Multi-user mode in QuickBooks allows multiple users to access the same company file simultaneously from different workstations. It operates in a shared network environment and requires a host computer to manage and share the file. The number of users who can work on the same QuickBooks file at the same time is typically determined by the seat count associated with the valid QuickBooks license.
For example, QuickBooks Pro typically allows a maximum of 3 seats/users to log in simultaneously. It’s quite likely the user may spend most of his time in multi-user mode unless doing a specific task.
You can use multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop in two ways:
Server-Workstation Setup: The server hosts the company files, and workstations access them.
Server-Only Install: Only the server has QuickBooks installed, and all users access it remotely.
Note: When setting up multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop, it’s recommended to store your company files on the local hard drive of your server computer. This ensures better performance and reliability for accessing the files across multiple users.
Add the specific location and folder where you want to save the File.
Click OK to proceed.
If needed, add a new folder using the Add Folder option.
Click Scan to automate the scanning process.
After completion, mark the tick and click Close.
Step 4: Prepare the Company File for Multiple Users Access
Add all users and grant them access to the company file.
Secure your company data by setting a password to protect it from unauthorized access.
Step 5: Log In to the Company File with Other Users
Coordinate with different users to access the QuickBooks company file and log in.
Ensure that the PC hosting the company file is powered on.
To set up the recommended multi-user mode:
Navigate to the File menu and select Utilities.
Choose Host Multi-User Access.
Confirm by selecting Yes in the confirmation window.
Features available in Single-user Mode and Multi-user Mode
To switch from Single-user Mode to Multi-user Mode in QuickBooks Desktop, you need to First, navigate to the QuickBooks File menu.
From there, select either “Switch to Single-user Mode” or “Switch to Multi-user Mode.” Keep in mind that certain functions, such as Payroll and Bank Feeds, have a lock-out system in Multi-user Mode, which prevents multiple users from accessing the same function simultaneously.
Managing lists
Tasks/Features
Single-user mode
Multi-user mode
Chart of Accounts
Yes
Yes/No*
Items list
Yes
Yes/No*
Other Names list
Yes
Yes
Customer and Vendor Type list
Yes
Yes
Price Levels/Price Rules
Yes
Yes
Templates
Yes
Yes
To Do
Yes
Yes
Add/edit multiple list entries
Yes
Yes
*While you can add, edit and remove list data, merging is NOT possible in multi-user mode.
*First time setup of finance charges is not possible in Multi-user mode.
Company file operations
Tasks/Features
Single-user mode
Multi-user mode
Create local backup
Yes
Yes
Set up/activate online backup
Yes
Yes
Create portable company file
Yes
No
Convert company file
Yes
Yes
Repair file and network problems
Yes
Yes
Stop hosting multi-user access
Yes
Yes
Disable QuickBooks Manager
No
Yes
Verify data
Yes
Yes*
Rebuild data
Yes
No
Condense data (US only)
Yes
No
Update Web Services
Yes
Yes
Copy company file for QuickBooks Online
Yes
No
*You can run Verify Data utility in Multi-user mode but others will be prevented from doing work.
Importing/exporting data
Tasks/Features
Single-user mode
Multi-user mode
Import Excel files
Yes
Yes
Advanced import
Yes
No
Import IIF
Yes
Yes*
Import WebConnect files
Yes
Yes
Import timer activities
Yes
No
Import general journal entries
Yes
Yes
Export lists to IIF files
Yes
No
Export addresses to text file
Yes
Yes
Export timer lists
Yes
No
*You can import IIF files in QuickBooks Pro/Premier/Enterprise 2019 and newer.
