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QuickBooks Payroll not updating is a common issue that can throw off your entire accounting workflow. Whether you're facing an error code or the update simply won’t install, this problem needs quick attention. Let’s cut through the noise and walk through how to fix it—fast.
What Causes Payroll Update Errors in QuickBooks?
Before you fix it, it helps to understand what’s going wrong. Common causes include:
Internet connection issues
Outdated QuickBooks version
Incorrect system date/time
Firewall or antivirus blocking connection
Damaged QuickBooks installation
Corrupt or missing payroll files
Step-by-Step Fix: QuickBooks Payroll Not Updating
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Payroll updates require a stable internet connection. Test your browser to confirm you're online.
Open a browser and visit a website.
If it doesn’t load, reset your router or switch networks.
QuickBooks needs Internet Explorer settings, even if you don’t use it. Make sure it's set up correctly.
Step 2: Verify Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date and time settings can cause certificate issues during payroll updates.
Right-click the system clock.
Click Adjust date/time.
Enable Set time automatically.
Click Sync now under "Synchronize your clock".
Step 3: Update QuickBooks Desktop
You must run the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop to download payroll updates.
Open QuickBooks.
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Click the Update Now tab.
Select Reset Update, then click Get Updates.
Restart QuickBooks after the update finishes.
Step 4: Download the Latest Payroll Tax Table
Once QuickBooks itself is updated, update your payroll tax table:
Go to Employees > Get Payroll Updates.
Check the box next to Download entire payroll update.
Click Download Latest Update.
Wait for the message: “You have successfully downloaded the payroll update.”
Note: A current QuickBooks Payroll subscription is required. If your subscription expired, renew it first.
Step 5: Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus
Security software might be blocking QuickBooks from reaching Intuit’s servers.
Disable antivirus and firewall temporarily.
Try downloading the payroll update again.
If it works, whitelist QuickBooks ports and files:
Ports: 80, 443, 55368–55372
Files: QBW32.exe, qbupdate.exe, QBDBMgrN.exe
Step 6: Run QuickBooks Tool Hub
If none of the above work, use the free QuickBooks Tool Hub to repair the program.
Download Tool Hub from the official Intuit site.
Install and open it.
Click Program Problems > Quick Fix my Program.
Wait for the tool to finish running.
Reopen QuickBooks and try the payroll update again.
Step 7: Repair QuickBooks Desktop
Corrupt installation files can cause persistent update issues.
Close QuickBooks.
Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Select QuickBooks, then click Uninstall/Change.
Click Repair, then Next.
Restart your computer once the repair is complete.
Caution: If repair fails, you may need to uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks entirely using a clean install.
QuickBooks Payroll Not Updating: Common Error Codes and Fixes
Here’s how to handle specific payroll update errors:
Error Code Meaning Fix
PS038 Stuck paycheck in "Online to Send" Go to Employees > Send Payroll Data, send all. If stuck, delete pending paychecks.
PS107 / PS036 Outdated files or invalid subscription Update QuickBooks and verify payroll subscription status.
12007 / 12002 Network timeout or misconfiguration Check browser settings, firewall, and SSL settings.
PS077 Damaged tax table files Delete and redownload tax table via Get Payroll Updates.
Q & A: Fixing QuickBooks Payroll Update Issues
Q1: Why does my QuickBooks Payroll update keep failing even though my internet works fine?
A: Even if your internet works in browsers, QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer settings to connect. Make sure IE is not set to offline mode, SSL protocols are enabled, and no proxy settings are interfering.
Q2: Do I need a payroll subscription to update tax tables?
A: Yes. QuickBooks Payroll updates (tax tables and compliance data) are subscription-based. If your payroll subscription has lapsed, updates will fail. You can check your subscription status in Employees > My Payroll Service > Account/Billing Information.
Q3: Can antivirus software really block payroll updates?
A: Absolutely. Firewalls or security suites often block certain ports or QuickBooks background services. Try disabling antivirus briefly or adding QuickBooks to the allowlist.
Q4: What do I do if the update says "Stuck paycheck in online to send"?
A: This is usually Error PS038. To fix:
Go to Employees > Send Payroll Data.
If any paychecks are stuck, send them or delete them from the "to-send" queue.
Try updating again.
Q5: Should I uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks if payroll won’t update?
A: Only as a last resort. Try updating QuickBooks, verifying your subscription, using Tool Hub, and repairing the installation first. If those fail, a clean reinstall can clear corrupted files.
Q6: How often should I check for payroll updates?
A: You should download payroll updates every time you run payroll. Tax tables change frequently due to state/federal law changes. Not updating can lead to incorrect tax calculations.
Final Tips to Prevent Payroll Update Problems
Always update QuickBooks before updating payroll.
Keep your Windows OS up to date.
Use a wired connection when possible for reliability.
Set QuickBooks as an exception in your firewall and antivirus.
Back up your company file before applying major updates.
Summary
When QuickBooks Payroll won’t update, don’t panic. Most problems trace back to connectivity, version issues, or minor system conflicts. Stick to the steps:
Confirm your internet and system time.
Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Check your payroll subscription.
Download the latest tax tables.
Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub if needed.
