> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.conductor.is/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Ensure QuickBooks Desktop opens at startup

> Keep QuickBooks Desktop ready the moment Windows boots so Web Connector syncs faster.

<Info>
  This guide is provided by Conductor, the service that powers the QuickBooks
  Desktop integration for many business tools, including the one that sent you
  here.
</Info>

Keeping QuickBooks Desktop open 24/7 dramatically reduces sync times because the Web Connector no longer has to launch and close QuickBooks for every sync. This is essential on any machine that runs your connection, especially a shared Windows Server that hosts the company file, so that every reboot returns the computer to the optimal state automatically.

By default, the Web Connector already launches at startup. If it ever fails to do so, follow our [Web Connector startup guide](/help/guides/ensure-web-connector-opens-at-startup) to diagnose and fix that first.

<Warning>
  **Important:** You should always leave QuickBooks Desktop running on the computer that hosts your Web Connector connection. There is no downside: it keeps syncs fast and avoids the wear-and-tear of repeated launches.

  If you cannot stay signed in to the company file (for example, to avoid occupying a license), you can leave QuickBooks open at the "No Company Open" screen, and QuickBooks will sign in and out automatically during each sync.
</Warning>

## Ensure QuickBooks Desktop opens after every reboot

Most Windows PCs will launch QuickBooks Desktop at sign-in as long as a shortcut to `QBW32.exe` lives in the system-wide `Startup` folder. Follow the steps below so QuickBooks Desktop launches automatically each time Windows starts.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign in with a Windows administrator account">
    Make sure you are logged in to Windows with an account that has local administrator rights. If you are unsure, ask your IT team.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Startup folder">
    Press `Win + R`, type `shell:startup`, and press **Enter**. File Explorer opens to:

    `C:\\ProgramData\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\Startup`

    Anything you place here launches automatically whenever this computer starts.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Locate QuickBooks Desktop">
    Click **Start**, type "QuickBooks Desktop", then right-click the QuickBooks Desktop search result and choose **Open file location**. In the window that opens, right-click the QuickBooks Desktop shortcut again and choose **Open file location** so File Explorer jumps to the actual `QBW32.exe` program file.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the startup shortcut">
    Right-click and hold `QBW32.exe`, drag it into the `Startup` folder you opened earlier, and release the mouse. Choose **Create shortcuts here** from the context menu to add a shortcut in the Startup folder.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart and confirm">
    Restart the computer. After Windows finishes loading, QuickBooks Desktop should start automatically. Confirm it by opening **Task Manager → Details** and checking that `QBW32.exe` is running.
  </Step>
</Steps>

With these steps, QuickBooks Desktop will always launch after every reboot, keeping the Web Connector connection fast and reliable.