As an accounting application, QuickBooks handles and stores a lot of company data, thus increasing its file size. When the file grows larger and reaches the borderline, users report a “QuickBooks Desktop Running Slow 2024” problem. However, this problem is also related to performance issues that comprise outdated systems, incompatibility, or damages in drive or company data.

To rectify this issue and boost the overall performance of your QuickBooks Desktop, try the quick fixes mentioned in this blog. You can also look up various factors to ensure you maximize your user experience.

Primary Reasons for Unexpectedly Slow Behaviour of QuickBooks

When working on an application software, you have to be careful while using it and keep it optimized. However, when things aren’t up-to-date, you can experience a sluggish application performance. Here’s why QuickBooks is running slow issues:

  • Using a version that is not currently updated can lead to slower work on the desktop.

  • If your computer does not meet the system requirements for QuickBooks to give an optimized experience, it might run slow.

  • A damaged or missing QBWUSER.INI file can be a major cause of this issue.

  • If your hard drive is corrupted or damaged, this problem may arise.

  • Damaged program files or a faulty installation of QBDT may be the reason behind software's poor performance.

  • If your company file size is too large, your QuickBooks’ work might be impacted.

QuickBooks Desktop Running Slow? Here's How to Fix It

How to Improve QuickBooks Desktop Running Slowly?

Considering the possible causes of your problem, you must rectify them to enhance your user experience on QuickBooks Desktop. Try these troubleshooting measures to fix the slow working of your application:

Solution 1: Update your QuickBooks software for Improvisations

Working on an outdated version will lead to poor desktop working and lag, causing frustration. Install the latest QB updates:

  • Run the QB app and jump to the Help menu.

  • Select the tab Update QuickBooks and click Update Now.

  • Mark the option to Reset Updates and finally hit Get Updates.

  • Re-open your QB software to apply the latest updates.

Take some additional steps to enhance QuickBooks’ performance.

Solution 2: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to fix Installation Issues

QB Diagnostic tool is a helpful utility in QuickBooks Tool Hub that corrects common issues caused by improper software installation.

  • Get the QuickBooks Tool Hub latest version from Intuit and close all background apps, including QB.

  • Launch the Tool Hub program and switch to the Installation Issues tab.

  • On this page, you’ll find the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. Select the button.

  • The repair will begin and might take a few minutes.

  • Restart your PC and then run the QB desktop when the repair ends.

You can now try working on your application and see if the same issue persists. If it does, move on to the next measure.

Solution 3: Check Your System and QuickBooks Requirements

If there’s a gap between your system and QuickBooks specifications, the application may run slowly due to incompatibility. To optimize the workflow, make sure your workstation meets the minimum requirements:

  • It must have at least a Core 2 Duo Intel processor at 2.4 GHz.

  • 4 GB of RAM is a must, while a 5GB free disk space after installation.

  • Your system must have an optical drive and a stable internet connection.

  • Having a screen resolution of 1280×1024 for an optimized display.

  • QuickBooks is supported on Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit.

  • For server installation, use Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022 versions for multi-user mode.

If your system meets these prerequisites and QB is still slow, perform the next action.

Solution 4: Rename your QBWUSER.INI File

If your QBWUSER.INI file is damaged, it can slow down QuickBooks. Here’s how you can correct it:

  • Launch File Explorer on your desktop and press the Windows + E keys.

  • Access the file path C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks.

  • Make sure the hidden files are visible.

  • Look for the QBWUSER.INI file, tap the right cursor key, and choose the Rename option.

  • To change the file name, add.OLD at the end of its name.

  • Save the renamed file and try to run the QuickBooks application again.

If QuickBooks is still running poorly, compress your company file size to free up storage space so that QuickBooks can function properly.

Solution 5: Check your Company Data File Size

  • Look for the size of your company file and then condense its data to leverage more space:

  • In the QuickBooks folder, right-click on your company file to select Properties.

  • Know if your file size is larger than 150 MB in QB Pro or over 1 GB in QB Enterprise.

  • If so, use the QuickBooks Condense Data Utility to reduce the size.

  • Go to the QuickBooks application and run the File tab.

  • Choose the Condense Company File option and tap to Keep all transactions but erase audit trail info; mark the box beside it.

  • Now, press Next and wait until it notifies you that the company file has been successfully condensed.

  • Further, tap Close and then restart your QBDT.

Summing Up!

The above-provided techniques have proven useful in fixing the QuickBooks Desktop Running Slow issue. Hopefully, the performance will improve, thus streamlining your workflow. However, if these don’t work, your computer's hard drive must be corrupted or have some underlying cause. If you still notice that your QuickBooks desktop lags or works sluggishly, get in touch with Qbookshub experts at +1(866) 409-5111 to optimize your system and application.