WDDM Service Not Running in QuickBooks? How to Fix It Now

It is very annoying when you encounter disruptions in the visual effects of the QuickBooks application. Corrupted graphics drivers, along with other glitches, may lead to this condition. The WDDM service not running in QuickBooks hinders the proper functioning of this application. It causes display issues and interrupts your work when opening company files. This is because QuickBooks uses a number of Windows programs to function, and therefore, a defective or non-working WDDM service may cause this problem.

This detailed troubleshooting guide will explain to you the meaning of this error. You will also know about the reason behind this error and how to fix it in this blog.

What is the WDDM service not running error in QuickBooks?

The WDDM service not running in QuickBooks indicates that a background process for your Western Digital (WD) external hard drive or your graphics card has stopped. It can interfere with the background operations or web tools tied to your company files. This error also arises if QuickBooks or Windows system files are outdated.

WDDM stands for Windows Display Driver Model. It is a Microsoft graphics driver architecture that enables Windows applications to communicate with the graphics hardware of your computer. Although QuickBooks Desktop is primarily an accounting application, it still depends on Windows display services to render its interface correctly. This error causes problems with the display elements of this software.

Common Causes of the WDDM Service Not Running Issue

Several factors can trigger the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks. It can be due to corrupted files in QuickBooks or the Computer System. Understanding the root cause helps determine the most effective solution. We have provided the primary reasons for this error below.

• WDDM Service Is Stopped: There is a possibility that the WDDM service has stopped or failed to start.
• Corrupted System Files: Corruption in system files can hinder the smooth operation of the WDDM service. It can also result from damaged Windows system files.
• Software Conflicts: Third-party software conflicts may also hinder the service of the Windows Display Driver Model.
• Outdated Graphics Driver: An outdated or incompatible graphics driver may lead to problems with the WDDM service. Corrupted graphics drivers can also cause the display error.
• You will also face this error in case of incomplete Windows updates.
• Corrupted QuickBooks program files can also cause the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks Desktop error.
• Sometimes, disabled Windows display-related services can throw this error.
• Users will also get this error due to malware affecting system components.

You should act quickly if you encounter any problems with the QuickBooks interface. Users can resolve this error from the comfort of their home if they get in touch with specialized experts. Contact the experienced technical representatives of the Data Service Team at+1(888)-718-7888 to get a swift resolution of their problem.

How to know about the WDDM service not running error in QuickBooks?

Users will see various signs before they encounter the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks error. It is important that you recognize this error beforehand and work on it for a swift resolution. We have provided the general symptoms that users experience hereunder.

• QuickBooks Desktop won’t open easily or faces a problem when you launch it.
• The QB application may also freeze during launch.
• Users can also experience blank or distorted QuickBooks windows.
• One of the common glitches of this error is frequent crashes while working.
• Windows displays a message indicating that the WDDM service is not running.
• You will see poor display performance after a Windows update.

How to troubleshoot the error of WDDM service not runningin QuickBooks?

QuickBooks customers can easily fix this error if they have the technical expertise. Fixing the WDDM service not running problem becomes quite easy when you follow the advice of experts. We have shared several methods to troubleshoot the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks error in this section.

Method 1: Automate the Windows Display Driver Model

Users can experience the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks if it is not set to automatic mode. This throws the graphics error associated with the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks. Follow the steps shared below to automate this service.

• The first thing to do is go to the Start menu
• You then need to tap on the Windows icon.
• Go ahead and look for the Control Panel using the search bar
• Select Administrative Tools within the Control Panel
• Click on the Services option
• Scroll through the options until you find the WDDM service
• Now right-click the WDDM service
• Go to the General tab
• Select Automatic for Startup type
• Finally, click the Apply button.
• Users will have to restart the computer after this and check whether the problem is solved.

Method 2: Switch On the Computer System in Safe Mode

Users can also resolve the QuickBooks WDDM service not running error when they open the file in safe mode. The advanced boot option helps to resolve this service error. Check the steps below to accomplish the same.

• First of all, log in to the system as Admin.
• You will then have to restart the computer in Safe Mode. It is hoped that this step will solve the WDDM problem.

• Now, press the F8 key during the process of booting to make sure that your computer boots up in safe mode.

Now, it is important for you to check the PC drivers to determine whether they are updated or not.

• Access the File Explorer on your system.
• Then, right-click on it and click on the Manage tab.
• In the window that appears on your screen, click on “Find the system tools“.
• Click on Device Manager.
• Then, right-click on any option from the list and then check Driver updates in the Driver tab.

