How to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031?

QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031 is a common update-related issue, particularly when attempting to update QuickBooks or its payroll services. This error typically arises due to connectivity problems, such as network timeouts, firewall restrictions, or incorrect SSL settings. Essentially, QuickBooks is unable to communicate with the Intuit server, stopping updates for payroll, maintenance releases, or new features.

Before fixing this error 12031, it’s important to ensure a stable internet connection and verify firewall settings to avoid blocking QuickBooks updates. Early signs of the issue may include difficulties in connecting to the internet or a delay in processing QuickBooks updates, which should prompt users to check the basic network and system configurations before proceeding with more advanced troubleshooting steps.  Here are 13 Solutions to fix QuickBooks Error 12031 quickly and effectively. 

Method 1: Check Your Internet Connectivity

QuickBooks requires a stable internet connection to download updates. Here’s how to ensure your connection is set up correctly:

1. In QuickBooks, go to the Help menu and choose Internet Connection Setup.
2. Select the radio button for Use My Computer’s Internet Connection Settings.
3. Click Next, then Done.

Try updating QuickBooks again and see if the QuickBooks Error 12031is resolved.

Method 2: Repair QuickBooks Payroll Service

Follow these steps to repair it if the error occurs when updating QuickBooks payroll.

1. Open Internet Connection Setup and choose Internet Properties.
2. Go to the Advanced tab and ensure the advanced settings match.
3. Click Apply, then OK to close the window.

Now, restart QuickBooks and try updating the payroll service again.

Method 3: Allow QuickBooks Through the Firewall

Refer to these steps if your firewall is blocking QuickBooks:

1. Click the Start button and type Firewall in the search box.
2. Select Windows Firewall and click Allow a Program or Feature Through Windows Firewall.
3. Click Change Settings, then check the box next to QuickBooks to allow it through the firewall.

Try updating QuickBooks again. In case the QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031 persists, move to the next solution.

Method 4: Configure Internet Explorer Settings for QuickBooks

Sometimes, misconfigured settings in Internet Explorer can cause this error. Here’s how to correct them:

1. Close QuickBooks and open Internet Explorer.
2. Go to Internet Options in the Tools menu, then select the Security tab.
3. Make sure the Content Advisor is disabled. In case it’s enabled, disable it by entering the password and clicking OK.
4. In the Connections tab, select Never Dial a Connection (In case dial-up isn’t used).
5. Click OK, then go to LAN Settings and ensure Automatically Detect Settings is checked.
6. Uncheck Use a Proxy Server in case it’s selected, and make sure Use TLS 1.0 is checked while Use TLS 1.1 and Use TLS 1.2 are unchecked.
7. Click OK and restart both Internet Explorer and QuickBooks.

Now, try updating QuickBooks again.

Method 5: Update QuickBooks in Safe Mode

To prevent third-party software from interfering with the update, try downloading QuickBooks in Safe Mode:

• Close QuickBooks.
• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run window.
• Type “MSCONFIG” in the search bar and click OK.
• The Windows System Configuration window will appear.
• Click on the Boot tab.
• Select Boot Options and check Safe Boot.
• Click Apply, then OK.
• Restart your device to enter Safe Mode.
• Update QuickBooks Payroll.
• Once the update finishes, return to the Boot tab and uncheck Safe Boot.

Method 6: Update QuickBooks

Try updating QuickBooks directly if you’re still facing the issue,

1. In QuickBooks, go to the Help menu and select Update QuickBooks.

2. Follow the prompts to complete the update process.

Method 7: Terminate Third-Party Apps

Some third-party applications may be interfering with the QuickBooks update. To stop them:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. In the Processes tab, locate any third-party apps causing issues.
3. Right-click the app and choose End Task.
4. Restart your computer.

Method 8: Update Your Windows Operating System

Sometimes, outdated Windows systems can cause update issues. To check for updates:

1. Press the Windows key and type Windows Update in the search bar.
2. Click Check for Updates, then download and install any available updates.

Once updates are installed, restart your computer and try updating QuickBooks again.

Method 9: Run the System File Checker Tool

In case system files are corrupted, they may cause update issues. To run the System File Checker tool:

1. Open the Windows Start menu and select Settings.
2. Click on Windows Update and choose Check for Updates.
3. Install any available updates and restart your PC.
4. Type ‘command prompt’ in the search bar, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
5. Click Yes to grant permission.
6. In the Command Prompt window, type: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
7. Once the process completes, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
8. Wait for the scan to finish and the message “Verification 100% complete” to appear.
9. Type Exit and press Enter to close the window.

Method 10: Use the Clean Install Tool

Consider reinstalling it using the Clean Install Tool if QuickBooks isn’t working after trying the solutions above. 

1. Open the Installation Issues tab in the QuickBooks Tool Hub and click on Clean Install Tool.
2. Reinstall QuickBooks and activate it from the Help menu.
3. After reinstalling, try updating QuickBooks again.

Method 11: Ensure QuickBooks Syncs With Your System’s Network

QuickBooks must be on the same network as your system. To ensure it syncs correctly:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to the Help menu.
2. Click on Internet Connection Setup.
3. Select Use my computer’s Internet connection settings and click Next, then Done.

Method 12: Install a Fresh Digital Signature Certificate

An outdated or unverified digital signature certificate can cause update issues. To resolve this:

• Open the C Drive on your PC and navigate  to Program Files \ Intuit \ QuickBooks folder.
• Right-click on the QBW32.EXE file, then select Properties and go to the Digital Signature tab.
• Ensure “Intuit” appears in the signature list. Click Details to open the Digital Signature Certificate window.
• Select View Certificate, then click Install Certificate.
• Continue by clicking Next until the Finish button appears, then click Finish.
• Restart your PC.
• Try updating QuickBooks and payroll again.

Method 13: Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub

Use the QuickBooks Tool Hub if QuickBooks is still not updating.

1. Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub, go to the Program Problems section, and run the Quick Fix My Program tool.
2. Use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool to fix installation issues if the issue persists.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031?

Before you begin troubleshooting QuickBooks Error Code 12031, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• A stable and active internet connection.
• Proper firewall settings that allow QuickBooks to connect through the firewall.
• Correct system date and time settings.
• Internet Explorer is the default browser for QuickBooks updates.
• Properly configured SSL settings for secure communication with Intuit’s servers.
• Run QuickBooks as an administrator to avoid permission-related issues during updates.

How to Identify QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031?

You might notice the following signs that will help you identify this QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031:

• You will encounter this error when updating payroll.
• Delays or failures when downloading new payroll updates or QuickBooks features.
• Poor internet connectivity or firewall issues that prevent QuickBooks from reaching the Intuit server.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 12031?

To avoid encountering QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031 in the future, follow these tips:

• Regularly update QuickBooks to ensure you have the latest patches.
• Set up your network correctly so QuickBooks can communicate with Intuit’s servers.
• Update firewall settings to allow QuickBooks access.
• Keep Internet Explorer configured as the default browser for QuickBooks updates.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031?

It might be time to seek professional help if you’ve tried all the suggested solutions and QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031 persists. At Dancing Numbers, we understand how frustrating these technical issues can be, especially when they impact your business operations.