QuickBooks is no wonder it’s a brand accounting software, and operating it without error requires some precautions. The common reasons to avoid are shared in this dedicated blog. Since we will be discussing one of the frequent errors, “QuickBooks Utility Application Keeps Popping Up”, you can bookmark this guide for basic solutions for other errors too.
Before we begin with the solution part of this blog, it is essential to know the reasons behind the error.
Common Reasons that Trigger QuickBooks Utility Application Error
- Outdated Window
- Using an Outdated Version of QuickBooks
- The company file must be damaged
- Improper Installation of the QuickBooks Desktop application
- User Account Control Issue
- Multiple applications running in the Background
- The system may be dealing with a Virus
Now, we are aware of some common reasons for the error. Let’s move on to the solution part to fix the error ASAP.
Seven Trending Solutions to Fix the QuickBooks Utility Application Keeps Popping Up
Note: You need to disable Windows User Account Control. It is necessary due to a security feature, as it could stop any impermissible application from being installed and functioning.
Solution 1: Switch Off the User Account Controls
Before we begin with the steps, you should know what User Account Control is. It is a feature in the system that manages programs and is required to enhance the security of the system. There is a possibility that it could interrupt the functioning of the QB desktop. Such an interruption could lead to the “QuickBooks utility application keep popping up”.
Consider the above case, disabling user account control is a smart move. Now, let us apply the steps to do so.
- Press the Windows + R keys together for the Run dialog box
- Within the field, type “Control Panel” and enter it.
- In the “C Panel” window, choose “User Accounts” to modify account settings.
- Within the “User Account” window, click on “Change User Account Control settings”.
- Further, move the slider down to “Never notify” and click “OK” to confirm the changes.
- Now, restart your workstation and confirm the functioning of QuickBooks. If there is still an interruption in QuickBooks’ functioning with the same error, try Solution 2 to resolve the issue.
Solution 2: Repair the QuickBooks Company file
The company file is an integral component of QuickBooks, and any error in the company file can lead to “QB Utility Application Keeps Popping Up”. Here comes the role of the QuickBooks file Doctor to scan and repair any damaged files
Here are the complete steps to run a QuickBooks Company file.
- Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub and navigate to “Company File Issue”.
- Select “Run QuickBooks File Doctor”.
- Use the “Browse” option if the file does not appear in the drop-down.
- Choose “check your file” and proceed with “Continue”.
- Enter the QuickBooks admin credentials and hit “Next”.
- Now, the QuickBooks File Doctor will diagnose and repair any damaged files.
- After completing the repair process, launch QuickBooks.
This is an important solution that has been known to fix the “QuickBooks Utility Application Pop Up Issue”. Confirm if the issue is fixed, and in any case, if the error is still active, apply solution 3.
Solution 3: Updating Window
If you are operating QuickBooks on an outdated system, it may result in incompatibility issues. You may suffer from QuickBooks features not functioning as expected. It generates recurring pop-up messages from the QuickBooks utility application.
Updating Windows (if not) may rectify the issue and fix the QuickBooks Utility error.
- Click on the “Windows Start” and type “Windows Update”.
- Click on it, and your screen will show “Download & Install”.
- Accept the download and install updates.
- Restart your PC.
- Now, launch QuickBooks and check the functioning of its features.
If QuickBooks is functioning smoothly, the error is fixed. On the other hand, if the error still requires troubleshooting, please follow Solution 4.
Solution 4: Temporarily close the third-party programs
If your system is running multiple third-party programs in the background, it could disrupt the functioning of the QuickBooks desktop, resulting in the “Pop-Ups Of QB Utility Application”. You are required to close all those programs to prevent this error from further disrupting.
- On your keyboard, press three keys together: Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
- The “Task Manager” will open.
- Within the Task Manager, click on the “Processes” tab.
- Now, identify and select the third-party applications and close those programs.
- Click on “End Task”.
- After closing all the third-party tasks, launch the QuickBooks application.
Still facing the QuickBooks error? Try solution five to fix the error.