Employee and payroll activities
Tasks/Features
Single-user mode
Multi-user mode
Employee Center
Yes
Yes
Payroll setup (Manual payroll)
Yes
No
Pay with direct deposit (US only)
Yes
Yes
Preferences
Tasks/Features
Single-user mode
Multi-user mode
Accounting
Yes
Yes/No*
Bills
Yes
Yes/No*
Calendar
Yes
Yes/No*
Checking/checking
Yes
Yes/No*
Desktop view
Yes
Yes/No*
Finance charge
Yes
Yes/No*
General
Yes
Yes/No*
Integrated applications
Yes
Yes/No*
Items and inventory
Yes
Yes/No*
Jobs and estimates
Yes
Yes/No*
Multiple currencies
Yes
Yes/No*
Payments
Yes
Yes/No*
Payroll and expenses
Yes
Yes/No*
Reminders
Yes
Yes/No*
Reports and graphs
Yes
Yes/No*
Sales and customers
Yes
Yes/No*
Sales tax
Yes
Yes/No*
Search
Yes
Yes/No*
Send forms
Yes
Yes/No*
Service connection
Yes
Yes/No*
Spelling
Yes
Yes/No*
Tax: 1099 (US only)
Yes
Yes/No*
Time and expenses
Yes
Yes/No*
*When you are in Multi-user mode, you can make changes on the My Preferences tab but NOT on the Company Preferences.
Other Tasks
Tasks/Features
Single-user mode
Multi-user mode
Synchronize contacts
Yes
Yes
Set up QuickBooks ODBC
Yes
Yes
Use Register
Yes
Yes
Use Calculator
Yes
Yes
Find
Yes
Yes
Search
Yes
Yes
Customize Favorites
Yes
Yes
Bulk enter company business details
Yes
Yes
Reminders
Yes
Yes
Alerts Manager
Yes
Yes
QuickBooks Messenger
Yes
Yes
Advantages of QuickBooks Multi-User Mode
QuickBooks’ multi-user mode promotes collaboration, efficiency, and accuracy, which makes it an excellent choice for businesses with multiple team members.
Collaboration Efficiency:
Multi-user mode allows several team members to work simultaneously on the same QuickBooks company file.
Users can input data, reconcile accounts, and generate reports at the same time, which helps in enhancing productivity.
Real-Time Updates:
Any Changes made by one user are instantly visible to others.
This real-time synchronization ensures accurate financial data and prevents conflicts.
Centralized Data Storage:
The company file is on a centralized server, which makes it accessible to all authorized users.
Reduces the transference of files manually.
Enhanced Security:
User-specific access levels can be set, and certain actions or sensitive data can be restricted.
The Password protection feature ensures that only authorized personnel can access the File.
Scalability:
As your business grows, multi-user mode accommodates additional users seamlessly.
There is no need to switch software or disrupt operations.
Reduced Downtime:
Users can work independently without waiting for others to finish tasks.
This minimizes downtime and keeps operations running smoothly.
How to Set Up QuickBooks Desktop Server for Multi-User Access?
In QuickBooks, a multi-user network or Hosting refers to a configuration that allows multiple users to access and work with the same QuickBooks company file simultaneously. To set up QuickBooks server to host multi-user access, follow these essential steps to ensure your network and permissions are properly configured:
Consider the steps mentioned below to set up a Multi-User Network in QuickBooks:
Step 1: Download and Install QuickBooks Desktop
Download QuickBooks and save the installation file.
Follow the installation process, choosing the custom and network install options.
Select whether you’ll use QuickBooks Desktop on the current PC or if you want the full version on the server system (which will host files).
Step 2: Switch to Multi-User Hosting
Open QuickBooks Desktop.
Update your QuickBooks company file to the latest edition if needed.
Go to the File menu in the upper left-hand corner and click on Utilities, then select Host Multi-User Access.
If you’ve already set up multi-user hosting, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Firewall and Security Settings Configuration
Open the Start menu and check the firewall settings.
Select Windows Firewall and click on the Advanced Settings.
Choose Inbound Rules and then select New Rules.
Click on Port and proceed.
Specify the required ports for your QuickBooks version using TCP.
Allow the connection.
Register profiles and move to the next step.
Assign a name to the rule and complete the process.
Finally, open QuickBooks in multi-user mode.
Step 4: Set Folder and Windows Access Permissions for Sharing Company Files
Right-click on the folder which contains the company file.
Go to Properties and select Security.
Click on Edit.
Choose QBDataServicesUserXX (where XX represents a specific QuickBooks version).
Select Full Control and click Allow.
Click Apply and then OK.
Set up Windows access permissions for sharing company files.
On Windows 10, 8, or 7:
Press Windows + R to open the file explorer.
Locate the folder with the company files.
Right-click on the folder with company files.
Choose Properties and Sharing Options.
Click on Share and select the corresponding QBSataServiceUserXX.
