# Resolving the QuickBooks Payroll Update Not Working With Guided Solutions

Having trouble with QuickBooks payroll updates? You're not alone. Many users report that "Get Payroll Updates" either fails, completes without changing the tax table, or throws an error. Here's a breakdown of common causes and how to resolve them.
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## Why Payroll Updates Fail
**1. Inactive or Expired Payroll Subscription**
* If your QuickBooks payroll subscription is inactive, updates may not work.
* Check under Employees → My Payroll Service → Account/Billing Information to ensure your service is active.

**2. Internet Issues**
* A poor or unstable internet connection can interrupt the update process.
* Confirm your network is reliable before running payroll updates.

**3. QuickBooks Version Outdated**
* If you're using an older version of QuickBooks Desktop, it may not be compatible with the latest payroll tax table updates.
* Updating QuickBooks itself can resolve this.

**4. Security Software Blocking Updates**

* Firewalls or antivirus programs can block QuickBooks from downloading payroll updates.
* Temporarily disable or whitelist QuickBooks in your security software to let updates through.

**5. Corrupted Payroll Data / CPS Folder**

* Sometimes the CPS (Component Payroll Server) folder or other internal files are corrupted, which prevents updates from installing properly.
* Rebuilding or renaming the CPS folder can help.

**6. User Permission Issues**

* Lack of admin rights may prevent updates. Running QuickBooks as administrator often helps.
* Also, check your system date and time — if it's incorrect, updates may fail.

**7. Backed-Up or Old Company File**

* For specific error codes like PS032, users have resolved the issue by restoring a backup made after a payroll update but before the problem began.
* After updating in the backup, close it and reopen your active company file, then reattempt the payroll update.

**8. Stuck Paychecks / Usage Data Not Sent**

* If there are paychecks marked “Online to Send” or usage data hasn't been sent, payroll updates may not apply correctly.
* To fix this: Employees → My Payroll Service → Send Payroll Data → Send All.

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## Step-by-Step Solutions
Here are actionable steps to troubleshoot and fix payroll update issues in QuickBooks:

**1. Verify Payroll Subscription**

* Go to Employees → My Payroll Service → Account/Billing Information. Ensure your payroll service is Active.
* If inactive, renew or reactivate your subscription.

**2. Run QuickBooks as Administrator**

* Right-click your QuickBooks shortcut → Run as Administrator.
* This ensures QuickBooks has the necessary permission to download and install updates.

**3. Reset and Download Payroll Update**
* Go to Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop → Update Now.
* Select Reset Update, then Get Updates.
* When you get to payroll, navigate to Employees → Get Payroll Updates; check Download Entire Update before downloading.

**4. Send Payroll Usage Data**
* In QuickBooks: Employees → My Payroll Service → Send Payroll Data → Send All.
* This helps Intuit register your latest payroll info and can resolve stuck updates.

**5. Repair Company File (Verify / Rebuild)**

* File → Utilities → Verify Data. If issues are found, then Rebuild Data.
* Always take a backup before running rebuild.

**6. Temporarily Disable Firewall / Antivirus**
* Disable security software just for the duration of the update.
* If update succeeds, re-enable your protection immediately.

**7. Rename or Rebuild CPS Folder**
* Close QuickBooks. Navigate to the CPS folder (under QuickBooks installation) and rename it (for example, CPSOLD).
* Open QuickBooks → Get Payroll Updates again. It will create a fresh CPS folder and hopefully resolve the error.

**8. Restore from Backup (If Required)**
* If specific errors occur (like PS032), restore a backup saved after a working payroll update.
* After restoring, do Get Payroll Updates in the backup company file, then switch back.

**9. Check System Date/Time**

* Make sure your computer’s date and time are correct, as mismatches can interfere with secure download processes.

**10. Contact QuickBooks Support**
* If none of the above works, escalate to **QuickBooks Payroll Support [phone]**. They can do a screen share, verify your service key, and help fix deeper issues.

## Common Error Codes & Their Fixes

* PS032: Trouble installing payroll update. Often solved by restoring a backup, running updates in that copy, then going back to the original file.
* PS033: QuickBooks can't access your CPS folder — rename or rebuild the folder.
* Error 15270 / 15271: These typically arise when updating payroll; reasons include incomplete downloads, lack of admin rights, or corrupted installation files.

## Best Practices to Prevent Future Issues
* Enable automatic updates for QuickBooks Desktop so you don’t miss payroll tax table updates.
* Regularly backup your company file, preferably before running major updates.
* Maintain a stable internet connection when downloading updates.
* Periodically check your payroll subscription status to ensure it's active.
* Use QuickBooks tools like Verify / Rebuild Data routinely to catch corrupt data early.

## Conclusion
Payroll update issues in QuickBooks can be very frustrating, especially when they affect your ability to run payroll accurately. However, most of these problems stem from common causes — inactive subscription, internet/network problems, security software interference, or corrupted data. Using the troubleshooting steps above, many users successfully fix payroll update failures.

If you've tried all the fixes and still face problems, it's a good idea to reach out to **QuickBooks Payroll Support [phone]**. They have the tools to dive deeper, check your account, and guide you through more advanced fixes.