Configuring your firewall and security settings for QuickBooks becomes essential, when you start experiencing issues due to these software blocking your QuickBooks connection. A firewall often tends to be one of the core reasons causing errors in QuickBooks. And often to resolve these errors, you will have to configure firewall ports for QuickBooks or turn them off. Of course, you need to disable them temporarily. Not just that, you can also add some exceptions for QuickBooks firewall ports by simply carrying out some basic steps.

This segment is drafted in a way that you are successfully able to configure firewall and security settings by the end of it. Thus, keep scrolling to learn how to Set up Firewall and security settings for QuickBooks desktop.

NOTE! In case you need any professional guidance in setting up firewall and security settings for QuickBooks, you can contact our QuickBooks Technical Support Team at 1-800-761-1787, and your queries will be addressed immediately.

Role of Firewall and How it Relates to QuickBooks?

Before you explore the ways to configure QuickBooks firewall ports, it is essential to first understand what a firewall actually is. Firewall is a must-have application that saves the system from various threats like malware, viruses, and unwanted programs. In certain cases, the firewall blocks the internet access required to run QuickBooks and the company file. This kind of issue is often encountered while using QB desktop in a multi-user environment. In such a case, you will have to update the firewall to the latest release or manually configure the firewall. The process for configuring and updating the firewall will be mentioned later in this post.

Windows Firewall - configure firewall ports for quickbooks

Read this Also: How to transfer QuickBooks from Old Computer to a New Computer?

Methods to Configure/ Set up QuickBooks Desktop Firewall Ports and Security Settings

Configuring firewall and security settings involve some basic set of steps, which we have elaborated below. Here are some of the methods that you can try implementing to configure QuickBooks desktop firewall ports and security settings without any further issue:

Method 1: Automatically Configure Firewall Ports

If you aren’t very sure about the manual steps, then you can try to automatically configure firewall ports. And this is possible with QuickBooks File Doctor tool. You can try running the QuickBooks file doctor tool to resolve network-related errors. This tool usually open all the blocked ports and fix the error up to certain extent. Also this tool can be used for configuring the Windows firewall.

QuickBooks file doctor icon - Screenshot

Method 2: Manually Configure Exceptions for QuickBooks Firewall Ports

If the QuickBooks file doctor tool didn’t help you, then try performing the manual steps.

  • Here you need to, open QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
  • Look for QuickBooks Desktop 2018/2019/2020/2021 or 2022.
  • Now, write the Port Number and use it for QuickBooks Firewall Ports exceptions.

Step 1: Steps to Manually Add QuickBooks Firewall Ports Exceptions

In case you are using multiple versions of QuickBooks desktop on the same PC, follow the below-given steps for each QuickBooks version:

  1. Start with opening the Windows Start menu to Add firewall port exceptions for QuickBooks.
  2. Once done with that, type in Windows Firewall into the search option, also open Windows Firewall.
Windows Firewall - configure firewall ports for quickbooks
  1. Go for Advanced Settings.
  2. Right-click on Inbound Rules, and select New Rule.
  3. You now have to click on Port and click on Next.
Choose Port Option (QuickBooks Database Server Manager) - Screenshot 1
  1. Ascertain that TCP is selected.
Ensure TCP option is Checked - Screenshot
  1. Furthermore, enter the ports that you require for your QuickBooks year versions in the Specific ports field.
Configuring QuickBooks firewall and security exceptions - Screenshot
  1. Choose the ports suitable to your needs:
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2023:8091, XXXXX
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2022:8019, XXXXX
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2021:8019, XXXXX
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2020:8019, XXXXX
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56278, 55378-55382
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
    • QuickBooks Desktop 2016: 8019, 56726, 55368-55372
  2. Enter the port number and hit the Next tab.
  3. Go for Allow the Connection and then click on the Next tab.
Allow the connection - Screenshot
  1. Ascertain all the files are marked only if prompted.
Firewall Setting up in QBDBSM - Screenshot
  1. Name the rules and click on Finish to end the process.

You will have to repeat these steps for Outbound Rules. The same steps are to be carried out, only instead of selecting inbound rules, select outbound rules, and you are good to go. After these steps, open QuickBooks Desktop again in QuickBooks multi-user mode and check if the problem has been resolved.

Read Also: How to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Update Error Code 16026?