Solution 5: Shift the Company File to Another Folder
There is a condition that if you open a company file that is stored in a damaged folder, it may become a reason for the “Pop-Ups Of QB Utility Application”. If your system is dealing with a Damaged folder issue, you are required to move the company file to a new folder.
- Right-click on the “Screen” and choose “New’.
- Within the drop-down menu, click on “Folder”.
- Name it with a format such as “QBTEXTFOLDER”.
- Fetch the default company file location: C://Users/Public/PublicDocuments/Intuit/QuickBooks/CompanyFiles
- Press Ctrl + C to copy the company file, navigate to the folder “QBTEXTFOLDER”, and paste it.
- Now, configure the folder access permissions:
- Right-click on the folder “QBTEXTFOLDER” and choose “Properties”.
- Click on the “Sharing” tab and proceed with “Share”.
- Give “Full Control” access and click “Share”.
- Open the folder “QBTEXTFOLDER” via QB Desktop and access the company file.
Confirm if the QB Utility application issues continue to pop up. If the error appears frequently, it may be necessary to use the QB Install Diagnostic Tool. Try solution six to fix the error.
Solution 6: Use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to fix the QB Utility Application Error
In case the QuickBooks installation is not done properly, it paves the way for certain errors. One of the errors is “QuickBooks Utility Application Keeps Popping Up”. Fixing such an error requires the QB Install Diagnostic Tool.
- Open the QB Tool Hub, choose “Installation Issues”.
- Click on “QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool”.
- After the Diagnostic Tool finishes its process, restart your PC.
- Now, launch QuickBooks and open your data file.
Ensure you are operating the most recent version of QuickBooks and security updates. Confirm to check if the issue is resolved or still appearing with pop-ups. If the error continues to frustrate you, reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.
Solution 7: Reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop Software
Internal bugs in the QB Desktop software may interrupt the entire workflow and are prone to QB utility application pop-ups appearing frequently. Firstly, uninstall the current version of the QB Desktop application and then install the recent version.
Step 1: Uninstall the QB Desktop
- Click on the “Start” menu and type “Control Panel” in the search box.
- Enter the “Control Panel” and click on the “Programs” tab.
- Within the window, click on “Programs and Features”.
- Locate the current version of QuickBooks Desktop and right-click on it.
- Now, choose “Uninstall/Change” and proceed with the uninstallation.
- Once uninstalled, restart your PC.
Step 2: Install the Recent version of QuickBooks Desktop Software
- Visit the official website of Inuit www.quickbooks.intuit.com and download the most recent version of QuickBooks Desktop.
- Go to the “Download” folder and run the file “QuickBooks.exe”.
- Within the “Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Installer,” choose “Express” as an installation type to override the previous version.
- Now, click “Next > Install”.
- Complete the installation and restart your PC.
Launch the QuickBooks Desktop application and confirm that the error has been fixed.
Bonus Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Error
- Use only the updated QuickBooks version.
- Ensure proper installation of the QB application.
- Keep QuickBooks Tool Hub active in the background.
- Regularly check the functioning of the company file.
- Configure the Windows Firewall for the smooth operation of QuickBooks Desktop.
Conclusion
In this updated blog with upgraded solutions to fix the error QuickBooks Utility Application Keeps Popping Up, we have shared the standard fixes that worked for hundreds of QuickBooks users. Still, it has been seen that some errors require advanced diagnosis to fix them. If you continue to experience an error, we recommend contacting a QuickBooks expert at +1(866)500-0076.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the quick ways to stop the QuickBooks Utility Application Pop-Up Issue?
There are some immediate steps you can take that could stop this issue:
- Turn off User Account Control
- Close the third-party applications in the background
- Keep QuickBooks Tool Hub and its features active to fix internal bugs
- Ensure to operate on the updated window
- Configure the Windows firewall as per the QuickBooks requirement
2. What are the three common reasons behind the error “QuickBooks Utility Application Keeps Popping Up”?
The three most common reasons users encountered are:
- Damaged Company file
- Outdated QuickBooks Version
- Improper Installation of the QuickBooks application
3. What is QuickBooks utility application?
The QuickBooks Utility Program is designed to perform essential tasks, including automatic updating of the QuickBooks Desktop application, security checks, third-party integrations, and more.