Fix “Windows Firewall Is Blocking QuickBooks” Issue Through Easy Steps

QuickBooks Desktop relies on uninterrupted network access to support multi-user mode, payroll services, online banking, and company file sharing. If Windows Firewall blocks QuickBooks, users may encounter errors like:

“QuickBooks cannot connect to the company file.”

“Error H202, H505, or 6000 series.”

This guide outlines the causes and provides expert-level steps to resolve firewall-related issues and restore full QuickBooks functionality.

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⚠️ Why Windows Firewall Blocks QuickBooks

• 🔐 Firewall rules do not allow QuickBooks ports or executables
• 🧱 QuickBooks Database Server Manager is blocked
• 🌐 Network discovery or file sharing is disabled
• 📂 Company file is hosted on a server with restricted access
• 🧠 Third-party security software overrides Windows Firewall settings

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⚙️ Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Firewall Blocking QuickBooks

✅ Step 1: Use QuickBooks File Doctor

1. Download and install the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub.
2. Open Tool Hub and go to the Company File Issues tab.
3. Click Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
4. Select your company file and let the tool scan for network and firewall issues.

💡 Pro Tip: File Doctor automatically detects and repairs common firewall blocks.

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🔄 Step 2: Manually Configure Windows Firewall

1. Press Windows + S, type Windows Defender Firewall, and open it.
2. Click Advanced Settings > Inbound Rules > New Rule.
3. Choose Port, then click Next.
4. Select TCP, and enter the following ports based on your QuickBooks version:

QuickBooks Version	Ports to Open
2022	8019, 56728–56730
2021	8019, 56727–56729
2020	8019, 56726–56728

5. Allow the connection and name the rule (e.g., “QB Inbound”).
6. Repeat for Outbound Rules.

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🧰 Step 3: Add QuickBooks Executables to Firewall Exceptions

1. In Advanced Settings, go to Inbound Rules > New Rule > Program.
2. Browse and add the following files:

• QBW32.exe
• QBDBMgrN.exe
• QBDBMgr.exe
• QBCFMonitorService.exe

3. Allow the connection and name the rule.
4. Repeat for Outbound Rules.

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🔐 Step 4: Verify Hosting Configuration

1. Open QuickBooks on each workstation.
2. Go to File > Utilities.
3. If you see Host Multi-User Access, do nothing.
4. If you see Stop Hosting Multi-User Access, click it to disable hosting on that workstation.

⚠️ Only the server should host the company file.

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🛠️ Step 5: Restart QuickBooks Database Server Manager

1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub > Network Issues tab.
2. Click QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
3. Scan the folder containing your company file.
4. Restart the server and try accessing the file again.

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🧪 Advanced Tips

• Ensure Network Discovery and File Sharing are enabled in Windows settings
• Avoid storing company files on cloud-synced folders (e.g., OneDrive, Dropbox)
• Use static IP addresses for server and workstations to reduce network conflicts
• Temporarily disable third-party antivirus during troubleshooting

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