Many users are forced to tackle the “QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Off” error when QuickBooks suddenly stops responding to their requests while they are working in multi-user mode. As a result, no workstation is able to access or edit the data file.
In this blog, you will understand what the error is, the causes behind the issue, and most importantly, the solutions that have worked for millions of QuickBooks users. Also, you can bookmark this blog for further use. This blog is loaded with brand-new solutions and a quick understanding of the issue.
What exactly is “QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Off”?
QuickBooks users are required to work simultaneously on the same company file for their daily job operations. Whether it is a transaction or a business client communication, a team working on QuickBooks cannot afford to face such an error. “Hosting Mode is Off in QuickBooks” is not a tricky issue and is easily fixable. So, before you move to the solution part of the blog, we advise you to understand the causes that trigger such a situation.
What does it mean when I find “QuickBooks Multi-User Mode Not Working”?
When it appears that hosting mode is off, it means that a team or a group of users cannot access the same company file simultaneously. However, there are multiple reasons that it could happen, such as incorrect host settings, no permission to QuickBooks, etc.
In this detailed blog, you will explore various reasons for such an issue. Bookmark this blog for the future, as this has been a boon to QuickBooks users. Before we move forward with the solution, let us understand the causes of the error.
Causes behind “QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Off”
1. Incorrectly set up the Hosting settings
If users have set up the host settings incorrectly, either on the server or any other workstation, it blocks the multi-user access facility.
2. Not enough permission for QuickBooks
To access the company file, it is sometimes required to have all the required permissions.
3. Database server unable to connect to the company file
The lack of availability of QuickBooks Database Server Manager in the system may bring the issue of multi-hosting of the company file
4. Incomplete installation of QuickBooks
If the user does not install the QuickBooks application completely, it could bring such hosting issues.
5. Corrupt Network Data file
If you have a corrupt ND file on your computer, this may result in the prevention of QuickBooks multi-user mode.
6. IP Address
QB multi-user may fail to fetch the correct IP address for the server.
7. Multi-User is Active on Non-host computers
If the QB essential files have been removed from the workstation, it leads to a hosting issue in multi-user mode.
Note: In the solution you would like to try, ensure you consistently have the enable mode of a multi-user mode.
Seven Ways to Turn On Hosting Mode in QuickBooks and Fix the Error
Solution 1: Switch Hosting Mode to Multi-user in QuickBooks
The first solution that guide you on “How to host QuickBooks Company File”:
- Launch the QB Desktop application on the server computer.
- In the QB window, click on “File”
- In the drop-down menu, choose “Utilities”
Now, you can encounter two cases:
- If you see “Stop Multi-User Access”, you do not need to do anything.
- If you got the option “Host Multi-User Access”, please enable the mode.
Now, try to access the company file in the Multi-user mode. If the error is still not resolved, follow the next solution 2.
Solution 2: Restart QB Database Server Manager
- On your keyboard, simultaneously press the Windows + R keys.
- Type “services.msc” in the “Run” window and hit “Enter”.
- Now, fetch “QuickBooksDBXX” (XX – QuickBooks Version).
- Right-click on it and in the drop-down menu, click “Restart”.
- Restart your computer and confirm if the hosting is “Enabled”.
Now, give an attempt to host the company file in a multi-user mode via all the non-host computers. If the “QuickBooks not letting multiple users log in”, try solution 3.
Solution 3: Deploy QB File Doctor to fix the Issue
- Using Intuit’s official website, download & install the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Launch the Tool Hub and click on “Company File Issues”.
- Now, “Run QuickBooks File Doctor”.
- Let the file doctor complete the scanning.
- Now, after scanning, simply restart QuickBooks.
Solution 4: Check and Configure the Firewall and Security Settings
To “turn on QuickBooks Hosting”, you are required to work on firewall settings:
- Click on the “Windows Start Menu”
- Choose “Control Panel” and click on the “Windows Defender Firewall”.
- You also need to ensure that both public and private networks are allowed to access QuickBooks and QB Database Server Manager.
