QuickBooks Error 12031: Fixing the Update Error Instantly

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Sometimes, QuickBooks Desktop fails to connect to the Internet, causing issues when downloading updates and resulting in QuickBooks error 12031. This may happen due to incorrect browser security settings or restrictions by a security app, such as an antivirus or firewall program. Fixing the error requires you to identify and troubleshoot the connectivity issues, which you will find in detail in this guide.

Let us guide you through the swift troubleshooting procedure to get your QuickBooks and payroll updates back on track, ensure seamless connectivity, and receive the most recent updates.

This informative guide helps fix issues when updating QuickBooks or payroll. However, nothing compares to getting assistance directly from QuickBooks ProAdvisors. Dial 1855-546-5024 now to connect with them for instant troubleshooting.

QuickBooks Update Error 12031: An Overview

Earlier, we discussed that failures when downloading QuickBooks or payroll updates often stem from connectivity issues or using a default browser other than Internet Explorer. These issues can trigger update errors like the 12031 in QuickBooks and other disruptive 12XXX series errors that suddenly appear on your screen.

In the following section, we’ll delve into the causes of these critical errors.

What Triggers Update Error 12031 in QuickBooks?

Earlier, we discussed the main reasons for error code 12031 when downloading updates in QuickBooks. Other factors can also contribute to these issues; let’s explore them one by one:

• Internet Explorer might not be set as the default browser
• Your computer’s time and date are set incorrectly
• Non-compliance of your computer with the TLS 1.2 security protocol
• Incorrect Internet Explorer settings
• Incorrectly configured Windows Firewall or other security applications
• Using an outdated version of QuickBooks Desktop
• Incorrect or corrupted QuickBooks installation
• Your computer is not meeting the system requirements for QuickBooks
• Unavailability of QuickBooks security certificate to connect to the internet

Now that you know the factors responsible for QuickBooks error 12031, finding suitable fixes is essential. Proceed to the next section and consider conducting each stepwise solution.

Fixing Error Code 12031 When Downloading Payroll or QuickBooks Updates

This section covers the appropriate fixes for error code 12031 when emailing invoices or other documents in QuickBooks. Follow these solutions to fix the update issue in QuickBooks:

1. Set Internet Explorer as Your Default Browser

Intuit recommends using Internet Explorer as a default browser to access and utilize QuickBooks features and services. Here’s how you can set the default browser:

• Launch Internet Explorer.
• Go to the Tools menu and choose Internet Options.

• Move to the Programs tab and then click on Make Default.
• After that, save the changes by clicking OK and close Internet Explorer.

Note: We recommend you follow the above steps only if your QuickBooks is older than the 2022 version. As of June 15, 2022, Microsoft no longer supports IE. To get the custom browser for QuickBooks, if you have a 2023 or later version, you only need to update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.

If QuickBooks fails to connect to the internet and throws error code 12031, continue moving to the next solution.

2. Run the TLS 1.2 Readiness Tool

Running the TLS 1.2 Readiness tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub ensures that your system meets the security standards required for QuickBooks. It checks for and helps upgrade your system to support TLS 1.2, which is necessary for securely connecting to Intuit services and safeguarding sensitive financial data from potential threats.

• In QB Tool Hub, select Installation Issues from the left pane.

• From the bottom right corner, select QuickBooks TLS 1.2 Tool.
• Click OK to launch the TLS tool and select Yes in the EULA agreement.
• Choose Run and hit Exit once the tool finishes.

If you cannot download the updates in QuickBooks and are still getting error code 12031, move to the next troubleshooting solution.

3. Review the Internet Explorer Settings

Incorrect proxy settings can deviate the Internet Explorer path while connecting to the internet and trigger error code 12031 when downloading the updates:

• Close the QuickBooks Desktop application.
• Launch Internet Explorer on your computer and go to the Tools menu.

Note: Press the Alt key on your keyboard if you can’t find the Tools option.

• Move to the Security tab.
• Choose the Globe icon and ensure the security level is set to Medium-high.
• Select the Connections tab. If you do not use the dial-up node (DUN) on the system, click on Never Dial a Connection or choose ISP if you do.
• Then, hit OK.

