Re-solved QuickBooks Payroll Updates Not Working Issue 855-749-2321

Managing payroll is a critical part of any business operation, and QuickBooks Desktop’s Payroll feature makes it easier—when it works correctly. However, one common issue users face is QuickBooks Payroll updates not installing properly. This can cause outdated tax tables, incorrect payroll calculations, or complete disruption in running payroll.

This comprehensive guide explains why payroll updates fail, what error messages to look out for, and how to troubleshoot and resolve the issue step-by-step.

🔍 What is a QuickBooks Payroll Update?

QuickBooks Payroll updates include the latest federal and state tax tables, forms, and compliance changes from Intuit. These updates are required to ensure your payroll is accurate, legal, and aligned with current IRS guidelines.

Updates are typically released quarterly or as tax laws change, and they must be downloaded and installed manually or automatically through your QuickBooks software.

⚠️ Signs Your Payroll Update Isn't Working

• You receive an error message when downloading or installing the update.

• Your payroll tax table is outdated.

• Employee withholdings are incorrect.

• Payroll reports are showing errors.

• You're unable to send payroll data to Intuit.

🛑 Common Error Codes Related to Payroll Updates

• PS032 or PS077 – Issue with damaged tax table files or outdated subscription validation.

• PS033 – QuickBooks can't read your payroll setup files.

• PS038 – Paychecks stuck as "online to send".

• PS107, PS058, PS060 – Issues with corrupted files or incomplete updates.

• Error 15240 – Internet Explorer security settings or firewall blocking update.

• Error 15106 / 15107 – Damaged update program or user account control settings.

• “Update not completed successfully” – No specific code, but a general failure message.

🛠️ Detailed Step-by-Step Fixes for Payroll Update Issues

Step 1: ✅ Check Your Payroll Subscription Status

If your subscription has expired, updates won’t download.

1. In QuickBooks, go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Account/Billing Information.

2. Sign in to your Intuit account.

3. Confirm your payroll subscription is active and up to date.

Step 2: 🌐 Check Internet Connection Settings

Payroll updates require an active and stable internet connection. Ensure:

• You are not using a VPN or proxy server.

• Internet Explorer (used by QuickBooks for updates) is properly configured.

• You can access secure websites (like https://www.intuit.com).

To test Internet Explorer:

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Go to Settings > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings.

3. Make sure "Automatically detect settings" is checked.

4. Uncheck "Use a proxy server" (if not required by your network).

Step 3: 🔁 Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Release

QuickBooks must be on the latest version to receive payroll updates.

1. Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.

2. Select the Update Now tab.

3. Check Reset Update and click Get Updates.

4. Close and reopen QuickBooks, then install the updates.

Step 4: 📥 Manually Download Payroll Updates

1. Go to Employees > Get Payroll Updates.

2. Check Download Entire Update.

3. Click Download Latest Update.

4. Once complete, you'll see a message:
   “A new tax table has been installed on your computer...”

Step 5: 👤 Switch to Single-User Mode

Payroll updates run better when QuickBooks is in single-user mode.

• Go to File > Switch to Single-User Mode before downloading the update.

Step 6: 🧰 Use QuickBooks Tool Hub (Free Utility from Intuit)

1. Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub.

2. Open it and go to Program Problems.

3. Run Quick Fix My Program.

4. Go to Installation Issues, then select QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.

5. Restart your computer and try the payroll update again.

Step 7: 🔥 Configure Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Your firewall or antivirus may block QuickBooks connections to Intuit servers. You’ll need to allow access to these files:

• QBW32.exe (main QuickBooks program)

• PayrollService.exe

• IntuitUpdateService.exe

• Ports: 80 and 443 (HTTP/HTTPS)

Refer to your antivirus provider’s documentation to add exceptions or whitelist QuickBooks files.

Step 8: 🧹 Rename Paysub.ini File (For Subscription Errors)

This file stores payroll subscription info and may become corrupted.

1. Close QuickBooks.

2. Open File Explorer and go to:
   C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks <Your Version>\Components\Payroll\Paysub.ini

3. Rename the file to Paysub.old.

4. Reopen QuickBooks and attempt the payroll update again.

Step 9: 🔧 Repair QuickBooks Desktop Installation

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.

2. Select QuickBooks, click Uninstall/Change > Repair.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the installation.

🧾 Bonus: Verify the Installed Payroll Tax Table

After updating, confirm the update was successful:

• Go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Tax Table Information.

• Compare the version listed with the latest tax table version from Intuit’s Payroll Update page.

When to Contact QuickBooks Payroll Support

If you’ve followed all the above steps and still face issues:

• Payroll update errors continue to appear.

• Your subscription is active, but you can’t download tax tables.

• You're seeing unrecoverable errors or the software crashes during update.

Contact QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Support or speak with a ProAdvisor for advanced help.

✅ Conclusion

QuickBooks Payroll update issues are common but manageable. Most problems can be resolved by:

• Ensuring your subscription is active

• Updating QuickBooks Desktop

• Manually downloading updates

• Using tools like the QuickBooks Tool Hub

• Configuring firewall or antivirus properly

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can regain access to accurate payroll tax tables and keep your payroll system compliant and efficient.