On the other hand, you need to temporarily turn off any antivirus installed on your system.
- Launch the Antivirus and navigate to “Virus and Threat Protection”.
- Enter the “Manage Settings”
- Locate and disable the “Real-time protection”.
Finally, confirm if the “QuickBooks Hosting Mode” is working as expected. If the issue is not resolved, check the most applied solution 5.
Solution 5: Ensure only the Host System has the Multi-User mode enabled
- Launch the QuickBooks application on every workstation connected to the network.
- Now, click on File, “File > Utilities”.
- Attention! If you see “Stop Hosting Multi-User Access” on non-hosting computers, disable them.
Only the host PC must have the Multi-User enabled. When you have applied all the steps, then confirm if you can access the same company file in a multi-user mode simultaneously.
Step 6: Re-install the QB Database Server Manager
- Open “Control Panel”, enter the folder “Program and Features”.
- Fetch the application “QuickBooks Database Server Manager”.
- Right-click on it and choose “Uninstall”.
- When uninstallation is completed, restart the PC.
- Finally, check and confirm the status of the hosting mode.
It must be enabled in case the error is resolved. If still “QuickBooks Desktop Company file Hosting not working”, we would like you to proceed with the next solution 7.
Solution 7: Update QuickBooks to the latest version
- Launch the QuickBooks Desktop
- In the application, click on “Help” then “Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop”.
- Now, choose “Update Now” and click on “Get Updates”.
- Once done with the above steps, restart QuickBooks.
Check if you and your team are able to access the same company file at the same time. If you are able to do so, it means the error is fixed. In case not, the error requires advanced diagnosis. We advise you to contact a QuickBooks Expert at: Call Us : +1-866-500-0076.
Preventive Tips
If you want to avoid such errors in future, please follow the below best practices:
- Keep in check and Verify the Hosting Settings: Keep the Multi-user mode enabled only on the host computer.
- Ensure Updating QuickBooks: Outdated QuickBooks attract errors. If you keep checks and update the application regularly, such errors would not occur.
- IP Address: Use only a static IP address. This allows smooth functioning of the QuickBooks application.
- Configure Security Settings: Ensure the appropriate settings of the firewall and an antivirus that allow QuickBooks to operate without any barrier.
- Re-start QB Database Server Manager: You must re-start the server manager every day before you launch the QuickBooks.
Conclusion
Above are the most preferred solutions that we have shared with you. Since the issue is not solely based on the concept, it also varies depending on the system and the version of QuickBooks you are using. If you still find that the “Hosting mode disabled in QuickBooks” continues to affect the QuickBooks functionality, you can contact a QuickBooks expert at Call Us : +1-866-500-0076.
Intuit Updates & More
The QuickBooks Version 2022 and earlier now has no more support from the Inuit’s end. Now, network issues have become even more risky in an outdated system. From 1st June, 2025, services like Payroll, Payments, and Online Banking, and security updates no longer work.
If you are using QuickBooks 2022 and earlier, we would like to advise you to upgrade to QuickBooks to keep receiving updates, patches, and cloud integration for smooth functioning. For more information, click: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “QuickBooks Hosting Mode is Off” an error?
No, technically, it is not an error in a traditional sense. “Hosting Mode is off” is more of a status or message.
2. Is it possible to “Enable hosting in QuickBooks” with the standard solutions?
Yes, the hosting issue can be solved primarily when it allows users to access the same company file simultaneously. This blog has all the standard and easy solutions to quickly fix the issue.
3. When to contact a professional to resolve the Hosting mode off error?
If you have tried all of the standard solutions to resolve the error and the error is not fixed, we advise you to contact a QuickBooks expert for advanced diagnosis at: Call Us : +1-866-500-0076.
4. Where can I find the best solutions for any QuickBooks error?
If you are looking for more than the standard fixes, bookmark this site for perfect solutions to resolve any QuickBooks error.
5. What are the two bonus tips to avoid QuickBooks errors unnecessarily?
Here are two bonus tips to follow regularly: first, keep your system updated, and second, always use the updated QuickBooks application.