Fix QuickBooks Scan Manager Is Already Running Error

The error message “QuickBooks can’t start because Scan Manager is already running” typically means you’re trying to open a different QuickBooks file. Run Activate as Windows Admin if this message appears while the sync is running.

If you encounter the messages below while trying to sync with QuickBooks, try starting Activate with “Run as administrator” by right-clicking on the desktop icon, searching for it in the Windows Start menu, or opening the file location and then doing the same. QuickBooks might also need to be opened as a Windows administrator.

Make privilege changes or permit QuickBooks and/or Activate to always run as Windows Admin if running as Windows Admin fixes the syncing problem. To make these adjustments, adhere to the steps below.

NOTE: You might need to grant Windows Amin permissions to either/both the “File Location” or the desktop icon depending on whether you access Activate from the start menu or the desktop icon.

Desktop Icon

1. Right-click the desktop shortcut to select it.
2. Decide on Properties.
3. Decide on Advanced under the Shortcut tab.
4. Choose OK after checking “Run as administrator”.
5. To close the Properties window, select Apply.
6. A message stating that you require Windows permission to make the changes may appear. To continue applying the changes, select OK.

No Desktop icon

1. Type either QuickBooks or Activate into the Windows Start menu.
2. On the application, click Open File Location.
3. Right-click the application once you’ve reached the file location.
4. Choosing Properties.
5. Select Advanced from the Shortcut tab.
6. Choose OK after checking “Run as administrator”.
7. To close the Properties window, select Apply.
8. A message stating that you require Windows permission to make the changes may appear. To continue applying the changes, select OK.

Steps to Scanning and attaching documents to transactions:

Learn how to use QuickBooks Scan Manager to scan receipts and documents and then attach them to transactions.

QuickBooks Scan Manager makes it simple to scan receipts and documents and attach them to invoices, sales receipts, bills, and other transactions. Here’s how to get it set up so you can start.

Scan Manager was Discontinued in QuickBooks Desktop 2022. Scan Manager can still be used in previous, currently supported versions. Attach Documents is available in QuickBooks Desktop 2022 or later.

Steps to create and utilize QuickBooks Scan Manager setup:

TWAIN-compliant scanners are compatible with QuickBooks Scan Manager.

 Step 1: Create your scan profile in one.

• Choose Documents, then Doc Centre, from the Company menu.
• Choose to Scan a Document.
• To create a new profile or to choose an existing scan profile, choose New.
• Change your profile’s name, then click Continue.
• Select Save after making the necessary changes to the profile settings.
• Advice: Scan Manager always saves your documents in the same .QBW (company file) folder as your company file.

 Step 2: Configure and run a scanner test

• Select your profile after highlighting it.
• Choose Scanner Setup Wizard from the Select Scanner window.
• Please keep in mind that the Current Selection field should display your scanner. If your scanner isn’t listed, click Yes, then Next to download the most recent Nuance scanner database.
• Choose an appropriate mode. This is the normal mode.
• Check the box that says, “Perform Tests,” then click Next.
• To begin testing your scanner, select the test you want to run, then click Next twice.
• Select Next to continue testing in other available modes after checking the Repeat this test to check all modes box.

Step 3: Scan and upload files

• You can begin using your scanner after successfully testing all modes
• You can begin using your scanner after successfully testing all modes.
• To attach a file to a transaction, simply click the Attach File button.

Get help with Scan Manager problems.

Here’s how to fix any of these issues.

1.  Unable to scan, TWAIN driver could not be located.

• Use a TWAIN-compliant scanner.
• To ensure that your scanner is working properly, test it outside of QuickBooks.
• If the scanner isn’t working outside of QuickBooks, get in touch with the scanner’s manufacturer or an IT professional to get it fixed.

2.  281 errors

• Remove your scan profile and replace it. Try once more. If it’s still not working, move on to the next step.
• In Windows, change the user account settings.
• Repair QuickBooks before attempting to scan again.

How Can QuickBooks Scan Manager Problems Be Fixed?

There are various troubleshooting steps that you need to take to address QuickBooks Scan Manager errors depending on the issue causing it to stop functioning or being selected.