• It is very important to update all the drivers.

Now, check whether the version of Windows is updated or not. You can follow the steps given below to verify the version of Windows.

• First of all, access the Start tab.
• Then, click on the Settings option.
• Go to the System tab.
• Also, click on the About option.
• Here, you can verify the version under Windows Specifications.

Method 3: Restart the Computer System

A simple restart can refresh Windows services and clear temporary glitches. You can also resolve the WDDM service using this method. We have shared the steps to restart your computer system herein.

• Users need to save all open work.
• You should then click the Windows button present in the taskbar of the System.
• After that, click on the power button.
• You will see the Restart option there. Click on the same.
• Launch QuickBooks Desktop again after the computer restarts.
• Check whether the error has disappeared.

If the problem persists, continue with the next solution.

Method 4: Update the Windows Version of Your System

Outdated Windows components can interfere with QuickBooks. It may throw the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks Desktop error. Users can follow the steps shared hereunder to update the Windows System.

• Users need to click on the Start Icon and then choose the Gear Icon. Alternatively, you can press Windows + I to open Settings.
• You then need to select the Update & Security option.
• Users should choose the Windows Update option in the next step.

• Click the Check for updates button.
• You need to install all available updates by clicking the Download & Install option.
• Users then need to restart the computer.

After restarting, open QuickBooks and verify whether the issue is resolved.

Method 5: Update the Graphics Driver of Your Computer

Corrupted or outdated graphics drivers are among the most common reasons for the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks. You can fix this anomaly by updating the Graphics Driver as well. Users can check the steps shared here to update the Graphics Driver of your System.

• Users need to press Windows + X.
• You should then select the Device Manager option.
• Users then need to press the arrow next to Display adapters. It will help you expand the section.

• You then need to right-click your graphics device.
• Select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers.
• Complete the installation if updates are found.
• Users then need to restart their PC.

If Windows doesn’t find a newer driver, you can also download and save the latest version directly from your graphics card manufacturer’s website.

Method 6: Run Windows System File Checker

Damaged system files can affect Windows services required by QuickBooks. Running the Windows System File Checker cleans the corrupted files. You can troubleshoot the error of WDDM service not running in QuickBooks via this approach. Check the applicable steps herein.

• Users need to search for Command Prompt.
• Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
• You should then enter: sfc /scannow.

• Press Enter to start the scan.
• Wait for the scan to finish.
• Restart the computer.

Users can also run the DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management) tool to remove damaged files from the System. You will have to use the following steps to execute DISM.

• Users need to run Command Prompt as an administrator.
• You will then have to type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in the Prompt.
• Users then need to press Enter.
• You will have to wait for the process to complete
• Follow any prompts to repair the system image.

This process automatically repairs many corrupted Windows files.

Method 7: Repair QuickBooks Desktop

If QuickBooks installation files are damaged, repairing the application may resolve the issue. The WDDM service works properly when you repair QuickBooks. We have shared the applicable steps to complete this process hereunder.

• Close QuickBooks. You may also restart the Computer.
• Go to the Windows Start Menu.
• Search and open Control Panel.
• Select Programs and Features. This may also be known as Add/Remove Programs in some Systems.
• Find and pick your version of QuickBooks Desktop from the list.
• Press Uninstall/Change
• You then need to click Continue.
• Choose the Repair option next.
• Just follow the on-screen instructions to let the repair and diagnostics run their course before restarting your computer.
• Users should restart their computer in the end.

Open QuickBooks again to verify the repair.

Method 8: Do a Clean Install of QuickBooks Desktop

If repairing doesn’t help, reinstalling QuickBooks may replace corrupted program files. Before uninstalling:

• Back up your company file.
• You need to keep your QuickBooks license and product information available.

Users will have to follow the steps shared hereunder to perform a clean install of the QuickBooks tool.

• Users will need to uninstall the QuickBooks tool.
• Go to the Start Menu.
• Search and select the Control Panel option.
• You should then head to the Programs and Features section.

• Choose the Uninstall a Program option next.
• Users need to select their QuickBooks Desktop Version.
• Click on the Uninstall/Change option next.
• You will then have to press the Remove option.
• Click the Next button to uninstall QuickBooks from your System.

After you uninstall the QuickBooks tool, users need to download and run the QuickBooks Clean Install tool. We have provided the applicable steps hereunder.

