Is QuickBooks Update Error 12031 Slowing Down Your Business? Try This Genius Hack!

Various challenges can come up when you attempt to install QuickBooks updates. One of the most difficult issues that you might face is QuickBooks update error 12031, which can also appear during the payroll update process. Here’s the message that can shoot up on the screen:

This problem surfaces when QB Desktop fails to connect to the Internet during the update process. Some common factors that can trigger this error code are improper Internet Explorer settings & restrictive configuration of security apps like Windows Firewall.

Fortunately, you can seamlessly resolve this difficulty by using various techniques. Alright, then, let’s go through the article to learn the main causes of this issue & discover appropriate troubleshooting hacks.

If you want instant help to fix QuickBooks update error 12031, dial +1-(855)-955-1942 to contact a QB professional.

Why Do You Notice the 12031 Error When Updating QB Payroll?

Here’s the list that mentions different causes of QuickBooks update error 12031:

• You may not have set Internet Explorer as the default browser on your system.
• Your computer might not be compliant with the TLS 1.2 protocol, and as a result, QB Desktop might fail to connect to the Intuit server.
• Any bug in the previously downloaded QB updates can hinder you from installing the latest software updates.
• You might not have installed QuickBooks using the proper procedure on the computer.
• Improperly configured Internet Explorer settings can also be a factor behind this issue.
• Damaged company files can disrupt communication between QB & the online server, eventually causing problems during the update process.
• Restrictive Windows Firewall settings can prevent QB from running properly.
• Antivirus software can mistakenly perceive QB program files as a security threat & disrupt the update process.
• Corrupted system files can prevent QB from operating correctly on the computer.
• Incorrect system date & time settings might cause authentication issues during the update process, ultimately triggering errors.

Now that you understand the fundamental reasons behind this issue, let’s move to the following section to learn how to fix it easily.

9 Powerful Ways to Eliminate QuickBooks Update Error 12031

Here are the methods that you can use to resolve QuickBooks update error 12031. Ensure that you implement these solutions in the exact sequence detailed below.

1. Set Internet Explorer As the Default Browser

QB Desktop utilizes Internet Explorer to connect to the Internet on your computer. Therefore, it is necessary to check if you have set Internet Explorer as the default web browser. Here’s how to do that:

• Firstly, click the Start menu, search for the Control Panel, and open it.
• Select Default Programs, and after that, you should choose Set your default programs.

• From the list of programs, choose Internet Explorer.
• Click Set this program as default, then click OK.

Now, try accessing any web page outside QB Desktop, such as your official bank’s website. If you can do that, it means the Internet connection is working perfectly. You can now start the QB update process. However, if you fail to access any website outside QB, try the next resolution.

2. Operate the TLS 1.2 Readiness Tool

TLS 1.2 is a security protocol that encrypts and authenticates data exchanged between QuickBooks and online server-based applications. It’s essential to ensure that your system supports TLS 1.2 for secure and reliable communication. Once you run the TLS 1.2 Readiness Tool, your operating system will become fully compliant with TLS 1.2. Here’s how you can do so:

• First & foremost, you should install QuickBooks Tool Hub on your computer.
• Open the QB Tool Hub window by double-clicking its icon. After that, go to the Installation Issues tab.

• Click on QuickBooks TLS 1.2 Tool located in the bottom right corner.
• Choose OK to launch the TLS Tool, then accept the EULA Agreement by selecting Yes.
• Click Run to start the tool.
• When the process finishes, select Exit.
• At this stage, you should try to access any website outside QuickBooks, such as your official financial institution’s website. If you are still experiencing problems, contact an IT expert to make your system TLS 1.2 compliant.

If, however, you face QuickBooks update error 12031 even after getting your computer TLS 1.2 compliant, consider reconfiguring the Internet Explorer settings as described below.

Also Read: Resolve QuickBooks Error 12007 When Updating Payroll 

3. Reorganize the Internet Explorer Settings

Improper configuration of Internet Explorer settings can disrupt the connection to the Intuit server when downloading QB updates. This can lead to the QB update error message codes 12031 & 12029. Here’s how you can set the correct Internet Explorer settings on the system:

• Close QuickBooks Desktop and open Internet Explorer.
• Go to Tools and choose Internet Options.
• In the Security tab, click the Globe icon and ensure the security level is set to Medium-high or lower.

• Switch to the Connections tab and:
  • If you don’t use a dial-up network (DUN), select Never Dial a Connection.
  • If you do, choose the correct Internet Service Provider (ISP).

• Click OK.
• Select LAN Settings and confirm that the Automatically detect settings option is checked and that the Use a Proxy Server option is unchecked.
  • If Use a Proxy Server is checked, take note of the complete address and port.
  • If the port is not 80, leave the Use a Proxy Server option enabled.
  • If the port is 80, you can clear the checkbox for testing.

• Click OK. Go to the Advanced tab, select Restore Advanced Settings, and under Settings, make sure Use TLS 1.2 is checked.
• Click OK. After that, close Internet Explorer and restart your computer.
• Finally, you can start downloading & installing QB & payroll service updates.

