Toll-Free : 1.800.761.1787

Did you encountered error 401 while working in QuickBooks accounting software and are unable to come to any conclusion? Well, we can definitely help you with this issue. This error is basically about an unauthorized request in QuickBooks desktop, and can be easily fixed. You can come across such an error while:

  • Signing in to the company file or accountant toolbox.
  • Or while registering during the QuickBooks installation.
  • Such an error can also be faced while sending an invoice with QuickBooks payments.

This error code usually comes up with an error message stating “The remote server returned an error: 401 unauthorized. Request is unauthorized”.

QuickBooks Error 401 - Screenshot Image

This error code can be easily handled by a couple steps, which we have discussed later in this article. So, we would recommend you read this article carefully till the end and implement the process discussed below.

You may also see: How to Fix QuickBooks Internet Explorer is Turned Off Issue?

Quick Fixes to the QuickBooks error code 401

There are not much of the solutions to this QuickBooks error code 401. Once the error appears on the screen with the error message, you are simply required to carry out the steps below:

  1. At first, opt for No and close the error message window.
  2. And then update the QuickBooks software to the latest version.

Steps to update the QuickBooks software to the latest version

There can be a handful of options to update the QuickBooks software. Let us have a look:

Step 1: Setting up automatic updates

In order to update QuickBooks to the latest version, you can opt for setting up automatic updates. The automatic updates option saves a lot of time and ensures timely update. The steps involved in this process are:

  • This can be done moving to the help menu and selecting update QuickBooks desktop.
Update QuickBooks Desktop - Screenshot 1
  • Move to the update now tab. It is recommended to select the reset update checkbox and clear all the previous update downloads.
  • You will then have to choose get updates to start the download.
Update QuickBooks desktop (Screenshot)
  • After the download ends make sure to restart the software.
  • Last but not the least, accept the option to install the new release.
Facing issues while setting up the Automatic updates?

In case you face any hindrances while setting up the updates in QuickBooks, adhere to the following pointers to fix them:

  • Make sure that you are using a fast internet connection.
  • If the issues keep persisting, then, in that case, restart your Windows in Safe Mode with Networking option.
  • Press the Windows + R keys to open Run command.
  • Type Msconfig in the run window.
Type msconfig in Run - Image
  • After that, select Safe mode with networking. Now, try updating the software.
Safe mode with networking - Screenshot
  • Now close all the running programs. This will ensure that no other program is conflicting with the Quickbooks update process.
  • Also, consider turning off your antivirus software temporarily while the updates are in progress.

Step 2: Scheduling for future automatic updates

Another option that one can opt for is to schedule updates. This means that you can schedule QuickBooks updates according to their comfort and the software will get updated automatically. The steps to be followed for this are:

Update QuickBooks Desktop - Screenshot Image 1
  • Move to the help menu and opt for the update QuickBooks desktop.
  • Navigate to the Options tab.
  • Now, select yes to turn on automatic updates. It is recommended to share automatic downloads to other systems on the network, you can select yes for each system.
  • And then click on Close.

Read this Also: Error: No Version of QuickBooks was Found to Update – How to Fix It?

Step 3: Manual update process

In case you are not comfortable with automatic updates and want to update the software manually, then below steps would be helpful for you:

  • You can simply close the company file and QuickBooks.
  • Open the Windows start menu.
  • Once done with that, look for QuickBooks desktop. And also, right-click the icon and choose run as admin.
Run QuickBooks as Administrator - Screenshot 1
  • Move to the help menu while on the no company open screen and then click on update QuickBooks desktop.
Update QuickBooks Desktop - Screenshot Image
  • Go to the options tab and then choose Mark all and then select Save.
  • Navigate to the update now tab and also choose the reset update checkbox.
  • Then choose to get updates.
Update QuickBooks Desktop - Screenshot

It is believed that updating the QuickBooks software by following any of the above methods, would definitely work in fixing the QuickBooks 401 error. You can implement any of the three above mentioned steps to update the QuickBooks accounting software to the latest release.

Miscellaneous Solutions for QuickBooks unauthorized error code 401

Solution 1: Repair QuickBooks desktop

If updating QuickBooks fails to rectify the issue, the user should go for the repair process to roll back any changes that contributed to error 401. The procedure for repairing QuickBooks is:

  • At first, click on Start button and select Control Panel.
  • After that, go to Programs and Features.
  • From the list of installed programs, select QuickBooks.
Launch Programs and features - Screenshot Image
  • Now right-click on QuickBooks and opt for Repair.
Repair QuickBooks POS - Screenshot Image
  • When all is done, restart QuickBooks and check whether the issue got curbed.

Solution 2: Restore the system

  • From the Start menu, open System Restore feature.
System Restore - Image
  • Choose a recently created restore point from the list and proceed with the Repair process.

Note: This is possible only when a restore point is available in the list.

Read Also: How to Resolve QuickBooks Error Code 6073 and 99001?

Winding up!

We conclude the article over here, with the hope that the issue is no longer troubling you. But if you still face the same error, then you can consult our QuickBooks error support team for technical assistance. Ring up to us using our dedicated customer support line i.e., +1-800-761-1787, and we will help you with the error to be tackled easily.

FAQs

What can cause Error 401 in QuickBooks?

Incorrect login credentials, expired or invalid subscriptions, issues with Intuit server, or problems with the QuickBooks company file can be common causes for this error.

Can QuickBooks Error 401 be fixed by restarting the computer?

Yes! Restarting the computer can sometimes resolve such types of QuickBooks errors.

Can a firewall or antivirus software cause Error 401 in QuickBooks?

Yes! Firewall or antivirus software can sometimes blocks the communication between QuickBooks and its online services, which may in turn lead to this error.

 

Topics you may like:

What are the system requirements for QuickBooks desktop 2020?

How Can I Get My W-2s into EFW2 Format?

Steps to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Error 17337

Call Now +1-800-761-1787