How To Set up Firewall Ports & Internet Security For QuickBooks Desktop

A firewall is an important application that prevents you from various threats, viruses, malware, and unwanted programs. But what if it blocks your internet access required to run specific QuickBooks software or any company file. In this article, we will discuss the process to configure the QuickBooks firewall ports & Internet security.

In case, if you are suffering from such issues, you will get complete information regarding how to configure QuickBooks firewall ports & internet security. This specific problem can be ideally solved by updating the firewall to the latest updated version or manually setting the configuration of your antivirus/security software. The user has also the option of taking QuickBooks help from our certified Intuit ProAdvisors.

If your Windows firewall is blocking the internet access for particular QuickBooks programs or files, you might get the error message. But you do not need to worry,  we will show you here all the steps on how to set up your firewall, and if you want to manually configure your firewall settings

Steps to Configure QuickBooks Firewall Ports and Antivirus security settings

Step 1: Configure firewall manually

If QuickBooks File Doctor did not work for you for resolving the firewall issue, then you can set the things manually.

Add Firewall port exception for QuickBooks

If you are using various versions (years) of QuickBooks Desktop on the same computer, then go with the below steps for every version of QuickBooks:

• Go to the Windows Start menu.
• In the search bar, enter the “Windows Firewall” and click on Windows Firewall and open it.
• Next, go to the Advanced Settings.
• Give a right-click on the Inbound Rules (after that, you’ll create Outbound Rules). And next click on the New Rule.
• Click on Port and then choose Next.

• Be sure, here you need to select TCP.
• In the particular local ports field, insert the particular ports needed for your QuickBooks year version:
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2020: 8019, XXXXX.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.

• After entering the Port no according to your QuickBooks Version, then click on  Next.
• Then choose Allow the Connection and later click on Next.
• If asked, be sure that all the profiles should be marked. And click on Next.
• Now you need to create a rule. Give it a name like “QBPorts(year).”
• When you are finished, click on Finish.

To create outbound rules, you need to repeat the steps above. Next, go with all the same steps, except selecting Outbound Rules on step 4.

Go to the QuickBooks Desktop and switch to multi-user mode. You can also open QuickBooks on your network from one of the host computers. If you still facing the same issues or error messages, then proceed to Step 2.

Create Windows firewall exceptions for QuickBooks programs

QuickBooks are using the executable files (.exe) to perform various tasks.

Go with the below steps to create exceptions for each file on the table:

1. Go to the Windows Start menu.
2. In the search bar, type “Windows Firewall” and click on the Windows Firewall and open it.
3. Next, click on the Advanced Settings.
4. Now, give a right-click on the Inbound Rules (later on, you’ll create Outbound Rules). Then later click on New Rule.
5. Click on Program and then go to the Next.
6. Go to the Program Path and later click on Browse.
7. Now, you need to look for and click one of the executable files on the chart above. And later click on Next.
8. Click on Allow the Connection and later click on Next.
9. If asked, be sure that all the profiles should be marked. And click on Next.
10. Now, you need to generate a rule and later give it a name like “QBFirewallException(name.exe).”

To create outbound rules, you need to repeat the steps above. Next, go with all the same steps, except selecting Outbound Rules on step 4.

Note: If you can notice Program Files (x86), it means you are using a 64-bit Operating system.

Go to the QuickBooks Desktop and switch to multi-user mode. If you are still face the same issues or error messages, then proceed to the next section and set your antivirus settings.

Set your anti-virus or firewall programs

If you installed your firewall but still facing the same issues, then you need to check your antivirus settings. Make sure QuickBooks has common permissions, so it is not blocked. Steps vary from program to program.

Add QuickBooks ports exception on your antivirus or firewall

If you still see errors or have problems opening your file on a network or in multi-user mode, then you need to add port exceptions for these particular.

Be sure that TCP is chosen and insert the ports that are required for your QuickBooks version (year). You can set the port numbers in “Step 1: Configure firewall manually.”

Always, keep in mind, if you are using multiple versions (years) of QuickBooks Desktop, then you have to add every year’s ports.

See: Firewall configuration for QuickBooks Point of Sale

Step 2: Restart your computer

Some programs require you to restart your computer to save changes. After configuring the firewall, restart your computer and reopen QuickBooks.

Hope you have been able to configure QuickBooks firewall ports & Internet Security. In any case if you are unable to do so; don’t hesitate to avail our QuickBooks enterprise support service. Dial toll-free +1-855-441-4417.