QuickBooks Backup Not Working on Windows 10: Causes and Solutions

Summary: Is your QuickBooks auto backup system failing? This blog explores the reasons behind this issue and provides solutions to resolve the ‘QuickBooks backup not running on Windows 10’ problem. Failure to create backups from your QuickBooks® Company file (QBW) can lead to data loss due to file corruption. If you find yourself in this situation, consider using QuickBooks® Data Recovery software to fix the damaged QBW file and restore your data.

Intuit recommends using the “Automatic Backup” feature, which allows QuickBooks to automatically back up the company file after it’s closed. However, if the backup task fails, especially after upgrading to Windows 10 build 1709 or higher, it can lead to serious problems. Many users assume their company’s backup is happening as scheduled, only to discover otherwise.

What Causes the “QuickBooks Backup Not Working” Issue?

The primary reason for this problem often lies in the compatibility between the installed Windows 10 version and the QuickBooks® Desktop application. If QuickBooks is configured to run on older versions of Windows, such as XP or Windows 7, while your system is running Windows 10, it may lead to backup failures.

When you create backup tasks in Task Scheduler, the system must correctly identify the operating system and adjust the “Configure for” settings accordingly. If it fails to do so, backups will stop functioning.

Solutions to Fix the ‘QuickBooks Backup Not Working on Windows 10’ Issue

While there is no documented one-size-fits-all solution, here are several strategies you can try:

Alternative 1: Update Task Scheduler Settings

1. Open Task Scheduler in Windows 10.
2. In the Task Scheduler dialog box, navigate to Task Scheduler Library.
3. Scroll down to find the QuickBooks® Backup task. Right-click on it and select Properties.
4. In the Properties window, look for the Configure for option in the General tab.
5. Select Windows 10 from the dropdown list.

If you encounter the error message, “Drive specified could not be accessed,” you may need to select “Run only when user is logged in” in the task’s settings.

Workaround 2: Run QuickBooks in Administrator Mode

1. Right-click on the QuickBooks icon on your desktop and select Properties.
2. In the Properties window, check the box for Run this program in compatibility mode and select Windows 10.
3. Also, check the box for Run this program as an administrator under the Privilege Level section.
4. Click Apply, then OK.

Workaround 3: Save Scheduled Backups to an External Drive

Some users have reported success saving their scheduled backups to an external drive. To do this:

1. Open QuickBooks and navigate to the File menu.
2. Hover over Save Copy or Backup and select Backup Copy.
3. Choose Local Backup and follow the prompts to save to an external drive.

How to Recover QuickBooks Company File Data

If your company file has become corrupted or is missing, and you lack a backup, using the Softmagnat QuickBooks Data Recovery tool may be necessary. This tool effectively repair a corrupted QBW file and recover data quickly.

Conclusion

In this blog, we’ve explored the potential causes of the ‘QuickBooks Backup not working on Windows 10’ issue and provided practical solutions, such as updating Task Scheduler settings, running QuickBooks in administrator mode, and saving backups to external drives. If backups fail and your company file is corrupted, QuickBooks® Recovery software can help restore your data integrity.

FAQs

1. Why is my QuickBooks backup failing?
   • Backup failures can result from compatibility issues with Windows versions, incorrect Task Scheduler settings, or permission issues.
2. How can I check if my QuickBooks is compatible with Windows 10?
   • Ensure that QuickBooks is updated to the latest version compatible with Windows 10. Check the system requirements on Intuit’s website for confirmation.
3. Can I recover data from a corrupted QuickBooks file?
   • Yes, using QuickBooks® can help recover data from a corrupted QBW file.
4. What should I do if I cannot find my QuickBooks backup files?
   • Use the Windows search function to locate backup files or check the backup settings in QuickBooks to see where backups are being saved.
5. How often should I back up my QuickBooks company file?
   • It’s advisable to back up your QuickBooks file regularly, ideally after significant changes or at least once a day.