DESK81 Error in QuickBooks Desktop Web Connector

If you see the error:

DESK81: You do not have permission to access QuickBooks Desktop company file.

This means QuickBooks Web Connector does not have the required permissions to access the company file.

Why the DESK81 Error Happens in QuickBooks Desktop

The DESK81 error occurs when:

• QuickBooks Desktop is not running in Single-user Admin mode.
• The Web Connector is not authorized to log in automatically.
• Integrated Application permissions are misconfigured.
• The Web Connector authorization has expired or been removed.

Expensify must be granted permission to access the company file through QuickBooks Desktop.

How to Fix the DESK81 Error

Step One: Log In as Single-User Admin

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Switch to Single-user mode.
3. Log in as an Admin user.

Step Two: Confirm Web Connector Permissions

1. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to Edit > Preferences.
2. Select Integrated Applications.
3. Click the Company Preferences tab.
4. Select Web Connector from the list.
5. Click Properties.
6. Confirm Allow this application to log in automatically is checked.
7. Click OK.
8. Close all open windows in QuickBooks Desktop.

Retry the sync in Expensify.

If the Error Persists: Reauthorize the Web Connector

Step One: Remove the Existing Web Connector Authorization

1. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to Edit > Preferences.
2. Select Integrated Applications.
3. Click the Company Preferences tab.
4. Select Web Connector.
5. Click Remove.
6. Click OK.

Step Two: Reauthorize Through Expensify

1. In Expensify, go to Settings.
2. Select Workspaces.
3. Select your Workspace.
4. Click Accounting.
5. Click Sync now.

You will be prompted to reauthorize the connection in QuickBooks Desktop.

1. Click Yes, always; allow access even if QuickBooks is not running.
2. Select the Admin user from the dropdown.
3. Click Continue.
4. Click Done in the pop-up window.
5. Return to Expensify and allow the Workspace to finish syncing.

After reauthorization, the connection should sync successfully.

FAQ

Do I Need to Be Logged in as an Admin?

Yes. The Web Connector must be authorized by an Admin user in Single-user mode.

Does This Apply to QuickBooks Online?

No. DESK81 applies only to QuickBooks Desktop integrations using the Web Connector.