through Google.

• Head to google.com and look up ‘Internet Speed Test’
• Open any of the speed tests.
• Click on ‘Run Speed Test’ to test your internet.
• The results will determine your internet speed.
• Ensure that you have at least 1.5 Mbps of internet speed.

If the result indicates that your internet speed is less than 3 Mbps, it may lead to slow performance on QuickBooks Online, as the recommended internet speed for QBO is 3 Mbps.

Once the required internet speed is achieved, rerun QBO to ensure the slow performance issues are eliminated. If not, you can update your web browser as a last alternative before running QuickBooks Online.

Conclusion

With the help of this detailed blog, you can learn all the significant aspects regarding why is QuickBooks running slow. We have discussed the reasons behind it and how to resolve it effectively. Moreover, it is advisable to follow the resolving steps according to the given order to avoid the chance of any future problems.

However, in some cases, implementing these methods can be tricky and lead to technical glitches when mistakes are made in their attempt. To avoid these kinds of disturbances, you can call us at +1(855)-955-1942. Qualified professionals will assist you in troubleshooting this issue with your QuickBooks software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Author Details

Tony Wilson SEO Editor

Tony Wilson, and I work at Data Service Solutions as a QuickBooks certified professional. If you are facing any errors or issues with QuickBooks, you can ask any queries about it.

web

https://dataservicesolutions.com/

email

wilsontomy02@gmail.com

follow me