• Choose LAN Settings and ensure the automatically detect settings option is selected. Now, check and ensure the Use a Proxy Server option is unchecked.
  • If the Use a Proxy Server option is selected, you must document the complete address and port.
  • Do not uncheck the Use a Proxy Server option if the port is something other than 80.
  • If the port is 80, clear the checkbox for testing purposes.
• Select the Advanced tab after clicking OK.
• Now, choose Restore Advanced Settings.
• Locate TLS 1.2 under Settings and ensure the option is selected.
• Select OK.
• Close Internet Explorer and restart your computer.

Have you configured the Internet Explorer settings and are still encountering QuickBooks update error 12031? If yes, follow the troubleshooting solution below.

4. Set Your Computer’s Date and Time Correctly

If the date and time on your computer are not set correctly, it can cause issues such as failed software updates, problems accessing websites, SSL certificate errors, and issues with scheduled tasks. Accurate date and time settings are crucial for security protocols and synchronization with online services.

• Press the Windows logo key to launch the Windows Start menu.
• Search for Settings and then choose Settings from the search results.

• From the left pane, select Time & language.
• Now, click Date & Time and set the correct date and time-zone.
• Once done, restart your computer and try to download the QB updates again.

Configure the Windows firewall or security applications settings if this solution doesn’t work.

5. Configure Windows Firewall or other security applications

As a security application, Windows Firewall might block QuickBooks, considering it a threat due to incorrectly configured settings. Hence, when trying to download the updates, you get error code 12031.

To ensure you can run your crucial operations and the updates, you must configure firewall settings and allow QuickBooks to access the port for an uninterrupted connection.

Add Port Exception in Windows Firewall for QuickBooks

If you use multiple versions of QuickBooks on the same computer, follow the below steps to create an exception:

• Press the Windows icon key on your keyboard to launch the Windows Start menu.
• In the search field, type Windows Firewall and then press Enter.
• Choose Advanced Settings and right-click on Inbound Rules.
• Then, click on New Rule.
• Select the rule type as New Rule and click Next.

• Now, ensure TCP is selected to enable the network.
• In the Specific local port field, enter the specific port number as per the QuickBooks version to allow the network connection:
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2020 and later: 8019, XXXXX.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2019: 8019, XXXXX.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382.
  • QuickBooks Desktop 2017: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377.

Important Note: QuickBooks Desktop versions 2019, 2020, and future ones use dynamic ports. These specific firewall ports are assigned during installation, which ensures QuickBooks gets exclusive use of a given port and connects with the network seamlessly.

Get the Dynamic Port Numbers

• Launch the Windows Start menu.
• Enter QuickBooks Database Server Manager in the search field and then open QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
• Move to the Port Monitor tab.

• Find the version of QuickBooks you use and note down the Port Number. You need this to create port exceptions for a particular version of QuickBooks.
• As these are dynamic port numbers, you can change the assigned port number by selecting Renew. If you renew the port number, go to the Scan Folders tab and click Scan Now to reset the Windows firewall permissions. Also, you can only renew ports for Desktop 2019 and later versions.
  • Once you enter the port number, click Next.
  • Now, click Allow the Connection and then Next.
  • Ensure all the profiles are marked and click Next.
  • Create this rule by giving it a name such as QBPorts(year).
  • After that, click Finish.

Now, repeat the same steps to create outbound rules. Ensure that you follow all the same steps except choosing Outbound Rules in step 4.

Launch QB Desktop and try to download the QuickBooks updates again. If you still encounter issues or error messages, move to Step 2.

Create QuickBooks Programs Exceptions in the Windows Firewall

QuickBooks uses the (.exe) executable program files to perform various tasks and operations.

Let’s create the Firewall exception for these program files to allow the connection:

• Launch the Windows Start menu on your computer.
• Search for Windows Firewall and then open it.
• Go to Advanced Settings.

• Right-click on the Inbound Rules and then select New Rule.
• Select Program as a Rule type and then click Next.
• Choose This program path and Browse the QuickBooks executable files in the table below. Then, hit Next.
• When prompted, ensure all the profiles are marked and click Next.
• Finally, create this rule and give it the name QBFirewallException(name.exe).

Now, repeat the above steps to create Outbound Rules. Also, keep in mind that you should choose Outbound Rules in step 4 instead of Inbound Rules.

If this solution doesn’t help you fix error 12031, check your antivirus settings. Make sure QuickBooks has general permissions and is not blocked. The steps to configure these settings vary from program to program, so visit the program’s official website to find out the steps. If this doesn’t help fix the issues, follow the next solution.