In the Windows Control Panel, you can find the service in User Accounts under Users for this computer.
QuickBooks Desktop requires 3 conditions to be met before it can allow access to company files:
Windows File Permissions: The user who is logged in must have access to the type Full control, which means the type of permission for the file will be the ability to view, open, and alter it.
Database Server mode: It shows that the database server can open the company file.
QuickBooks User login: Every single user demands a QuickBooks user login and password.
Once these 3 requirements are fulfilled, you can open the company file.
Best Practices for Managing QuickBooks in Multi-User Mode
Here are the guidelines for managing QuickBooks in Multi-User Mode:
Backup Company File Regularly: Perform regular backups of the company file to safeguard against data loss or corruption.Schedule automatic backups to ensure data integrity and quick recovery in case of any issues.
Train Users on Multi-User Etiquette: Educate all users on proper Multi-User Mode etiquette to minimize data conflicts.Encourage users to communicate effectively and avoid editing the same transaction simultaneously.
Restrict Access to Sensitive Data: Assign user permissions carefully, granting access only to the data necessary for each user’s role.Restrict sensitive financial information to authorized personnel to maintain data security.
Monitor System Performance: Regularly monitor your network and computer performance, especially during peak usage times.Upgrade hardware and network infrastructure if needed to maintain optimal performance of QuickBooks in Multi-User Mode.
Keep QuickBooks Updated: Regularly update QuickBooks to the latest version.Install any available updates or patches to gain access to the latest features, security upgrades, and bug fixes.
Conclusion
QuickBooks Multi-User Mode allows seamless collaboration and efficient financial management within the organization. You can streamline workflows and boost productivity by following the setup process and best practices mentioned in this article.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. Can You Connect Multiple Accounts to QuickBooks?
Ans. You can manage multiple companies under a single QuickBooks account. Each company file requires its own subscription, but you can access all of them with the same sign-in credentials.
Q 2. Why does QuickBooks keep Going to Single-User Mode?
Ans. QuickBooks defaults to a single-user mode for a smooth experience. To enable collaboration, switch to multi-user mode by selecting the option when opening the company file.
Q 3. How to Install QuickBooks Pro on a Server for Multiple User?
Ans. QuickBooks Pro offers a multiuser mode for one person on two computers or multiple users. Each user needs a valid license. QuickBooks Database Server Manager syncs company files across authorized computers on the network and scans for updates.
Q 4. how to switch to multi user mode in quickBooks desktop?
To switch modes, first go to the File menu in QuickBooks then choose Switch to Single-user Mode or Switch to Multi-user Mode option.
Note:Multiple users can access the file, but some functions like Payroll and Bank Feeds have a lockout system. This prevents simultaneous access to those specific functions by multiple users.
Q 5. Why is Multi-User Mode Not Working in QuickBooks Desktop?
Poor network connectivity or software interruptions can block multiple users from accessing the QuickBooks company file. This issue typically arises when the multi-user connection on the server hosting the company file is disabled, or when firewall or antivirus settings prevent communication between user computers.
Q 6. How can multiple users access QuickBooks at the same time?
Follow the below steps to access QuickBooks by multiple users at the same time:
Open File Explorer: Press the Windows Start button and open File Explorer.
Locate Folder: Find the folder with your company files, right-click, and select Properties.
Adjust Security Settings: Go to the Security tab, select Advanced, and then choose QBDataServiceUserXX. Click Edit and set all options to Allowed.
Apply Changes: Click Apply, then OK.
Next Steps:
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
Right-click your company folder and go to Properties > Sharing > Shared Add.
Select QBDataServiceUserXX for your version.
Set permissions to Full Control and Share for both users.
Following these steps ensures proper folder permissions and network access for QuickBooks.
Q 7. Can Two People Use the Same QuickBooks Account?
Yes, two people can access the same QuickBooks account simultaneously, but you’ll need at least two QuickBooks licenses—one for each user. Here’s how to set it up:
Purchase Licenses: Purchase an extra license for each user.
Connect Computers: Ensure both computers are on the same network.
Share the File: Set up the company file for shared access between users.
Sync Licenses: On the first computer, go to Help > Manage My License > Sync License Data Online.
Enable Multi-User Mode: Switch to multi-user access via File > Switch to Multi-User Mode.