When QuickBooks prints checks in reverse order, your payroll and vendor payment workflows come to an unexpected halt. Instead of printing from lowest to highest check number, your printer outputs checks starting with the largest number, requiring you to manually reorder every single check before signing and distributing them . The impact on business operations is significant: payroll interruption, workflow disruption, check reconciliation errors, company file access issues, and potential payment delays to employees and vendors.
This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step solutions to resolve the QuickBooks checks printing in reverse order issue by adjusting both QuickBooks printer settings and your Windows printer preferences .
What Does "Print Checks in Reverse Order" Mean?
When we say QuickBooks prints checks in reverse order, it means that the printer outputs checks starting with the highest check number first and ending with the lowest number last, opposite to the order you selected in QuickBooks. This issue typically occurs due to a conflict between QuickBooks page order settings and your printer's default "reverse page order" preference .
When this issue appears:
When printing multiple checks in a batch from File > Print Forms > Checks
When printing paychecks through Employees > Payroll Center
After updating QuickBooks or changing printer drivers
When using a new printer or after Windows updates
When using pre-numbered checks where physical stack order doesn't match print order
Common error messages and symptoms users may see:
Checks print starting with the highest number, ending with the lowest
First check selected prints last, last selected prints first
Physical check stack order doesn't match printer feed direction
"Back to front" or "Front to back" page order settings reversed
This issue affects QuickBooks Desktop (Pro, Premier, Enterprise) and QuickBooks Online users across all recent versions . The problem signals printer driver conflicts, incorrect page order settings, or misconfigured printing preferences that prevent checks from printing sequentially .
Common Causes of Reverse Order Check Printing
Understanding the root cause of why QuickBooks prints checks backwards helps you apply the correct fix. Below are the most frequent triggers identified by Intuit support .
QuickBooks Page Order Set to "Back to Front"
Within QuickBooks Desktop, the Printer Setup window includes a Page order dropdown with two options: "Front to back" and "Back to front". When set to "Back to front", checks will print starting with the last check selected . This is the most common cause of reverse order printing .
Printer "Reverse Page Order" Setting Enabled
Many Windows printer drivers have a built-in Reverse Page Order or "Print from last page first" setting . This feature is designed to stack pages correctly for double-sided printing, but when enabled for check printing, it conflicts with QuickBooks' expected output order . You can resolve this by unchecking Reverse Page Order in your printer's advanced preferences .
Printer Driver Defaults After Update
After a Windows update or printer driver update, printer preferences may reset to factory defaults. If the default includes reverse order printing, your checks will print backwards until you manually adjust the settings .
Mismatch Between QuickBooks and Printer Settings
When QuickBooks is set to "Front to back" but your printer is set to "Reverse Page Order", or vice versa, the conflicting instructions cause unpredictable output . Both settings must be aligned for proper sequential printing .
Paper Feed Orientation
Some printers require you to place paper upside down in the feed tray. This physical configuration combined with software settings can create perceived reverse order printing. In some cases, the printer grabs the top paper but prints on the underside of that sheet, causing the stack order to reverse .
Outdated QuickBooks Version
Using an older version of QuickBooks may not fully support modern printer drivers, leading to communication errors that affect page order .
Common Symptoms of Reverse Order Check Printing
If you experience any of these symptoms, your check printing order is compromised.
Multi-user mode not working – Multiple users printing checks may experience different order outcomes
Company file inaccessible – Printing issues may indicate deeper QuickBooks or printer driver problems
Server communication failure – Network printers may have different default settings than local printers
Slow printing – Page order conflicts cause processing delays
Misaligned check numbers – Checks print but the numbers on pre-printed forms don't match the order
Frustrated staff – Employees must manually reorder checks before signing and distributing
How to Fix QuickBooks Print Checks in Reverse Order (Step-by-Step Solutions)
Follow these solutions in order. Most cases resolve by Solution One or Solution Two.
Solution One: Adjust Page Order in QuickBooks Printer Setup
The most direct fix for checks printing in reverse order in QuickBooks is to change the Page order setting within QuickBooks itself . This option is available in QuickBooks Desktop but not in QuickBooks Online .
Steps for QuickBooks Desktop:
Open QuickBooks Desktop
Go to File > Printer Setup
In the Form Name dropdown, select Check/Paycheck
Click the Options button
In the Page order dropdown, select Front to back (not Back to front)
Click OK to save the printer settings
Click OK to close the Printer Setup window
Print a test batch of checks to verify the order is correct
If you don't see Page order in the Options window:
The location of the Page order preference varies by printer. It may be found in the Advanced tab after selecting Options
Check your printer's manual or contact the manufacturer if you need help locating this setting
Note for QuickBooks Online Users:
The Page order setting is not available in QuickBooks Online. For QBO users, see Solution Two for Windows printer settings adjustments .
Solution Two: Disable Reverse Page Order in Windows Printer Preferences
If QuickBooks is set correctly but checks still print backwards, your Windows printer preferences likely have "Reverse Page Order" enabled .
