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January 20, 2021
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Fix to the issue of Quickbooks won't open without Internet Explorer

  • January 20, 2021
  • 30 replies
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I think that one of the Windows updates removed Internet Explorer from my Windows 10 computer because they are moving to Microsoft Edge.  However, QB is behind the game and still requires IE.  Some people have been having this issue for a while, but I just started having it a few days ago and have done A LOT of research and tried many things to try to fix it.  I finally found instructions in Microsoft forums to get IE back on my computer that worked!  I have posted instruction below, and I hope it helps others who are having this same aggravating problem!

 

If IE is completely gone from your computer, try this.

 

Click on Start then Settings. Go to Apps | Apps and Features. If you don't see Internet Explorer, click on Manage Optional Features then Add A Feature. You should be able to add or enable it. Restart your computer when done so it takes effect.

Best answer by ShiellaGraceA

Thanks for joining us here, @KMagilavy.

 

I have some information about using other browsers. Currently, QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) only supports Internet Explorer 11.0. To update, please visit Microsoft's website.

 

After updating, make IE your default browser:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Go to the Gear icon in the upper right corner (or click Tools).
  3. Click Internet Options. Then, select the Programs tab.
  4. Under Default Web Browser tap the Make Default button.
  5. Click OK.

 

With the above steps and a supported operating system, you'll receive technical supports and security updates. Check out this guide for details: Upgrade Internet Explorer to open QuickBooks Desktop.

 

I'm also attaching this link if you need help with other tasks in QBDT. It has our general topics with articles: Browse all articles for QBDT.

 

Let me know if you still have questions or concerns with your data file. I'll be around for you. Take care and have a great weekend ahead.

30 replies

November 12, 2021

I swear, QB/Intuit support won't answer the real question because they are backpedaling so hard right now.  You can bandage this all you want QB Support, but the fact of the matter is this.  Microsoft is officially casting off it's Internet Explorer browser.  The only thing left will be the API, which Microsoft Edge is already programmed to take control of.

Microsoft is completely killing IE as a software, and removing it from Operating systems through  Windows Update, staring June 15th, 2022.  This means you have about 7 months to get your proverbial stuff together and use the CERTIFIED API and stop using the browser functions within your software.  MS announced IE11's demise all the way back in 2010.  You've had 12 years (  TWELVE  ) to get this figured out.  Do I sound Condescending?  Upset?  Maybe a little...  Perturbed?   You bet your sweet behind I do.  I've been supporting this poor excuse for software for the better part of 3 decades.  Every single release?  Same stupid idiotic problems.  What's it mostly have to deal with?  You guessed it, the IE API and the vast systemic problems that it brings with it.

But I guess this too will go right under the noses of QB support, and cast off as easily as any other comment thread.  We'll just sweep it under the rug with all of the IE API issues.
Lifecycle FAQ - Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Docs

December 17, 2021

Thanks for this!  I've been trying to figure it out all day... Microsoft's website was no help.  Your solution worked perfectly!

January 5, 2022

This is part of the solution.  Here is what worked for me on Windows 10 (PC)

As suggested in the earlier reply, Go to Settings / Apps/

You will not see a choice for optional features anymore, so type it into the search bar

It should display the optional features you have installed.  You need to add Internet Explorer 11, so click "+Add".  Microsoft will not offer you Internet Explorer as an option, so type it into the search bar.  Click it and it will add it to the optional features.  This will allow QB to open.

If you want the updates to work, you need to take one more step.  Go back to the start menu.  You will not see Internet Explorer (even though you just installed it.)  Type it into the search bar.  Microsoft really does not want you to use it, so they will open a couple of windows of Edge on top of the IE window.  Take your time and close them.  When you get to IE go to the settings/ options / security.  Select the "Sites" tab.  Scroll down to the checkbox that requires only one site at a time (specific http:// address). UNcheck it.  Go back up to the dialogue box and enter two lines:

*.quickbooks.com

*.intuit.com

save and now you are really finished and back to QB functionality. It is working fine with my QB2020.  Am now moving my instance of QB2019, but do not anticipate any problems

January 6, 2022

KMagilavy -- **THANKS!!** After literally months trying to reinstall IE11, your solution worked. I can now go back to using my primary office computer for bookkeeping instead of my secondary editing computer. Can't tell you how relieved I am! Whew!

