
If you’re dealing with employee paycheck history missing QuickBooks Desktop, especially after migrating to a new computer, you’re not alone. Many users of QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2023 experience payroll visibility issues after restoring a backup or transferring company files.
You may notice:
- Employee checks not showing in QuickBooks Desktop
- Payroll history not visible in QuickBooks Desktop
- Payroll reports show checks but employee record does not
- QuickBooks Desktop Employee Center missing paychecks
- Missing employee paycheck history after restore
This guide explains why it happens and exactly how to fix it.
If you need immediate help, call 844-753-8012 for assistance.
Why Employee Paycheck History Is Missing in QuickBooks Desktop
The most common reason for employee paycheck history missing QuickBooks Desktop after moving to a new computer is incomplete migration or payroll configuration errors.
When you switch systems, QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2023 requires:
- Proper backup restoration
- Payroll service reactivation
- Updated payroll tax tables
- Correct company file version
If any step is missed, paycheck data may not display properly.
Common Causes of Missing Employee Paychecks
Let’s break down the most common reasons behind this QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2023 payroll issue.
1. Improper Backup Restore
If you used a portable file (.QBM) instead of a full backup (.QBB), certain payroll links may not restore properly.
This can result in:
- Employee checks not showing in QuickBooks Desktop
- Payroll history not visible in QuickBooks Desktop
- Employee center missing paychecks
Even though reports may still show totals.
2. Payroll Service Not Reactivated
After moving to a new computer, you must reactivate payroll:
- Go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Manage Service Key
- Verify the service is active
- Download latest payroll updates
If payroll isn’t activated, paycheck history may not load correctly.
3. Data Damage or File Corruption
During migration, your company file may become slightly corrupted.
Symptoms include:
- Payroll reports show checks but employee record does not
- Missing paychecks in employee transaction list
- Incorrect year-to-date totals
Running Verify and Rebuild Data can often resolve this.
4. Filter Settings in Employee Center
Sometimes the issue is simply display filters.
Check:
- Date range filters
- Transaction type filters
- Employee status (active/inactive)
If filters are incorrect, it may look like QuickBooks Desktop employee center missing paychecks, when they are actually hidden.
5. Payroll Settings After Migration
Improper QuickBooks Desktop payroll settings after migration can prevent paycheck display.
Check:
- Accounting preferences
- Payroll item setup
- Employee wage settings
- Bank account mapping
Incorrect setup can disconnect paycheck records from employee profiles.
Step-by-Step Fix: Employee Paychecks Not Showing After Restore QuickBooks Desktop
If you’re experiencing employee paychecks not showing after restore QuickBooks Desktop, follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Confirm You Restored the Correct Backup
- Go to File > Open or Restore Company
- Select Restore a Backup Copy
- Choose a recent .QBB full backup file
- Open and review payroll records
If you restored a portable file (.QBM), try restoring from a full backup instead.
Step 2: Update QuickBooks Desktop
Outdated software can cause payroll display issues.
- Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop
- Click Update Now
- Restart QuickBooks
- Install updates
Using the latest release ensures payroll components function properly.
Step 3: Reactivate Payroll Service
For QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2023 missing employee paycheck history, ensure payroll is active:
- Employees menu
- My Payroll Service
- Manage Service Key
- Verify status
- Download latest payroll update
Without an active payroll subscription, historical checks may not load correctly.
Step 4: Run Verify and Rebuild Data
To fix possible corruption:
- Go to File > Utilities > Verify Data
- If errors appear, select Rebuild Data
- Follow prompts
- Reopen QuickBooks and check employee records
This resolves many cases where payroll reports show checks but employee record does not.
Step 5: Check Employee Center Filters
To view payroll checks in employee record QuickBooks Desktop:
- Open Employee Center
- Double-click employee name
- Go to Transactions tab
- Set date range to “All”
- Remove filters
Sometimes missing paycheck history is simply a filter issue.
Step 6: Confirm Payroll Items Are Linked Properly
Go to:
- Lists > Payroll Item List
- Review wage items
- Ensure accounts are mapped correctly
Improper mapping can cause paychecks to appear in reports but not under employee transactions.
Payroll Reports Show Checks But Employee Record Does Not
This is one of the most confusing situations.
If payroll reports show checks but employee record does not, the issue may be:
- Damaged employee record
- Incorrect transaction type filter
- Inactive employee status
- Corrupted link between paycheck and employee profile
Try:
- Making employee inactive
- Saving
- Making employee active again
- Refreshing QuickBooks
If unresolved, deeper file repair may be required.
Call 844-753-8012 for professional assistance if needed.
How to Restore Backup Payroll History QuickBooks
If payroll data is truly missing:
- Locate older backup (.QBB)
- Restore to temporary location
- Compare payroll reports
- Identify missing periods
- Merge or manually re-enter if necessary
Never overwrite your current file without verifying data first.
QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Settings After Migration Checklist
After moving to a new computer, always confirm:
✅ Payroll subscription active
✅ Tax tables updated
✅ Company file upgraded properly
✅ Payroll items mapped correctly
✅ Direct deposit settings verified
✅ Employee profiles active
✅ Bank accounts linked
Skipping any of these can trigger a QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2023 payroll issue.
Preventing Missing Payroll Data in the Future
To avoid future problems:
1. Always Create Full Backup (.QBB)
Before transferring systems.
2. Use QuickBooks Migration Tool
Instead of manual file copying.
3. Verify Data Before and After Migration
Run Verify & Rebuild both times.
4. Update Payroll Immediately After Installation
Download latest tax table.
5. Keep Multiple Backup Copies
Store backups on:
- External drive
- Cloud storage
- Secure local folder
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried:
- Restore backup
- Update payroll
- Verify & Rebuild
- Filter adjustments
- Payroll reactivation
And employee paycheck history missing QuickBooks Desktop continues, the company file may require advanced repair.
At this point, it’s best to contact a QuickBooks specialist.
Call 844-753-8012 for expert support with:
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2023 missing employee paycheck history
- Payroll history not visible QuickBooks Desktop
- Restore backup payroll history QuickBooks
- Employee checks not showing QuickBooks Desktop
Final Thoughts
If you’re experiencing employee paycheck history missing QuickBooks Desktop after moving to a new system, the issue is usually related to:
- Backup restoration errors
- Payroll reactivation
- File corruption
- Filter settings
- Migration setup problems
QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus 2023 payroll issues after migration are common but fixable with the right steps.
Don’t ignore missing paycheck data — payroll accuracy is critical for compliance, tax filings, and employee trust.
For immediate troubleshooting and expert assistance, contact 844-753-8012 and get your payroll records restored properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are employee checks not showing in QuickBooks Desktop after moving to a new computer?
Most commonly due to improper restore, inactive payroll subscription, or data corruption.
Why does payroll report show checks but employee record does not?
Usually caused by filter settings, damaged employee profile, or file corruption.
How do I view payroll checks in employee record QuickBooks Desktop?
Go to Employee Center > Select Employee > Transactions tab > Set date filter to “All”.
Can I recover missing payroll history?
Yes, by restoring a previous backup or repairing the company file.
