My tab key is not working in quickbooks

Good day, mcdonr01.

I have some steps we need to perform so we can fix it.

We have to make sure that your QuickBooks is updated. Please refer to this guide on how to update it: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.

Also, let's repair your QuickBooks Desktop so we can have the tab key working again. You can follow detailed these steps in this article: Repair your QuickBooks Desktop for Windows.

Reply below if you have other concerns. Have a great day!

These did not work.

Hello there, @mcdonr01.

I'll help fix your tab key in QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) by running the repair tool for QBDT Windows. This tool can help fix common errors right away. But before anything else, let's ensure to make a backup copy of your company file. Once done, restart your computer and begin the repair.

Here's how:

1. Open the Windows Start menu, then choose Control Panel.
2. Select Programs and Features then Uninstall a Program.
3. Choose QuickBooks from the list of programs, then click Uninstall/Change.
4. Select the Continue button or Next.
5. Click on Repair, then select Next.
6. Once it's done, click Finish.

To have the most recent fixes and security update of your QuickBooks, you may refer to this article: How to Update QuickBooks Desktop.

Please click the Reply button if you have anything else in mind. I'd be glad to help you. Have a great day!

I have done this 3 times and still the tab key does not work.

Thank you for following the recommended troubleshooting, mcdonr01.

Since none of it has worked, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks support. This is so we can check your account further.

Here's how:

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. Click Help on the menu.
3. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
4. Select Contact Us.

Note that our support hours has been moved to 6 AM-6 PM PT Monday-Friday.

I'll be here if you need anything else.

That didn't help

I am having the same problem. My tab key works sometimes, and then sometimes I have to open and close the program to get the tab key to function. I have rebuilt quickbooks. I have bought a new computer and upgraded to quickbooks desktop 2021 and still the same result!

Hello PVSI, 

I do appreciate your time in doing the process of getting the shortcuts and features of QuickBooks to work. Have you tried performing the steps Korbin shared? You'll want to do so, but first, create a backup of your company file. 

If the same thing happens, I'd suggest reaching out to our Phone Support Team to help you check your company file and do advanced troubleshooting steps to permanently get the tab key work. 

Always know that the Community is ready to help you with your questions. Just post again or leave a reply and we'll be here to assist. Take care!

That does nothing.

Thanks for getting back to us, PVSI.

I appreciate your time and effort in trying the basic troubleshooting steps in resolving the concern.

The tab key is not working usually because of the keyboard driver corruption, or the hardware problem. 

You can try these fixes:

1. Restart your computer
2. Update keyboard driver
3. Try keyboard combinations

You can also open another application on your computer and test if you're getting a similar result. If so, try using another keyboard or buy a new one to address the issue.

If the issue still persist, I'd suggest reaching out to our Phone Support Team to further assist you with your concern.

In case you need help in accomplishing other tasks in QuickBooks Desktop, you can check our articles on this link: Help articles

Don't hesitate to come back to the Community forums if you have other questions with QuickBooks. I'm more than happy to help out again. 

Tab button not working. Under File dropdown, under Utilities, I ran Rebuild Data, and then ran Repair File and Network Problems. Then I restarted computer. This fixed problem. Thanks for tip.