How to Fix the QuickBooks Turned Black and White Issue? 

If you’re experiencing the QuickBooks turned black and white issue while using the software, you’re not alone. 

Display problems, such as the screen turning completely black or becoming stuck in black and white, can prevent normal functioning. These issues may arise due to various factors, including incorrect DPI settings, outdated video card drivers, or other system-related causes. 

This guide explores the causes and provides solutions to resolve the QuickBooks black and white screen issue, helping you restore seamless performance.

Why Does the QuickBooks Screen Suddenly Go Black and White?

If you’re experiencing the QuickBooks issue where it turns black and white, several factors may be responsible. Let’s explore each of them one by one:

• Background processes interfering with QuickBooks
• Conflicts between QuickBooks and graphics drivers
• Outdated video card drivers
• Windows theme affecting DPI settings
• Incorrect QuickBooks or Windows display resolution
• Unregistered or corrupted QuickBooks program files

Effective Ways to Fix the QuickBooks Turned Black and White Issue

Follow the troubleshooting steps below to fix the QuickBooks turned black and white issue and ensure proper screen resolution for optimal performance.

1. Run Quick Fix my Program 

The Quick Fix my Program runs a quick repair to the program by closing the processes in the background. Proceed with the below steps to learn how to run the utility: 

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
• Go to Program Problems.
• Hit on Quick Fix my Program.

2. Edit the QBW.ini file to remove QuickBooks black boxes

Editing the QBW.ini file changes that and restores the classic display settings, which should fix the problem.

• Exit QuickBooks Desktop.
• Open the Windows Start menu.
• Copy and paste the relevant file to your QuickBooks in the search bar: 

QuickBooks 2020	C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks 2020\QBW.ini
Enterprise Solutions 20.0	C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 20.0\QBW.ini
QuickBooks 2019	C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks 2019\QBW.ini
Enterprise Solutions 19.0	C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 19.0\QBW.ini
QuickBooks 2018	C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks 2018\QBW.ini
Enterprise Solutions 18.0	C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 18.0\QBW.ini

• Move to the end of your file, copy and paste to the following text into the file: [COLORS]

Classic=0 

• Save the QBW.ini file.
• Open QB Desktop.

3. Update the Video Card Drives 

Updating the video card drive ensures that the graphics card can communicate correctly with QuickBooks and display its interface properly.

• Launch the Run command by pressing the Windows + R keys. 
• In the Run prompt, type dxdiag and press Enter.
• Choose Display 1. Note down the Manufacturer/Model.
• Now, get the necessary updates:  
  • nVidia
  • ATI 
  • Intel 

4. Change the Windows Theme to Basic 

Your Windows theme might have changed the DPI settings, causing the QuickBooks turned black and white issue. Turn it into the basics with the following steps: 

• Right-click anywhere on your desktop. 
• Hit on Personalize.
• Select one of the Windows Basic Themes. 
• Restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks.

5. Change the Windows display settings

QuickBooks performs optimally with Windows’ default DPI settings. Altering these may cause display problems.

Important: Changing Windows settings impacts all programs on your computer, not only QuickBooks.

• Refer to Microsoft’s instructions to restore default display settings for Windows 10 and Windows 8.
• Ensure your screen resolution is at least 1024 x 768; 1920 x 1080 is recommended for optimal display.
• After adjusting, restart your computer, then open QuickBooks and your company file. 

6. Change the screen resolution 

If all else fails, adjust the display settings by modifying the screen resolution with these steps:

• Click the Start icon, type regedit in the search bar, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows by clicking the arrow next to each folder.
• Increase the GDIProcessHandleQuota value from 10000 to 65535.
• Close the Registry Editor after making the change.
• Restart your computer.
• Once the QuickBooks black boxes disappear, reset the GDIProcessHandleQuota value back to 10000.

7. Re-register the QB program files 

Let’s make sure that the program’s components are properly registered with the operating system and that the QuickBooks display works properly:

• Open the folder containing your QuickBooks Company file, locate the bat files, right-click them, and choose Run as Administrator.

• Confirm the bat files run with Windows Administrator privileges.
• A command window will display, showing the file path scrolling; it will close once the bat file utility finishes.
• To terminate the QBW32.exe process in Task Manager, follow these steps:
  • Click the Windows icon, type “taskmgr” in the search bar, and press Enter to open Task Manager.
  • Navigate to the Processes tab and locate QuickBooks (32-bit) or QBW32.exe.
  • Right-click each instance and select End Process to stop it. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, display issues can significantly disrupt common processes, including financial and accounting tasks in QuickBooks. By following the steps outlined, such as updating video card drivers and adjusting display settings, you can easily resolve the QuickBooks turned black and white issue. 

For additional support, we recommend consulting a QuickBooks professional. Dial our toll-free number
+1(866)500-0076 to speak with an expert today!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why does QuickBooks turn black and white? 

QuickBooks can turn black and white due to a variety of reasons, such as an outdated application, a failed update, a conflict with a Windows theme, high DPI settings, or outdated video drivers. It’s a common display issue that can make it challenging to run the common QuickBooks processes.

Why is QuickBooks screen gray?

A gray QuickBooks screen can be caused by display settings, such as incorrect screen resolution or high DPI, an outdated or corrupt graphics driver, or compatibility issues with your operating system. 

Other causes include problems with your internet connection or browser for QuickBooks Online, or a corrupted company file for QuickBooks Desktop.

What causes QuickBooks black box? 

A QuickBooks black box can occur due to various reasons, including an outdated version of QuickBooks, corrupt display drivers, an incompatible Windows OS, high-DPI or screen resolution settings, conflicts with Windows themes, or an outdated Windows OS. 

How do I get out of dark mode in QuickBooks?

To get out of dark mode in QuickBooks Online, click the Gear icon > Themes under the Your Company section, and then turn off the Dark Mode switch. 

How do I switch QuickBooks back to Classic View?

To switch your QuickBooks Online (QBO) to Classic View, click the Gear icon (Settings) in the QuickBooks Online toolbar, then select the large Switch button at the bottom of the appearing menu to revert to the classic interface. A new window will open for optional feedback, and upon closing it, you will be returned to the classic layout.