January 12, 2022

Microsoft has recently blocked the ability to Install IE11 somewhere in the latest security updates. I have not narrowed down witch KB is the culprit, only that it occurs on multiple Win 10 systems with the latest build and updates.

As I type this I am configuring my client's Windows server to function as a workstation just so they can get their payroll done.

You cannot install IE11 it via executable, OG control panel windows features, Or the new Windows 10 Settings add remove windows features, or even via power-shell. The Ball is in Intuit's court now but they seem too busy pointing fingers to realize this is a larger issue.

Microsoft is not going to help anyone with a retired product, they barely help with their active ones. What needs to happen is QuickBooks moves away from this dependency on IE and move to Edge. Until then those like me are screwed, or have to restore / remove security patches and compromise themselves in the process.


Spent 3 hours explaining this to Intuit support last night.

February 7, 2022

I just got it to work.and have been hunting for a solution for a week.  And it is not the myriad of websites to download IE11.  Those only work with Win7.  I deleted IE11 several months ago for various reasons.  Go to use my QB2019 and It will not work because IE is not on my machine.  I went to the settings, add option features, installed IE 11 restarted my machine and works fine.  I agree QB needs to put their pointy hats on and get this fixed by Jun 2022 or we're all toast.

Jessica_young
February 7, 2022

Thanks for chiming in with this solution, @troscher!

 

This is what makes our QuickBooks Community so great; when our users come to share what worked for them! I'm making note of this feedback as well to share with our development team.  

 

Please let us know if there's anything else you need assistance with, we're around to help! 

January 19, 2022

I am trying to help another QB user fix her issue with IE., she has followed all the steps and IE will still not turning on. Has anyone else had an issue with this happening?  Any help would be appreciated.  This is very frustrating. We have both tried different things to solve the issue and it is just not happening.

 

TIA


@scotley wrote:

I think that one of the Windows updates removed Internet Explorer from my Windows 10 computer because they are moving to Microsoft Edge.  However, QB is behind the game and still requires IE.  Some people have been having this issue for a while, but I just started having it a few days ago and have done A LOT of research and tried many things to try to fix it.  I finally found instructions in Microsoft forums to get IE back on my computer that worked!  I have posted instruction below, and I hope it helps others who are having this same aggravating problem!

 

If IE is completely gone from your computer, try this.

 

Click on Start then Settings. Go to Apps | Apps and Features. If you don't see Internet Explorer, click on Manage Optional Features then Add A Feature. You should be able to add or enable it. Restart your computer when done so it takes effect.



@scotley wrote:

I think that one of the Windows updates removed Internet Explorer from my Windows 10 computer because they are moving to Microsoft Edge.  However, QB is behind the game and still requires IE.  Some people have been having this issue for a while, but I just started having it a few days ago and have done A LOT of research and tried many things to try to fix it.  I finally found instructions in Microsoft forums to get IE back on my computer that worked!  I have posted instruction below, and I hope it helps others who are having this same aggravating problem!

 

If IE is completely gone from your computer, try this.

 

Click on Start then Settings. Go to Apps | Apps and Features. If you don't see Internet Explorer, click on Manage Optional Features then Add A Feature. You should be able to add or enable it. Restart your computer when done so it takes effect.


 

February 1, 2022

Hi,

This problem appeared yesterday and has crippled our agency, a small applied Zen program in East Harlem.  I followed your instructions but it didn't work.  IE also doesn't appear on my application list.  It does appear and is checked on the Windows on and off-list box but the check disappears when I close the list box. After rebooting my laptop I still got the same QB error message.

