Last Updated on May 12, 2025
While working with QuickBooks, you might have felt the QuickBooks Desktop invoice missing message at the top of your screen. Now, you must be thinking, what does it denote? To answer your query, it indicates the absence of the required invoices in QuickBooks. Here, we will cover the reasons for the QuickBooks Desktop invoice missing message on your screen. Because of the lack of information available, people often are not able to find a perfect solution to this error. But in this blog, we will talk about the multiple causes of the invoice missing message, along with the best solutions to resolve the error.
Are you still confused regarding the QuickBooks Desktop invoice missing message at the top? Do not worry! The Accounting Helpline experts are just a call away. Take out your mobile and dial our toll-free number 1.855.738.2784 to get quick assistance in no time!
What Causes the QuickBooks Desktop Invoice Missing Message at the Top?
We are now here, discussing the common causes of this missing invoice message in QuickBooks Desktop. Here are the causes that you have been looking for:

- This invoice missing message can pop up because of the custom form template issues in QuickBooks.
- QuickBooks can also show this error because of some discrepancies in QuickBooks Display Settings.
- There may be some minor or major software glitch issues causing this message to show.
- There may be some damaged or corrupted company data files in your QuickBooks.
- Last but not least, you may have the incorrect invoice preferences set up in QuickBooks, displaying the invoice missing message at the top of your screen.
These are some common causes of the QB invoice missing message at the top of the screen. You can resolve this issue with the help of the solutions mentioned in this blog.
Methods to Fix the QuickBooks Desktop Invoice Missing Message
There are several methods that can help you fix the QB invoice missing message at the top. We will implement these methods in a chronological manner. The overview of the steps that we are going to have will be discussed below:
- Checking and Updating the Invoice Preferences
- Changing Display Settings in QuickBooks
- Adjusting View Preferences in QuickBooks
- Repairing the QuickBooks Data File
These are among the best solutions that you can implement to resolve the QBDT invoice missing message error. Let’s have a close look at each of these solutions below.
Solution 1: Checking and Updating the Invoice Preferences
At times, the custom template can cause display issues in QuickBooks Desktop. Fixing the QuickBooks Desktop invoice missing message at the top involves updating the invoice templates. The steps that will help you fix the issue are mentioned below:
- You need to access QuickBooks Desktop/Online and proceed to the Lists tab and choose the Templates option.
- Here, you need to locate your invoice template and click on the Edit Template option.
- You, as a user, must ensure that the message field is present in the template layout.
- You may also need to switch to a default template to see if the issue still persists.
This solution depicts the steps required to check and update the invoice preferences to fix the missing message issue in QuickBooks Desktop. If you think the templates are fine, you can proceed to another option.
Solution 2: Changing Display Settings in QuickBooks
You do not need to go deeper into the settings right now. You can simply start with the basic settings. You can try changing your display settings in QuickBooks to fix the missing message issue with the QuickBooks Desktop:
- You need to press the Windows Start button and open the menu.
- Search for QuickBooks and then right-click the QuickBooks icon and select Open File Location.
- Now, you need to right-click the QuickBooks.exe file and select Properties in the folder.
- Access the Compatibility tab and select Disable Display Scaling on High DPI Settings. You can also change or override the DPI settings from here.
- Review and apply the selected settings.
You need to open QuickBooks Desktop and check for the missing message issue. If the problem still persists, you can try the next solution to resolve it.
Solution 3: Adjusting View Preferences in QuickBooks Desktop
Now, you need to go to the Edit tab menu in QuickBooks and choose Preferences. Choose the option ‘Desktop View’ from the list and then ‘My Preferences.’ Now, you need to select the One Window Option in the View section and proceed to the OK button.
For verification, close and reopen QuickBooks again. Check for the QuickBooks Desktop invoice missing message at the top. If the issue is not resolved yet, you need to change your Windows display settings. Change your resolution to 1024 X 768. However, 1920 X 1080 is the recommended preference for the best display results. This can change the landscape of your desktop screen and can help fix the missing message issue.

Solution 4: Repairing the QuickBooks Data File
Data corruption can be the leading cause of the QB Desktop missing message issue. You might need to verify and rebuild the data file to get this issue fixed. The steps that will help you fix the missing invoice message issues in QuickBooks Desktop are:
- You need to open your QBDT and click on the File button.
- Now, you need to move to the Utilities tab from the apparent list.
- Here, you will have to find the option Verify Data Utility and click on it.
- Now, you must let the tool run the scan for data issues.
- The next step is to launch the Rebuild Data tool from the Utilities tab to correct the errors detected in the files.
- Later, you can refer to the QBWIN.LOG to search for any leftover errors.
- If found, you will have to resolve these errors manually and save the changes.
You might also need to restart QuickBooks to get this issue fixed on your system. These are the four best steps to resolve the QuickBooks Desktop invoice missing message at the top issue.
Memory Table for QuickBooks Desktop Invoice Missing Message at the Top Issue
Memory table is an exclusive feature in our blog that will help you sum up all the important information you need to fix the issue. We have discussed the category, causes, and solutions of the problem in the table given below.
Category | Cause | Solutions |
Invoice Preferences | A custom template can cause issues | Checking and updating the invoice preferences |
Display Settings | Incompatible display settings | Changing Display Settings to adjust compatibility |
Adjusting View Preferences | Incorrect settings in the Desktop view options from the Preferences tab. | 920 X 1080 is the recommended preference |
Repairing QuickBooks Data File | Data file corruption in QuickBooks Desktop | Using the Verify Data Tool in QuickBooks |
This table contains all the necessary information you need regarding resolving the missing message issue at the top. You can also save this table for future reference.
Summing It Up!
These are the things that you need to know about the QuickBooks Desktop invoice missing message at the top of your screen. You need to understand the problem causing the missing message in your QuickBooks. You need to identify the causes of this issue and head to the most suitable solution. We have also curated a memory table for your reference. This will help you have an overview of the relevant details related to the issue in QuickBooks. You can also speak out to the experts by dialing the toll-free number mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the QuickBooks Desktop invoice missing message at the top issue?
The QuickBooks Desktop invoice missing message at the top indicates the absence of the required invoices in QuickBooks. This issue generally occurs when an invoice is missing. Data corruption and incompatible display settings can also cause this error to occur.
How to change invoice messages in QuickBooks Desktop?
If you want to change invoice messages in QBDT, you will need to create a new invoice template with the message you want to show. It is not possible for you to edit the existing template directly.
How do I find a missing invoice in QuickBooks?
If you want to fix display settings in QuickBooks, you need to disable the display scaling on the high DPI settings checkbox. You must also click on the Change high DPI settings, and then click on Override high DPI scaling and apply the changes.
How do I add a message to my QuickBooks invoice?
You can choose to customize the default email message or add a new one in the email invoice itself. You need to visit the Settings tab, choose Account and Settings, click on Sales, choose the Messages, and finally click on Edit the message under the relevant sales form.
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Edward Martin is a Technical Content Writer for our leading Accounting firm. He has over 10 years of experience in QuickBooks and Xero. He has also worked with Sage, FreshBooks, and many other software platforms. Edward’s passion for clarity, accuracy, and innovation is evident in his writing. He is well versed in how to simplify complex technical concepts and turn them into easy-to-understand content for our readers.