Repair or reinstall QuickBooks as a last resort.
Taking a structured approach will save time, avoid data loss, and get payroll back on track.
What Causes Payroll Update Errors in QuickBooks?
Before you fix it, it helps to understand what’s going wrong. Common causes include:
Internet connection issues
Outdated QuickBooks version
Incorrect system date/time
Firewall or antivirus blocking connection
Damaged QuickBooks installation
Corrupt or missing payroll files
Step-by-Step Fix: QuickBooks Payroll Not Updating
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Payroll updates require a stable internet connection. Test your browser to confirm you're online.
Open a browser and visit a website.
If it doesn’t load, reset your router or switch networks.
QuickBooks needs Internet Explorer settings, even if you don’t use it. Make sure it's set up correctly.
Step 2: Verify Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date and time settings can cause certificate issues during payroll updates.
Right-click the system clock.
Click Adjust date/time.
Enable Set time automatically.
Click Sync now under "Synchronize your clock".
Step 3: Update QuickBooks Desktop
You must run the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop to download payroll updates.
Open QuickBooks.
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Click the Update Now tab.
Select Reset Update, then click Get Updates.
Restart QuickBooks after the update finishes.
Step 4: Download the Latest Payroll Tax Table
Once QuickBooks itself is updated, update your payroll tax table:
Go to Employees > Get Payroll Updates.
Check the box next to Download entire payroll update.
Click Download Latest Update.
Wait for the message: “You have successfully downloaded the payroll update.”
Note: A current QuickBooks Payroll subscription is required. If your subscription expired, renew it first.
Step 5: Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus
Security software might be blocking QuickBooks from reaching Intuit’s servers.
Disable antivirus and firewall temporarily.
Try downloading the payroll update again.
If it works, whitelist QuickBooks ports and files:
Ports: 80, 443, 55368–55372
Files: QBW32.exe, qbupdate.exe, QBDBMgrN.exe
Step 6: Run QuickBooks Tool Hub
If none of the above work, use the free QuickBooks Tool Hub to repair the program.
Download Tool Hub from the official Intuit site.
Install and open it.
Click Program Problems > Quick Fix my Program.
Wait for the tool to finish running.
Reopen QuickBooks and try the payroll update again.
Step 7: Repair QuickBooks Desktop
Corrupt installation files can cause persistent update issues.
Close QuickBooks.
Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Select QuickBooks, then click Uninstall/Change.
Click Repair, then Next.
Restart your computer once the repair is complete.
Caution: If repair fails, you may need to uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks entirely using a clean install.
QuickBooks Payroll Not Updating: Common Error Codes and Fixes
Here’s how to handle specific payroll update errors:
Error Code Meaning Fix
PS038 Stuck paycheck in "Online to Send" Go to Employees > Send Payroll Data, send all. If stuck, delete pending paychecks.
PS107 / PS036 Outdated files or invalid subscription Update QuickBooks and verify payroll subscription status.
12007 / 12002 Network timeout or misconfiguration Check browser settings, firewall, and SSL settings.
PS077 Damaged tax table files Delete and redownload tax table via Get Payroll Updates.
Q & A: Fixing QuickBooks Payroll Update Issues
Q1: Why does my QuickBooks Payroll update keep failing even though my internet works fine?
A: Even if your internet works in browsers, QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer settings to connect. Make sure IE is not set to offline mode, SSL protocols are enabled, and no proxy settings are interfering.
Q2: Do I need a payroll subscription to update tax tables?
A: Yes. QuickBooks Payroll updates (tax tables and compliance data) are subscription-based. If your payroll subscription has lapsed, updates will fail. You can check your subscription status in Employees > My Payroll Service > Account/Billing Information.
Q3: Can antivirus software really block payroll updates?
A: Absolutely. Firewalls or security suites often block certain ports or QuickBooks background services. Try disabling antivirus briefly or adding QuickBooks to the allowlist.
Q4: What do I do if the update says "Stuck paycheck in online to send"?
A: This is usually Error PS038. To fix:
Go to Employees > Send Payroll Data.
If any paychecks are stuck, send them or delete them from the "to-send" queue.
Try updating again.
Q5: Should I uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks if payroll won’t update?
A: Only as a last resort. Try updating QuickBooks, verifying your subscription, using Tool Hub, and repairing the installation first. If those fail, a clean reinstall can clear corrupted files.
Q6: How often should I check for payroll updates?
A: You should download payroll updates every time you run payroll. Tax tables change frequently due to state/federal law changes. Not updating can lead to incorrect tax calculations.
Final Tips to Prevent Payroll Update Problems
Always update QuickBooks before updating payroll.
Keep your Windows OS up to date.
Use a wired connection when possible for reliability.
Set QuickBooks as an exception in your firewall and antivirus.
Back up your company file before applying major updates.
Summary
When QuickBooks Payroll won’t update, don’t panic. Most problems trace back to connectivity, version issues, or minor system conflicts. Stick to the steps:
Confirm your internet and system time.
Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Check your payroll subscription.
Download the latest tax tables.
Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub if needed.
Repair or reinstall QuickBooks as a last resort.
Taking a structured approach will save time, avoid data loss, and get payroll back on track.
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