Solution 1: Create a new profile and delete the existing one for scanning.

There may be problems when scanning documents using the QuickBooks scan manager if the external file containing a user’s scan profile information is corrupted. If this is the case, to resolve scanning issues, the user must delete the scan profile from the scan manager and then create a new profile by following the instructions below:

1. Go to QuickBooks first, then select the Company menu.
2. Select Documents and then click Doc Centre.
3. Click on the outdated scan profile under Scan a Document.
4. Click the Delete button to remove the profile from the QuickBooks scan manager.
5. Return to the Document Centre and select Scan a Document.
6. Click New to start a new profile and enter a name.
7. After that, click Continue and correctly set the profile settings.
8. Lastly, click Save.

Solution 2: Update Windows’ User Account Settings

The UAC may be interfering with the connection between the scanner and the scan manager while it is running in the background.

1. To access the Start menu after leaving the QuickBooks Desktop, press the Windows key.
2. Select Control Panel from the menu’s right side by clicking.
3. Click on User Accounts and then choose Change User Account Control settings when the Control Panel window appears.
4. If the UAC prompts you, choose Yes and move the slider to Never Notify.
5. To turn it off and restart the computer, click OK.

Note: It is advised to turn on UAC again by sliding the slider back to Always Notify after selecting the scan manager and completing the task to protect your computer from security risks.

Solution 3: Use the Windows Repair Tool to fix QuickBooks

The Windows repair tool can be used to fix any problems with the QuickBooks program or the installation files of the scan manager that are causing QuickBooks error 281. Before running the repair tool through the procedures described below, be sure to make a backup of your data file.

1. Restart your system to ensure that no other background processes are interfering with the repair
2. Select Programs and Features from the Control Panel.
3. Choose Uninstall a Program, and then click on QuickBooks in the list of programs.
4. Click Continue or Next after choosing Uninstall / Change.
5. After the fix is complete, click Finish.
6. Restart your computer and, if any updates are available, update QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 4: Install QuickBooks completely and configure the QuickBooks Scan Manager.

1. Launch QuickBooks and select the Company option.
2. Select Doc Centre from the Documents menu.
3. Select your profile by clicking it and then
4. In the Select Scanner window, select Scanner Setup Wizard. If your scanner is not listed in the Current Selection field, click Yes and then Next to download the most recent scanner database from Nuance.
5. Check the box next to Perform Tests and choose Normal Mode or any other mode of your choice.
6. Select the test you want to run by clicking Next.
7. Press Next twice and select the box next to Repeat this test to examine each mode.
8. Select Next to test in additionally available modes.
9. After successfully testing each mode, you can start using your scanner.

Steps to connect the scanner and scan manager via a wired connection

Wireless connection issues could be the source of the scanner and QuickBooks scan manager connection issues. To permanently resolve the issue, connect a cable to the scanner and change the connection to a wired one. After switching to a wired connection, reinstall the scanner and restart QuickBooks scan manager.

• Holding down the CTRL key, click twice on the QB Desktop icon.
• Hold the CTRL key down until the No Company Open window appears on the screen before releasing it.
• Select Click on the Company menu after opening a Sample Company File.
• Select Doc Centre under Documents.
• Select Scan a document, then select it, and then click TSScan.
• Exit the company file after scanning and attaching a document to the sample file.
• Now scan a QuickBooks document to verify that the error has been corrected.
• Learn more at QuickBooks Email Setup: Set Up Webmail & Outlook in QB Desktop.

Conclusion – Resolving Scan Manager Is Already Running in QuickBooks

When QuickBooks displays the message “Scan Manager is already running,” it usually means a previous session of Scan Manager wasn’t closed correctly, or background instances are left alive, causing conflicts when launching again. To fix this, terminate active Scan Manager processes via Task Manager or System Tray, delete and recreate your scan profile, and ensure both QuickBooks and the Scan Manager run with proper permissions (e.g., as Administrator). If the issue persists or the Scan Manager remains unresponsive, the Bigxperts QuickBooks support team can troubleshoot the cause remotely and get your scanning workflow back on track.

Frequently Asked Questions