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Do this if your QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Off and you can’t Enable it

Posted: Jul 13, 2025
QuickBooks has simplified the accounting process to such an extent that anyone, regardless of prior financial knowledge, can use the software without difficulty. The software was designed primarily with small enterprises in mind. Using the multi-user network, QuickBooks permits multiple users to access the same data for added convenience concurrently. However, numerous users have reported that the QuickBooks hosting mode is off even after multiple attempts to enable it, so we created this blog to assist them. If you are also experiencing this issue on your PC, continue reading to learn why it occurs and how to eliminate it.
Contacting us at +1-(855)-955-1942 for quick support and assistance can help you avoid going through complex troubleshooting to resolve the error
All about QuickBooks 2023 Hosting Mode is Off Issue
Using the multi-user mode provided by QuickBooks, multiple users can simultaneously access the same data. The server computer is configured for multi-user mode, and all workstations access the company file hosted by the server. Under the influence of the hosting mode is off QuickBooks issue, QuickBooks will be unable to launch in multi-user mode, preventing you from hosting the company file and affecting the multi-user network as well. The software is also susceptible to crashing or freezing if the multi-user mode is not activated.
Reasons Why you can’t Enable Hosing in QuickBooks
The potential causes of this issue in QuickBooks are listed below:
Incorrect QuickBooks hosting settings
The security software installed on your computer restricts network connectivity.
The company file is corrupted, and the Database Server Manager is unable to access it.
How to Turn on Hosting Mode in QuickBooks?
Listed below are some solutions that will assist you in resolving the issue:
Read about this: Experts Warn: QuickBooks Error 6000 95 Could Risk Your Data – Here’s How to Fix It Fast
Solution 1: Configure the permissions for the QB company file folder
This issue may occur if QuickBooks cannot access the company file due to insufficient folder permissions and the software is unable to host the file in multi-user mode. You must go to your server computer and carry out the steps outlined below:
Enter the folder containing your company file in the C drive.
Select the folder's Properties by right-clicking on it on the screen.
Select Advanced from the Security menu.
Select QBDataServiceUserXX and select the Edit button.
Check the box next to Full Control and then select Allow.
Tap Apply, followed by the OK button.
Try hosting the company file in multi-user mode once again to check if it is working.
Solution 2: Utilise QB Database Server Manager on your System
Database Server Manager will quickly scan the files and folders for network issues. To use the Database Server Manager, follow the steps below:
Enter "Database" in the search box.
Launch QuickBooks Database Server Manager from the results in the search.
Select Browse from the Scan Folders tab's drop-down menu.
Select the folder that contains your company files and then select the Scan button.
Wait for the scan operation to complete.
The problems will be resolved with this solution, and you will be able to host your company file in multi-user mode without any problems.
You should also know this: Don’t Use QuickBooks Payroll Until You Read This Game-Changing Guide
Conclusion
This concludes this blog post on the causes of the QuickBooks Hosting Mode is off error on your computer. Contact our support team at +1-(855)-955-1942 for additional assistance with troubleshooting and similar questions related to the error.
Here are some important Q/A: QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Off.
Q1: What does "QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Off" mean?
A: This message indicates that multi-user access is disabled. The computer isn't set up to host company files, preventing others from connecting over the network.
Q2: Why can’t other users open the company file if hosting mode is off?
A: If hosting mode is off, QuickBooks won’t allow other network users to access the file, blocking multi-user collaboration.
Q3: How do I turn on QuickBooks hosting mode?
A: Open QuickBooks, go to File> Utilities, then click Host Multi-User Access to enable hosting on the server computer.
Q4: Can every computer enable QuickBooks hosting mode?
A: No, only the main server or file-hosting system should have hosting mode on. Turning it on across all systems can cause file conflicts.
Q5: What causes hosting mode to turn off in QuickBooks?
A: Common causes include system updates, incorrect network settings, or improper QuickBooks installation.
Q6: Is it necessary to keep hosting mode on at all times?
A: Only the server should keep it on. Workstations should not host; doing so may interrupt file sharing and lock access.
Q7: Will reinstalling QuickBooks reset hosting settings?
A: Yes, reinstalling might reset hosting mode, requiring you to re-enable it manually on the correct server.
Q8: How do I check if QuickBooks hosting is enabled?
A: Go to File> Utilities—if you see "Stop Hosting Multi-User Access", hosting is active. If it says "Host…", it’s off.About the Author
Hi, I'm Harry – a simple guy with a curious mind and a passion for making complicated things easier to understand. Whether it's tech help, solving software issues, or just sharing useful info, I do it with honesty, clarity, and a personal touch.
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