Do you still notice QuickBooks update error 12031? If that’s the case, try resetting the QB updates as detailed below.

4. Reset QuickBooks Desktop Updates

Sometimes, various bugs can make their way into your computer through previously downloaded QB updates. These bugs can prevent you from installing the latest QB updates. Removing them will help you fix error codes like 12031. Here’s what you can do:

• Launch QuickBooks Desktop on your computer, and in the top menu bar, click on Help.
• From the drop-down menu, choose Update QuickBooks Desktop.

• In the Update QuickBooks window, click on the Update Now tab.
• Check the box labeled Reset Update. This clears any previous update downloads and forces QuickBooks to fetch new files.
• Click the Get Updates button. QuickBooks will start downloading the latest updates.
• Once the download finishes, you’ll see a confirmation message that the update is complete.
• Close and reopen QuickBooks Desktop. When prompted, agree to install the updates.

If you find that the QuickBooks error code 12031 still persists, try using the QB Install Diagnostic Tool as outlined below.

5. Run the QB Install Diagnostic Tool

An improper installation of QuickBooks on the computer will eventually cause problems when updating the software. The best way to weed out installation faults is to operate the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. Running this utility will resolve all QB installation issues on your computer. You will be able to install the latest QB & payroll updates easily.

If, however, you continue to run into QuickBooks update error 12031, consider running QB File Doctor as discussed below.

6. Utilize the QuickBooks File Doctor Tool

Various problems in the company file might disrupt the payroll service update process. This is because the faults in the company data do not allow the payroll service configuration to authenticate with the Intuit server requirements. To fix this issue, you can run QuickBooks File Doctor. This utility will resolve company data issues & it will also fix various network glitches.

If you still get QuickBooks update error 12031, try reorganizing the Windows Firewall settings as detailed below.

7. Reconfigure the Windows Firewall Settings

Windows Firewall can perceive various QB program files as a security challenge, and consequently, it might block them from running on your computer. This will lead to the QB error message code 12031. The simplest way to resolve this problem is to create exclusions for QB files in Windows Firewall. Once you do that, you can easily acquire the latest QB updates. 

If, however, you encounter QuickBooks update error 12031 even now, consider implementing the next troubleshooting hack.

8. Turn Off the Antivirus Software

The antivirus app installed on your computer can mistakenly detect QB program files as a security issue. Eventually, it can prevent QB program files from operating. This can cause difficulties when updating the QB payroll. To resolve this problem, you should switch off the antivirus app during the update process. Once you have successfully installed QB & payroll updates, you can activate the antivirus app. 

If, however, you still run into the 12031 update error in QuickBooks, consider checking the system date & time settings as illustrated below.

9. Review the System Date & Time Settings

Incorrect system date & time settings can prevent the Intuit server from properly authenticating your QB payroll service details. This can cause the 12031 error code during the QB payroll update process. To resolve this issue, you should set valid date & time settings on the computer. Here’s what you need to do:

• Firstly, click the Start tab and choose the Control Panel option.
• In the Control Panel window, find and click on Date and Time.
• A window will pop up, showing the current date and time settings. Make sure the information displayed is accurate.

• If the date or time is incorrect, click the Change date and time… button.
• In the new window, adjust the date and time as needed and click OK when you’re done.
• Click the Change time zone… button to make sure your computer is set to the correct time zone.
• Choose the appropriate time zone from the list and click OK.

Finally, you will be able to install QuickBooks updates on your computer.

Tips to Help You Update QuickBooks Without Error 12031

Here’s a list of preventive measures for QuickBooks Error 12031:

• Ensure Stable Internet Connection: A weak or disrupted internet connection can prevent QuickBooks updates from downloading properly.
• Configure Firewall and Security Settings: Add QuickBooks as an exception to prevent your firewall or antivirus from blocking updates.
• Update QuickBooks Regularly: Keeping QuickBooks up to date reduces the risk of encountering update-related errors.
• Set Internet Explorer as Default Browser: QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer settings, so make sure it’s set as the default browser.
• Verify Internet Settings: Ensure your SSL settings and internet configuration in QuickBooks match your network requirements.
• Avoid Network Timeouts: Ensure your network doesn’t have long periods of inactivity or sudden disconnections during updates.
• Run QuickBooks as Administrator: Launch QuickBooks with admin rights to avoid permission issues during updates.

Wrapping Up

In this comprehensive blog, we showed you how you can easily eliminate QuickBooks update error 12031 using different tactics. Hopefully, you can now seamlessly install QB & payroll updates. If, however, you are still experiencing problems or have a query, you can contact a QB professional for real-time assistance.

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Robert Downe SEO Editor

Robert is an accounting professional, well versed in many accounting software. He has established himself as a QuickBooks expert over the past ten years. Robert finds great joy in assisting businesses and accountants all over the country so that they can manage their finances seamlessly. He does so individually and through his blogs.

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