Steps for Windows 10/11:
Click the Start button and type "Printers" into the search bar
Select Printers & Scanners from the results
Find your printer in the list and click on it
Click Printing preferences
Click the Advanced button (location may vary by printer manufacturer)
Look for Reverse Page Order or "Print from last page first"
Uncheck Reverse Page Order
Click OK to save changes
Click OK again to close Printing preferences
Print a test batch of checks from QuickBooks
For HP Printers (specific instructions):
Go to Settings > Printers & Scanners
Click on your HP printer
Click Printing preferences
Click Advanced
For printers without a visible Reverse Page Order option:
Check the Layout or Paper/Quality tabs for page order settings. Consult your printer's manual if needed .
Solution Three: Use the Sort By Feature in Print Checks Window
Before printing, you can sort checks in the desired order using the Sort By dropdown in the Print Checks window .
Steps:
Go to +New (or File > Print Forms > Checks)
Select the appropriate account and mark the checks you want to print
In the Sort by dropdown, choose how to sort the checks:
Once sorted, preview and print the checks normally
Solution Four: Manually Adjust Check Numbers After Printing
If the reverse order issue persists after trying other solutions, you can manually correct check numbers in the register . This method is less efficient but works when other fixes fail .
Steps:
Go to Expenses > Expenses (or Banking in some versions)
In the All transactions dropdown, select Check
Locate the first check that printed with the wrong number
Click View/Edit under the Action column
Modify the Check no. field to match the pre-printed check form number
Select Save and Close
Repeat for each incorrectly numbered check
Important: This method is time-consuming for large batches but ensures your records match the physical checks.
Solution Five: Check Paper Placement in Printer Tray
Physical paper orientation can create the perception of reverse order printing .
Steps:
Verify how checks are loaded in the printer tray:
Check if the smallest number should be on top or bottom
Check if checks need to be placed face-up or face-down
For printers that grab the top paper and print on the underside, the physical stack order may need to be reversed
Consult your printer manual for correct paper placement for check printing
Print a small test batch (3 checks) to verify the correct physical stacking order
Solution Six: Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause communication errors between QuickBooks and your printer .
Steps:
Identify your printer make and model
Visit the manufacturer's website (HP, Brother, Epson, Canon, etc.)
Download the latest driver for your specific printer model and Windows version
Install the driver following manufacturer instructions
Restart your computer
Print a test batch of checks
If you are still facing trouble, you may need to reinstall the printer driver completely .
Solution Seven: Set Printer as Default Device
Having the wrong printer set as default can cause check printing issues.
Steps:
Open Settings > Printers & Scanners
Locate the printer you use for checks
Click on it and select Set as default
Ensure no other printer is marked as default
Try printing checks again
Solution Eight: Update QuickBooks to Latest Release
Running an outdated version of QuickBooks may cause compatibility issues with modern printer drivers, affecting page order settings .
Steps:
Open QuickBooks Desktop
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop
Select the Update Now tab
Check Reset Update to clear corrupted update data
Click Get Updates
Wait for the download to complete
Close and restart QuickBooks
When prompted, accept the updates to install
After updating, check your printer settings (Solutions One and Two) as they may need to be reconfigured
Solution Nine: Run QuickBooks Print and PDF Repair Tool
If the qbprint.qbp file becomes corrupted, it can cause printing errors, including order issues .
Step One: Download and Install QuickBooks Tool Hub
Close QuickBooks Desktop completely
Download the latest version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit's official website
Save the file to your Downloads folder
Open the downloaded file (
QuickBooksToolHub.exe)Follow the on-screen installation instructions
Step Two: Run the Print and PDF Repair Tool
Open QuickBooks Tool Hub
Select the Program Problems tab
Click QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool
Wait about one minute for the tool to run
After completion, restart QuickBooks
Print a test batch of checks
Solution Ten: Repair QuickBooks Installation
If printer settings are correct but checks still print in reverse order, a damaged QuickBooks installation may be the cause .
Steps:
Close QuickBooks Desktop
Open Control Panel > Programs and Features
Locate QuickBooks Desktop in the list
Right-click and select Uninstall/Change
Select Repair (not Uninstall)
Follow the on-screen prompts
Restart your computer
After repair completes, reconfirm your printer settings (Solutions One and Two) and test
Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Check Printing Order Issues
Avoid future QuickBooks print checks backwards emergencies with these proactive measures .
Document your printer settings – Keep a record of correct Page order and Reverse Page Order settings
Test with plain paper first – Always print test batches on plain paper before loading pre-printed check stock
Keep printer drivers updated – Regularly check manufacturer websites for driver updates
Set QuickBooks Page order to Front to back – This should be your default setting
Uncheck Reverse Page Order in Windows – Ensure this setting remains disabled for your check-printing printer
Print small batches – Test order with 2-3 checks before printing large batches
Label paper trays – If multiple printers are used, clearly label which printer is configured for checks
Run Print & PDF Repair Tool periodically – Use QuickBooks Tool Hub for preventive maintenance
Train staff – Ensure all employees who print checks know how to verify page order settings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ One: Why does QuickBooks print checks from highest to lowest number?
