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3 Ways to Fix the QuickBooks Freezing Error on Your Device

Author: Alastor Moody
by Alastor Moody
Posted: Nov 17, 2025

If your software keeps freezing, QuickBooks may crash without warning and show "An unexpected error has happened in QuickBooks" when you examine the Event Viewer. QBDT may start to freeze as soon as it opens or at any time during use.

This may prevent you from working, sending bills via email, or printing reconciliation reports. So, let's apply an easy resolution procedure that the professionals have recommended to learn how to unfreeze QuickBooks Desktop.

Common Causes You Should Know About QuickBooks Freezing Up

The following major causes and situations could be the cause of QuickBooks freezing:

  • The firm's file name could be longer and include more spaces or special characters

  • The QuickBooks startup file (QBWUSER.ini) may be damaged or corrupted

  • The hard drive itself could be corrupted

  • Program files that are necessary for installing QuickBooks are either malfunctioning or destroyed

  • The QuickBooks business file is not functioning properly, may be corrupted, or both

  • The Windows operating system is corrupted or damaged

  • Interruptions and impediments caused by third-party add-ons and background apps while using quarterback

  • It is possible to turn on, activate, or enable the User Account Control settings

  • Compatibility issues when using QBDT may arise from an outdated version of the Windows operating system

Also read:- QuickBooks Error 80004005 occurs due to damaged installation files or permission issues, and repairing the program restores smooth QuickBooks functionality.

Recommended Resolutions to Fix QuickBooks Freezing

Here are the three solutions that will help you get rid of the freezing issue on your system.

Solution 1: First, launch the QB program Diagnostic Tool
  • Click QuickBooks Tool Hub: Fix Setup and File Issues under the Help tab to download the QuickBooks Tool Hub installation file. Then, exit QuickBooks

  • In the InstallShield wizard, adhere to the on-screen installation instructions and agree to the terms and conditions of the license

  • Click Finish to finish the installation process

  • On your Windows desktop, double-click the tool hub's icon to open it

  • It may take up to 20 minutes to run, so click Program Problems and then QuickBooks Program Diagnostic Tool

  • After QuickBooks has been repaired by the program, restart your computer and open QuickBooks

Solution 2: Second, Reinstall QuickBooks
  • Go to the Windows Start menu

  • Search for the Control Panel and open it

  • Select Programs and Features in the Control Panel, and then choose Uninstall a Program

  • Choose the version of QuickBooks Desktop that is causing you issues

  • Click Uninstall/Change after selecting Remove, and then click Next

  • Log out of Windows and then back in as an administrator or another user with administrative rights if you are unable to see this option

  • At the end, you need to reinstall QuickBooks after it has been successfully removed

Solution 3: Modify the QBWUSER.ini folder name
  • To access the QBWUSER.ini file, navigate to its directory. Typically, Users[Your user name]\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks [year] is displayed

  • Now we have to change the system settings, which may display hidden files and folders if you are unable to find the folder

  • Pick Rename with a right-click on the QBWUSER.ini file

  • Complete the file name with.old, for example, QBWUSER.ini.old

  • The EntitlementDataStore.ecml file should also be renamed

  • Reopen QuickBooks Desktop

  • After renaming the QBWUSER.ini or EntitlementDataStore.ecml files, try opening a sample company file to see if QuickBooks opens successfully

  • Try relocating the sample company file to a different location if you can open it, but still have problems with it

  • It should be opened from this new location, ideally a local folder instead of a network location. If the file opens successfully, it indicates that the original folder or its permissions may be the issue

  • If you're still unable to open your file, it's probably damaged. So, instead, try restoring a prior backup of the file

  • If QuickBooks won't start or you can't open the sample company file, it means that your installation is damaged. To repair this, follow the clean installation instructions

Conclusion

In this blog on QuickBooks freezing, you will get the best and effective solutions that will help you to eliminate this issue from your system. However, if you are unable to complete the procedure, dial +1(855)-738–0359 and consult with our QB tech experts.

Note:- Unable to Send Usage Data in QuickBooks Desktop occurs when the software cannot connect to the server, requiring network or settings updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About QuickBooks Freezing

Why is QuickBooks freezing on my computer?

  • QuickBooks may freeze due to large or corrupted company files, outdated software, insufficient system resources, or conflicts with other programs.

How can I fix QuickBooks freezing issues?

  • Fixing freezes typically involves updating QuickBooks, repairing the installation, running the QuickBooks Tool Hub, and optimizing company file performance.

Does multi-user mode cause QuickBooks to freeze?

  • Yes, freezing can occur in multi-user mode due to network connectivity problems or improper hosting settings that affect simultaneous access.

Can a damaged company file make QuickBooks freeze?

  • Absolutely. Corrupted or oversized company files can slow down QuickBooks, causing the program to hang or stop responding.

Is QuickBooks freezing related to Windows updates?

  • Sometimes, new Windows updates may cause compatibility issues. Ensuring both QuickBooks and Windows are updated can resolve freezing problems.

Does running QuickBooks as an administrator prevent freezing?

  • Running QuickBooks as an administrator can bypass permission restrictions, allowing the program to run more smoothly without freezing.

Can antivirus or firewall settings cause QuickBooks to freeze?

  • Yes, security software can block QuickBooks processes, leading to freezes. Adjusting firewall settings or adding exceptions usually fixes this.

Why does QuickBooks freeze when opening a company file?

  • Opening large or damaged company files can cause QuickBooks to freeze. Using the QuickBooks File Doctor or restoring a backup often helps.

How can I prevent QuickBooks from freezing in the future?

  • Regular updates, system maintenance, file optimization, and monitoring add-ons or third-party integrations help prevent freezing and improve stability.

Does QuickBooks freeze during payroll processing?

  • Yes, freezing may occur if the payroll module is outdated, payroll data is large, or connectivity issues disrupt processing.

Can third-party applications cause QuickBooks to freeze?

  • Yes, integrated apps or add-ons may conflict with QuickBooks, slowing performance or causing the program to freeze during critical tasks.

Is network instability a reason QuickBooks freezes in multi-user mode?

  • Yes, unstable network connections or misconfigured hosting settings can cause freezes when multiple users access the company file simultaneously.

About the Author

Alastor Moody is a tech-savvy accounting professional at Asquare Cloud Hosting who enjoys resolving technical issues.

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Author: Alastor Moody

Alastor Moody

Member since: Apr 18, 2025
Published articles: 42

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