• Users need to download the QuickBooks Tools Hub from the official Intuit website. Make sure that the tool version is the latest.
• You then need to open the downloaded QuickBooksToolHub.exe file.
• Users should follow the instructions displayed on the screen to install this tool.
• After the QuickBooks Tool Hub is installed, users need to run the Clean Install Tool. For this, users should open the QuickBooks Tool Hub from the Desktop.
• Users then need to select the Installation Issues tab.
• You need to click the Clean Install Tool option next.
• Choose the version of your QuickBooks and click OK at the end.

After you run the Clean Install process, you need to reinstall QuickBooks Desktop. We have provided the relevant steps below.

• You should rename the QuickBooks installation folders if required.
• Install the latest supported version of QuickBooks Desktop from the official website of Intuit.
• Install the latest updates. For this, follow the instructions shown on the screen.
• Open your company file to see if the error still persists.

Method 9: Check the Windows Services

Some Windows services required for display functionality may be disabled. It can cause the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks Desktop problem. Users can ensure that every display functionality is enabled by following the steps shared below.

• Users need to press the Windows + R option to open the Run dialog box.

• You will then have to type: services.msc.

• Press OK to access the background services.
• Verify that essential Windows services related to graphics and display are running.
• Restart any stopped services if appropriate.

If you are unsure about modifying Windows services, consult your system administrator or Microsoft documentation before making changes.

Method 10: Scan for System Malware

Malicious software can corrupt Windows services and interfere with QuickBooks. It can interfere with the WDDM service, leading to a faulty display in QuickBooks. Follow the steps provided here to check for malicious software in the System.

• Users need to run Windows Security or another trusted antivirus solution.
• You will have to remove any detected threats.
• Restart your Computer system.
• You need to launch QuickBooks again.

Method 11: Disable Applications that Create Conflicts

Sometimes, conflicting applications may cause the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks. You may resolve this problem by closing the disruptive applications. Check the applicable details hereunder.

• QuickBooks may clash with screen recording software, remote desktop applications, display enhancers, and certain antivirus programs on occasion.
• Users need to close all unnecessary programs before running QuickBooks.
• If QuickBooks operates without any problems, turn each program on one at a time to determine the problematic program.

Method 12: Run a Clean Boot

Users can also resolve the WDDM service not running in QuickBooks if they perform a clean boot of the Windows System. This Windows cleanup ensures that any damaged functionality is flushed out.

• Clean boot starts Windows with only the necessary Microsoft services.
• This will help determine if another program is causing the issue with the WDDM service.
• If QuickBooks opens successfully in a clean boot, it may be due to a third-party program.
• Users need to type msconfig in the Run dialog box and then press OK.

• Select the Services tab from the System Configuration Window.
• You will then need to tick the box that shows: Hide all Microsoft Services.
• You then need to click the Disable all button.
• Thereafter, press the Startup tab.
• You will then need to click the Open Task Manager link.

• Click Disable for each enabled startup application in the Task Manager window.
• You should then close the Task Manager Window.
• Customers need to click Apply and then press OK in the System Configuration Window.
• You will then see the restart option on the screen. Choose the same.
• Open QuickBooks after the system restarts.

Tips to Prevent the WDDM Service Not Running Error in QuickBooks

Users can save themselves from unnecessary headaches and troubles by preventing the WDDM Service not running in QuickBooks. The expert strategies shared here provide easy ways to prevent this anomaly. Go through the tips provided below.

• You need to keep Windows fully updated. This ensures there is no compatibility issue between the version of QuickBooks and Windows.
• Users need to install QuickBooks updates regularly.
• You should update graphics drivers from trusted sources.
• Perform regular antivirus scans. It will save you from malicious corruption that can hinder the working of QuickBooks.
• Customers need to create routine backups of their company files.
• Avoid force-closing QuickBooks while it’s running. This may interfere with QB functionalities.
• Restart your computer periodically after installing updates.

Conclusion!

The WDDM service not running in QuickBooks is usually linked to Windows display components rather than your accounting data. Users experience a slowdown of their computer and a blue screen error. The QuickBooks Program locks up, and you experience startup and shutdown problems. In most cases, updating Windows, installing the latest graphics driver, repairing QuickBooks, or repairing Windows system files resolves the problem successfully. You can minimize future interruptions and ensure QuickBooks Desktop continues to perform reliably by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide and keeping your system updated.

If the issue persists despite these solutions, professional technical support may be required to identify underlying Windows or hardware-related problems. Give a call to live human representatives of the Data Service Team at +1(888)-718-7888 to resolve any problem related to the QuickBooks tool. Our seasoned technical experts are available to serve you around the clock.