QuickBooks prints checks from highest to lowest number when the Page order setting is set to "Back to front" or when your Windows printer has Reverse Page Order enabled . Change Page order to "Front to back" in QuickBooks Printer Setup (File > Printer Setup > Options) and ensure Reverse Page Order is unchecked in Windows printer preferences .
FAQ Two: How do I change the print order of checks in QuickBooks Desktop?
To change the print order in QuickBooks Desktop: go to File > Printer Setup, select Check/Paycheck from the Form Name dropdown, click Options, and in the Page order dropdown choose Front to back. Click OK twice to save . This will print checks starting with the lowest number first. If this does not resolve the issue, check your Windows printer preferences for Reverse Page Order (Solution Two).
FAQ Three: Does QuickBooks Online have a Page order setting?
No, QuickBooks Online does not have a Page order setting . To fix reverse order printing in QBO, you must adjust your Windows printer preferences. Go to Settings > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, click Printing preferences, find Advanced settings, and uncheck Reverse Page Order . If you need immediate assistance with check printing in QBO, call 1-855-309-1993.
FAQ Four: Why do my checks print backwards even after setting Front to back in QuickBooks?
If QuickBooks is set to "Front to back" but checks still print backwards, your Windows printer likely has Reverse Page Order enabled. Go to Settings > Printers & Scanners, click your printer, select Printing preferences, click Advanced, and uncheck Reverse Page Order . The conflict between the two settings causes unpredictable output—both must be aligned.
FAQ Five: Can a printer driver update cause check printing order issues?
Yes, printer driver updates can reset your preferences to factory defaults, potentially enabling Reverse Page Order . Always test a small batch on plain paper after updating printer drivers . If checks print backwards after a driver update, follow Solution Two to disable Reverse Page Order in Windows printer preferences.
FAQ Six: How do I sort checks before printing in QuickBooks Online?
In QuickBooks Online, before printing checks, use the Sort by dropdown in the Print Checks window. You can sort by Payee, Order created, Date then Payee, or Date then Order created to arrange checks in your preferred sequence before printing .
FAQ Seven: What should I do if my checks are printing in the wrong order after a Windows 11 update?
Windows updates can reset printer preferences. First, verify QuickBooks Page order is set to "Front to back" (Solution One). Then, go to Windows Settings > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, click Printing preferences, look for Advanced settings, and uncheck Reverse Page Order . If the issue persists, reinstall your printer driver from the manufacturer's website. If you continue to experience problems, call 1-855-309-1993 for expert assistance .
When Should You Seek Assistance?
While the solutions above resolve most reverse order printing issues, certain scenarios require advanced assistance.
Seek help when:
Persistent order issues – After completing all ten solutions, checks still print backwards
Printer driver conflicts – You cannot locate Reverse Page Order in your printer preferences
Multiple printers affected – The issue occurs on all printers in your office
Network printer problems – The printer is shared across a network and settings cannot be modified
Clean installation fails – QuickBooks will not reinstall correctly
Outdated hardware – Your printer does not support modern driver updates
To contact QuickBooks Support:
Open QuickBooks Desktop
Go to Help > Contact Us
Describe your issue as "Checks printing in reverse order – page order problem"
Call 1-855-309-1993 for direct expert support
If you are still facing trouble, you may need to consult your printer's manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance with locating the Reverse Page Order setting in your specific printer model .
Final Thoughts
QuickBooks print checks in reverse order is a frustrating issue that can disrupt payroll processing and vendor payments, requiring staff to manually reorder every batch of checks before signing and distributing. Whether your checks print from highest to lowest number or the first check selected prints last, the workflow impact is immediate and time-consuming.
The importance of fixing check print order quickly cannot be overstated. Payroll delays, incorrect check numbers in your register, and frustrated staff are just the beginning. Accurate check printing is essential for maintaining clean financial records and ensuring timely employee and vendor payments.
Common fixes—setting Page order to "Front to back" in QuickBooks Printer Setup, disabling Reverse Page Order in Windows printer preferences, using the Sort By feature, updating printer drivers, setting the correct default printer, updating QuickBooks, running the Print & PDF Repair Tool, and repairing the QuickBooks installation—resolve most reverse order printing issues within 15 minutes.
If you have worked through all solutions without success, deeper issues may exist. Corrupted printer drivers, network printer configuration problems, or damaged QuickBSD files may require professional intervention. This is not a reflection of your technical ability—printer-driver-software conflicts are complex, and QuickBooks Support has specialized tools to diagnose and resolve persistent printing issues.
Do not let reverse order check printing disrupt your payroll. Set QuickBooks Page order to Front to back first, then check Windows printer preferences for Reverse Page Order. If problems persist, call 1-855-309-1993 for expert assistance. Your employees and vendors depend on timely, accurate payments – fix your check printing order today.