 

Did I follow your instructions correctly or is there something else added by Microsoft during the last day or so stopping IE11 from being activated?  Since I can't access EI 11 I haven't been able to set it as a default browser, something I would tolerate to be able to access our QB files.  Thank you for your help.

April 27, 2022

I was so excited to find this feed today and your steps did fix my problem. I found Internet Explorer 11 downloaded, saved it & installed but it still refused to work. So I followed your ADD FEATURE steps and its working. So 1st-Thank you!

It is true that I hate the control of Microsoft - period. Nuff said.

As it is now almost May and in June IE is adios, I am hoping that Intuit has a solution and update to be released asap.

LieraMarie_A
April 27, 2022

Greetings, @Cyndi_11.

 

I'm glad to hear that my colleague was able to help resolve your issue.

 

Feel free to come back to the Community if you have further concerns. We're always here to help.

May 5, 2022

All:

 

Has this issue been resolved yet?  I went to reinstall QB Pro  2020 on another PC and it wont launch. I am getting the error "internet explorer is turned off..."

 

Well i have IE 11 on this machine but MS has disable it and points me to Edge (who uses Edge again?)

 

I need a solution ASAP, QB! Immediately.

 

Loren.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
May 5, 2022

@ET1757 

Try the workaround mentioned by pcsdpo

May 7, 2022

My issue isn't with IE - it's still on my computer and QB opens fine.  It's that MY BANKS will not allow me to access their sites with IE. So now I have to manually enter HUNDREDS of transactions a month into QB.  

 

So not happy.

May 8, 2022

YES!!!  This is what I've been saying all along!!!

May 8, 2022

Welcome back to the QuickBooks Community, dianaakaccounting. This isn't the kind of feeling I'd like you to experience about downloading bank data in QuickBooks Desktop. With this, let me share details on how entries work in our program and ensure you'll be routed to the right support team to assist you further on this matter.

 

When downloading bank transactions to QuickBooks Desktop, there are some things to keep in mind so your entries are imported into our program accurately. Please see the details below:

 

  • You're unable to download transactions into the same QuickBooks Desktop company file more than once. However, your bank may be able to reopen the transactions on their side so QuickBooks can download them again. You can reach out to your bank to get help with this.
  • Web connect only works with .qbo files. Other types like QFX and QIF Quicken files won't work. There are a few third-party applications that can handle QIF available on the Intuit Marketplace.

 

Also, one of the reasons why bank transactions won't download in QBDT is because of bank system errors. We need to make sure that they don't have any maintenance and want to check your bank's website to see if there are notifications or alerts.

 

If everything is in order and the problem persists, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Desktop. They have the tools to pull up your account and be able to investigate the cause of the issue.

 

Here's how to reach them:

 

  1. Press F1 to open the Help window.
  2. From the search icon, type Contact Support.
  3. Click Contact us at the bottom part.
  4. Give a brief description of your issue about downloading entries and click the Search button.
  5. You'll be routed with How to connect with a QuickBooks expert and you choose which one is best for you.
  • Message an Agent – Allows you to chat directly with a support agent.
  • Talk to a Specialist – Arranges a callback from a support agent.

 

Lastly, you may refer to this article to view various OL and OLSU Bank Feeds errors in QBDT and how to fix them: Fix OL and OLSU Bank Feeds errors in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Please let me if you still have questions or concerns about downloading transactions. I want to make sure that everything is taken care of. I'm here to provide any additional assistance if needed. Have a good one!

May 17, 2022

This is completely absurd! I just spent 2 hours with QB support and countless hours researching threads (like this) with loads of potential solutions, but nothing that works. 

 

This is crazy. Intuit is 'requiring' QB have a browser installed that will be completely and entirely unsupported in less than a month. I CANNOT OPEN QUICKBOOKS TO TRANSACT BUSINESS. 

 

Cutting to the chase: 

  • QB Premier Plus - Contractor Edition 2022
  • Windows 11

I need a solution for this ASAP and a recommendation on a QuickBooks replacement. For the money they charge, this is complete and utter bull$hit.