Important Note:

Note that QuickBooks Desktop 2021, 2020, and the versions to be introduced, use dynamic ports. These ports are specific firewall ports assigned at the time of installation. With this, it is ensured that the QuickBooks software gets exclusive use of a given port. To get the dynamic port number, here are the steps that you can follow:

  • Begin with opening the Windows start tab.
  • Enter in QuickBooks Database Server Manager into the search box and also open the same.
  • Head to the Port monitor tab.
QuickBooks Port Number - Screenshot Image
  • You need to now check your QuickBooks version.
  • The last step is to note the Port number used for firewall port exception.

Another quick note is that the assigned port number can be changed by opting for the Renew option. After that, move to the scan folders tab and select Scan Now tab. The steps will reset the firewall permissions. And you can renew the ports only for the Desktop 2019 and later versions.

Step 2: Make Firewall Exceptions for your QuickBooks Programs

There are some executable files which are used by QuickBooks. To find this list go through the selection below to configure the firewall or antivirus program. Follow the steps below for each file:

Executable filesLocation
AutoBackupExe.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
Dbmlsync.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
DBManagerExe.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
FileManagement.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
FileMovementExe.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QuickBooksMessaging.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBW32.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBDBMgrN.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBGDSPlugin.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBServerUtilityMgr.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBCFMonitorService.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBLaunch.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBUpdate.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBUpdate
IntuitSyncManager.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Sync
OnlineBackup.exeC:\Program Files\QuickBooks Online Backup

Quick NOTE: If you find Program Files (x86), this indicates that you are using a 64-bit operating system.

  • Here, you need to click on the Start menu.
  • Enter Windows firewall
  • Open the same.
  • Click on the Advanced Settings
  • Right-click on Inbound Rules.
  • Go for New Rule >> Program >> Next options respectively.
  • Opt for the Program Path and Browse options.
  • Search for the file location and pick the Next tab.
  • Click on Allow the Connection and hit Next.
  • Ascertain that all the files are marked, and then click on Next.
  • Create a Rule, and name it.
  • After that, choose Finish opt.
QuickBooks Firewall Port (Create a New Rule) - Screenshot
  • Perform the same steps for Outbound Rules as well.

See Also: How to Rectify QuickBooks Delivery Server Down Error?

Step 3: Configure Antivirus and Windows Firewall

Add an exclusion in Windows Defender or installed Antivirus program, using the steps below:

  • Open Windows Defender Security Center.
  • Go for Virus and threat protection.
  • You need to then click on Add an exclusion
  • Also, pick a folder.
  • Add Intuit Folder in C drive as an exclusion.
  • Click on the OK tab.

Step 4: Configure Firewall Programs

  • When a user uses a number of firewalls and the changing versions, then Intuit is unable to do the Additional configuration setups. Take help from the Software publisher’s website.
  • Intuit is not involved in supporting different internet security programs. Therefore, you would have to Add exceptions for QuickBooks firewall ports. In case the error still persists, then add the following directories to your anti-virus program.

Step 5: Add QuickBooks Firewall Port Extensions on your Antivirus or Firewall (3rd Party Configuration)

Ensure that the TCP is chosen. Enter all the ports which are required. In the manually configure QuickBooks firewall ports exceptions, see the port number suitable for your QuickBooks version. Add ports for each year in case you have used multiple-year versions of QuickBooks Desktop.

Executable filesLocation
AutoBackupExe.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
Dbmlsync.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
DBManagerExe.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
FileManagement.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
FileMovementExe.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QuickBooksMessaging.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBW32.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBDBMgrN.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBGDSPlugin.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QUICKBOOKS YEAR
QBServerUtilityMgr.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBCFMonitorService.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBLaunch.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
QBUpdate.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBUpdate
IntuitSyncManager.exeC:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Sync
OnlineBackup.exeC:\Program Files\QuickBooks Online Backup

If you are using a 64-bit Operating System, then add executable files at the location Program files.

Also See: How to Fix Webmail Password Issues in QuickBooks Desktop?

