# [phone]Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031

QuickBooks is one of the most powerful and widely used accounting software tools in the United States, designed to help businesses manage their finances with ease. However, like all software, it isn’t immune to errors. One of the more common errors that users face while updating payroll is QuickBooks Error 12031.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding, troubleshooting, and fixing QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031. If you are in a hurry or want professional help, call QuickBooks Support at [phone] for immediate assistance.

🚨 What Is QuickBooks Error 12031?
QuickBooks Error 12031 typically occurs when users attempt to update QuickBooks or the payroll service, and the program is unable to access the internet due to incorrect configuration or network timeouts.

❗ Error Message:
QuickBooks Error 12031: A network timeout that is preventing QuickBooks from accessing the server.🤔 Causes of QuickBooks Error 12031

To effectively troubleshoot the problem, it’s crucial to understand why the error is happening. Below are the common causes:

Incorrect Internet Explorer settings
Firewall or security software blocking QuickBooks
Network timeout while updating payroll
SSL settings are disabled
Internet connection instability
Misconfigured Internet options
Incorrect Date/Time settings on the system
✅ Symptoms of QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031
Here are some signs that indicate you’re encountering Error 12031:

Payroll updates stop midway.
QuickBooks freezes or crashes during update.
Error message 12031 appears on screen.
Internet disconnects while updating.
QuickBooks lags or slows down considerably.
📞 Need Help? Contact QuickBooks Experts at [phone]
If you’re not tech-savvy or just want to save time, call QuickBooks Support at [phone]. Our experts can help you fix the issue remotely, safely, and quickly.

🔧 How to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031 — Step-by-Step
Below are tried and tested methods to resolve QuickBooks Error 12031:

🔹 Solution 1: Configure Internet Explorer Correctly
QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer to access the internet. Incorrect settings here can cause network-related errors.

Steps:
Open Internet Explorer.
Go to Tools > Internet Options.
Under the Security tab
Set security level to Medium-High.
Click the Connections tab:
Click on LAN Settings.
Ensure Automatically detect settings is checked.
Make sure Proxy server is unchecked (unless required).
Under the Advanced tab:
Scroll down and ensure SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 are checked.
Uncheck Check for publisher’s certificate revocation.
Click Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer and QuickBooks.
🔹 Solution 2: Check Internet Connection
A weak or unstable internet connection can trigger Error 12031.

Steps:
Open any website (e.g., google.com) on your browser.
If it doesn’t load, reset your router or contact your ISP.
Ensure QuickBooks is not blocked by your antivirus/firewall.
🔹 Solution 3: Update QuickBooks Software
Using an outdated version can cause compatibility issues.

Steps:
Open QuickBooks.
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Click Update Now.
Select Reset Updates, then click Get Updates.
Once updates complete, restart QuickBooks.
🔹 Solution 4: Manually Set Firewall Permissions
Sometimes the Windows firewall or third-party antivirus blocks QuickBooks.

Steps:
Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall.
Click on Allow an app through firewall.
Find and ensure QuickBooks and QBW32.exe are allowed through.
If not listed, click Allow another app and add them manually.
Restart your system.
💡 Need help with firewall settings? Call our experts at [phone] for guided support.

🔹 Solution 5: Configure SSL Settings

Incorrect SSL settings often trigger network errors.

Steps:
Open Internet Explorer.
Go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced.
Scroll to the Security section.
Make sure SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0 are both checked.
Click Apply, then OK.
Restart QuickBooks and try updating again.
🔹 Solution 6: Run QuickBooks as Administrator
Running QuickBooks with admin privileges helps it access restricted system areas.

Steps:
Close QuickBooks.
Right-click the QuickBooks icon on your desktop.
Select Run as Administrator.
Attempt the payroll update again.
🔹 Solution 7: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub
QuickBooks Tool Hub is an official utility from Intuit designed to fix common issues.

Steps:
Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit’s official site.
Install and open the tool.
Go to the Program Problems tab.
Click on Quick Fix my Program.
After the scan completes, open QuickBooks and try updating payroll.
🔹 Solution 8: Verify Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date/time settings can interrupt secure connections.

Steps:
Right-click the time in the bottom right corner.
Choose Adjust Date/Time.
Make sure Set time automatically is enabled.
Ensure the time zone is correct.
Restart QuickBooks.
🛠 Advanced Fix: Reset QuickBooks Update
Sometimes, internal update files get corrupted and need to be reset.

Steps:
Open QuickBooks.
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Click the Update Now tab.
Check the box for Reset Update.
Click Get Updates.
After updating, restart QuickBooks.
🧪 Bonus Tips for Avoiding QuickBooks Error 12031
Always use a stable internet connection.
Avoid using third-party firewalls that block ports.
Update Windows and QuickBooks regularly.
Set QuickBooks to auto-run with administrator privileges.
Schedule payroll updates during off-peak hours.
💬 Still Facing the Issue? Call QuickBooks Payroll Support [phone]
If none of the above solutions work or if you’re unsure about performing technical fixes, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Thousands of business owners face similar issues every day. Instead of spending hours troubleshooting, simply call our QuickBooks Support team at [phone].

Our certified technicians are available to:

Diagnose the error remotely
Fix Error 12031 within minutes
Configure your firewall and settings
Ensure future updates run smoothly
Secure your data during the entire process
🛡 Why Call QuickBooks Support at [phone]?
Here’s why thousands of customers trust our support:

✔ 24/7 availability
✔ Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors
✔ 100% safe and secure assistance
✔ Free diagnosis
✔ Affordable and quick resolutions
✔ Step-by-step explanations if you want to fix it yourself

📘 Real Customer Case Study
Client: Maria, Small Business Owner from Dallas, TX
Problem: Payroll update failure and Error 12031
Solution: Our technician identified that a VPN was interrupting the update process. After proper
configuration, payroll updates worked perfectly
“I was stuck with Error 12031 for 3 days. The team at [phone] fixed it in less than 30 minutes. Highly recommended!” — Maria G

🧾 Conclusion
QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 12031 can be frustrating, especially during critical accounting tasks. Thankfully, the issue is fixable with a combination of proper internet settings, firewall permissions, and software updates. However, if you’re short on time or the technical steps seem overwhelming, help is just a call away.