If your QuickBooks payroll update is not working, start by ensuring your internet connection is stable and that you’re running the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop. Next, check for and resolve any potential conflicts with your firewall or antivirus software, and try restarting your computer. If issues persist, consider using the QuickBooks Tool Hub to troubleshoot or manually downloading the updates.
QuickBooks may not be updating due to a variety of reasons, including internet connection issues, outdated software, incorrect system settings, or conflicting programs. To resolve this, first, ensure a stable internet connection and that QuickBooks payroll and your operating system are updated. Then, verify your system’s date and time settings and consider running QuickBooks as an administrator. If the problem persists, you may need to reinstall QuickBooks using a clean install tool.
“QuickBooks payroll update not working” issue can be frustrating, especially when QuickBooks Payroll won’t update despite repeated efforts. QuickBooks Desktop, widely recognized for streamlining daily accounting tasks, includes the vital Payroll feature, crucial for managing employee finances and tax details. Yet, this beneficial tool isn’t immune to problems, with many users reporting challenges in updating payroll. Often, this is attributed to corrupted installation files. In this article, we provide an in-depth exploration of this common issue, offering effective, step-by-step solutions to get your QuickBooks Payroll updating smoothly again.
If QuickBooks Payroll Update is not working, it’s usually due to internet issues, incorrect settings, or corrupted files. Here’s a complete troubleshooting guide to fix the problem:
Step-by-Step: Fix Payroll Update Not Working in QuickBooks
1. Check QuickBooks Payroll Subscription
Make sure your payroll service is active:
- Open QuickBooks.
- Go to
Employees>My Payroll Service>Account/Billing Information. - Sign in with your Intuit account and verify the subscription status.
If expired, you must renew it to receive updates.
2. Ensure Proper Internet Connection
- Test by visiting a secure website (e.g., https://www.intuit.com).
- In QuickBooks:
- Go to
Help>Internet Connection Setup. - Select “Use my computer’s internet connection settings to establish a connection.”
- Click Next > Done.
- Go to
3. Download Payroll Updates Manually
- Go to
Employees>Get Payroll Updates. - Check the box: Download Entire Update.
- Click Download Latest Update.
- Wait for the message: “A new tax table has been installed on your computer.”
If this fails, continue to the next steps.
4. Check System Date and Time
Incorrect system time can cause update failures:
- Right-click your computer clock > Adjust Date/Time.
- Make sure it’s correct and synced with internet time.
5. Update QuickBooks Desktop First
- Go to
Help>Update QuickBooks Desktop. - On the
Update Nowtab, check Reset Update. - Click Get Updates.
- Restart QuickBooks after the update completes.
6. Run Quick Fix with QuickBooks Tool Hub
Step A: Download Tool Hub
- Download QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Install and open it.
Step B: Run Quick Fix
- In Tool Hub, go to
Program Problems. - Click Quick Fix my Program.
- Once done, try updating payroll again.
7. Check Firewall & Antivirus Settings
Firewall may block payroll updates. Add these exceptions:
QBW32.exeIntuitUpdateService.exePayrollsetup.exe
To allow through firewall:
- Open Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app through Firewall > Add above programs.
8. Rename CPS Folder (if tax table is corrupted)
This folder stores payroll updates.
- Close QuickBooks.
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks <version>\Components\Payroll\CPS - Rename folder to CPSOLD.
- Reopen QuickBooks and download payroll update again.
9. Verify and Rebuild Data
Corruption in company file can affect payroll.
- Go to
File>Utilities>Verify Data. - If issues are found, go to
File>Utilities>Rebuild Data.
After Fixing:
Try downloading the payroll update again:
- Go to
Employees>Get Payroll Updates> Download.
The “QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Update Not Working” error occurs when the software cannot download or apply the latest payroll tax table updates. This can disrupt payroll processing, tax calculations, or e-filing. Common causes include outdated QuickBooks Payroll versions, expired or inactive payroll subscriptions, damaged tax table files, incorrect system date/time, or interference from firewalls and antivirus software. Error codes like PS077, PS032, PS107, 15240, or various 12000-series errors indicate connection or file corruption issues.
To fix this error, update QuickBooks Desktop and confirm the payroll subscription is active. Download the latest payroll tax tables from the Employees > Get Payroll Updates menu. Ensure the software is registered and the system date/time is correct. Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub to address file or program issues and adjust firewall settings to allow QuickBooks connections. To prevent future errors, keep the subscription active, update software and tax tables regularly, use a stable internet connection, and avoid running multiple QuickBooks versions on the same system. 11 methods are mentioned below to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Update Not Working.