6. Reset the QuickBooks Updates

Resetting QuickBooks updates can resolve issues caused by corrupted or incomplete updates, ensuring the software functions smoothly. Follow these steps to reset and download the QB updates.

• Launch QB Desktop.
• Select Update QuickBooks Desktop from the Help menu.
• Choose the Update Now tab in the window.

• Mark the Reset Updates checkbox to clear the previous updates.
• Click on Get Updates and wait until the updates download.
• Close QuickBooks and restart your computer.
• Select Yes to install the recently downloaded updates.

Are you still encountering QuickBooks error 12031? If so, try the next solution.

7. Re-install QuickBooks in Selective Startup

Reinstalling QuickBooks in Selective Startup ensures that no other applications interfere with installation. This method prevents background programs like antivirus software from disrupting the installation and ensures you have a perfectly installed QuickBooks.

Before switching to selective startup for reinstallation:

• Create and save a QuickBooks company file backup.
• Save a copy of your QuickBooks product and license info.

a. Switch to Selective Startup

• Press the Windows + R keys together to open the Run box.
• In the Run field, enter msconfig and then click OK. The System Configuration window will open.
• Select the General tab, choose System Startup, and then check the Load system services option.

• Move to the Services tab and mark the Hide all Microsoft Services checkbox.
• Click on Disable All.
• Now, uncheck the Hide all Microsoft Services option.
• Choose Windows Installer from the list of services running on your computer.
• Select OK and click Restart on the same window.

B. Reinstalling the QuickBooks Program

Let’s first start with uninstalling QuickBooks Desktop:

• Go to your computer’s Taskbar and click on the Windows icon.
• Type Control Panel in the search field and press Enter.

• Click on Programs and Features or choose Uninstall a Program.
• Now, select the version of QuickBooks you use from the list of programs.
• Click on Uninstall/Change, Remove, and then hit Next.

(If you don’t find the option to uninstall, sign out and back into Windows as an admin.)

Now, let’s reinstall QuickBooks Desktop:

• Check and confirm your computer is connected to a stable internet.
• Locate the QuickBooks.exe file and double-click on it.
• Choose
  • Express install: This will save all the preferences in your previous version and install the program.
  • Custom and Network install:  This will save the installation on a different location but won’t save the previous preferences.
• Select Next and then click Install.
• When the process is completed, relaunch QuickBooks.

If you’re still encountering error 12031 when updating QuickBooks or the payroll services, follow the below steps to resolve the issue.

8. Ensure QuickBooks System Requirements are Fulfilled

Before downloading the QuickBooks updates or running your accounting operations, you must ensure your computer fulfills the minimum system requirements for QuickBooks.

If the requirements are met but you cannot update QuickBooks, move to the next solution.

9. Install QuickBooks Security Certificate

Installing the QuickBooks Desktop security certificate is crucial. It contains information to protect sensitive data, establish secure network connections, and ensure the integrity of software systems.

a. Locate the file

• Find the QuickBooks Desktop icon on your computer and right-click on it.
• Now, select Properties.

• Go to the Shortcut tab and choose Open File Location.
• Then, click OK.

Note: You can access this location simply by navigating to your application folder, as mentioned below. Then, replace the XX with the year version of QuickBooks you use.

• Pro, Premier, or Premier Accountant: C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX
• Enterprise or Enterprise Accountant: C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions XX.0

b. Install the Certificate

• Find the QuickBooks program (.exe) file in the File Location window.
• Right-click on the file and select Properties. It will open the Application File Properties window.
• Go to the Digital Signature tab and choose any entries in the Digital Signature field.

• Select Details. It will open the Digital Signature Details window.
• In the window, click on View Certificate. The Certificate window will now open.
• Move to the General tab and select Install Certificate.
• On the Certificate Import Wizard welcome screen, set the Store Location to Current User and click Next.
• Select Next and then hit Finish in the Certificate Store window.
• Now, click OK once you see the message that the import was successful.

Once you follow all these troubleshooting solutions, try downloading the QuickBooks or payroll updates again to check if QuickBooks update error 12031 is fixed.

Summary

This informative guide is all you need to troubleshoot QuickBooks error 12031 when downloading QuickBooks updates or updating payroll. Although this guide is curated with expert help, you might still need assistance from an expert. So, dial 1855-546-5024 and connect with a QuickBooks ProAdvisor now.

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