Steps to Configure Firewall for QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale (POS)

When the firewall blocks the connectivity between the server and the client workstations, the point of sale configures the firewall automatically for you. At times, you might require to configure the firewall ports manually for QuickBooks Desktop Point Of Sale. When the security program blocks QuickBooks Desktop Point Of Sale ports, the below processes are interrupted:

  • Electronic Funds Transfer: The Intuit Merchant services credit card processing
  • Database server manager: Ability to connect and record transactions
  • Intuit Entitlement Service: The product license and user validation

Important Points

  • You need to have Windows Admin rights in order to perform the steps.
  • Also, in the case of the third-party security program, you need to ensure to add the firewall ports and executable files that QuickBooks Desktop Point Of Sale needs.

Firewall Configuration for QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale (POS)

In order to configure the firewall for QuickBooks desktop point of sale, the below steps can be followed:

  1. The initial step is to press Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type in the Control panel and also click on the OK tab to open the control panel.
  3. Next step is to Set the view to small icons and then opt for the Windows firewall.
  4. Choose the Advanced settings and select Inbound.
  5. After that, the New rule option is to be selected.
  6. Followed by selecting port and then hitting Next.
  7. Next step is to Enter the port numbers and then click on Next tab.
  8. Choose Allow connection to select Next tab.
  9. Name the firewall rule and click on the Finish tab.
  10. Follow the steps for the Outbound rule.

See Also: Steps to use the condense data utility in QuickBooks

Point of Sale Firewall Ports

PORTPORT NUMBERS
TCP (Incoming)8040, 8443, 8036, 8035, 8025, 8024, 46228, 46225, 46216-46220, 46203, 2638, 443
UDP (Outgoing)8036, 8035, 8024, 2638

Executable Files and Required Ports

DEFAULT PORTPROGRAM FILETASKS THAT REQUIRE THE PROGRAM FILE
443* EFTSvr.exe* Throughout operation
* Merchant Service transactions
8443* EFTSvr.exe* Throughout operation
* Merchant Service transactions
2638* DataImporter.exe
* EFTSvr.exe
* QBDBMgr.exe
* QBDBMgrN.exe
* QBPOSDBServiceEx.exe
* Conversion from previous version
* Changing currently running database.
* Startup
* Detecting change to QBDatabases.ini
* Help > Manage my license
* Throughout operation
46203,

46204
* EFTSvr.exe
* QBDBMgrN.exe
* QBPOS.exe
* Throughout operation
* Changing currently running database
8024, 8025* QBPOS.exe
* Setup.exe
* Web installation
* License verification
* Throughout operation

File Locations

FILELOCATION
Eftsvr.exe (v9 &lower)

DataImporter.exe

QBPOS.exe

QBPOSShell.exe (v10 & higher)
64-bit:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks POS XX\

32-bit:
C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks POS XX\
QBDBMgr.exe

QBDBMgrN.exe

QBPOSDBService.exe
64-bit:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks POS XX\DatabaseServer\

32-bit:
C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks POS XX\DatabaseServer\

Read this also: Cannot Open QuickBooks Portable Company File – How to Fix It?

Winding Up!

Of course, if you are reading this, then you might have understood what steps you need to carry out to configure QuickBooks firewall ports and security settings. All you need is to carry out these steps and check if the issue is fixed. However, if the problem still occurs, then something is blocking QuickBooks and needs to be resolved. Do not hesitate in reaching our U.S.-based account experts via our dedicated support line i.e. 1-800-761-1787. The QuickBooks desktop support team is available 24/7 and will give you instructions to resolve all your firewall problems.

FAQ’s – Configure Firewall Ports for QuickBooks

Why do I need to configure firewall and security settings for QuickBooks?

The firewall and security programs need to be mandatorily configured to discard any chances of hindrances when QuickBooks connects to the server.

What firewall and security settings should I configure for QuickBooks Desktop?

A few important settings that need to be configured in the firewall are:
1. The user should allow for Inbound and outbound access for QuickBooks .exe files which include QBW32.exe, QBDBMgr.exe, QBUpdate.exe, etc.
2. Incorporating exceptions QuickBooks in the security programs, including the antivirus and the Firewall.
3. Turning on the network access and ports for QuickBooks in the firewall.
4. Allowing permissions for QuickBooks files and folders.

Are there any specific ports that I need to open in my firewall for QuickBooks?

Yes! These ports used by QuickBooks include:
1. Port 80 (HTTP)
2. Port 8019 (QuickBooks Desktop communication)
3. Port 56728 (QuickBooks Database Server Manager)

 

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