QuickBooks Error 12057: Can’t Update the Software or Payroll

When updating the software or payroll, you might find a QuickBooks error 12057 on the screen, accompanied by this message:

Microsoft Win32 Internet application programming interface (API) reports the error. QuickBooks Desktop uses the Winlnet API to access FTP, Gopher, HTTP, and other standard protocols.

This problem renders users unable to download the updates to the computer. However, there are ways to resolve that, which become clear after you understand the root of the error. This is what this blog is about.

Possible Reasons for Update Error 12057 in QuickBooks Desktop​

QuickBooks error 12057 belongs to the 12000 series of QB errors. Firstly, let us discuss the reasons why you cannot update QuickBooks Desktop or the payroll.

• Poor internet connection or server timeout may disrupt the QuickBooks or payroll update.
• The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) settings might be misconfigured
• Internet settings or the firewall don’t allow you to download and install the updates
• Antivirus or security software might prevent QuickBooks programs from running
• QuickBooks Desktop is outdated
• Time and date settings might be incorrect.

We will look at them individually in the next section and tell you the steps to carry out to fix them.

Troubleshooting QuickBooks Error 12057: Can’t Update QuickBooks Desktop

Casewise, we will go into depth about why you can’t update the software or payroll and run into QuickBooks error 12057 and guide you on the ways to fix that.

Case 1: The Operating System is Outdated

If you haven’t updated the operating system for long, it might lack the latest components required to run robust software like QuickBooks.

To resolve incompatibility and other issues, update the operating system on your computer, such as Windows or MacOS. Once done, restart the computer and check if you can resume the QuickBooks operation without a payroll error.

Case 2: The Internet Settings are Incorrect

The internet settings on your computer dictate how browsers and other programs connect to servers online. If the settings are unfavorable, QuickBooks might not be able to connect to Intuit servers and download tax table updates.

To prevent that from happening, you need to add Intuit as a trusted site. Thereafter, attempt the payroll update.

If you get a QuickBooks error 12057, check if the date and time settings are incorrect on your computer.

Case 3: The Date and Time on System is Incorrect

For the QuickBooks to be able to download and install payroll update, the date and time settings on your computer must be correct.

To make sure of that, right-click on the place where you see your time and date on your taskbar, usually in the bottom right corner of the screen. Now check what time zone is selected and make sure it is the right one. Finally, run the payroll update.

Case 4: QuickBooks Cannot Go Through Windows Firewall

QuickBooks programs need to access certain firewall ports to connect to the internet to carry out various tasks like software updates, filing tax returns, etc. However, it can’t if the Windows firewall is blocking QuickBooks. This, consequently, will give way to payroll update QuickBooks error 12057​.

Therefore, check the firewall configuration and create firewall port exceptions. If that doesn’t resolve the error, move to the next solution.

Case 5: Antivirus or Security Software is Restricting QuickBooks

Sometimes, the antivirus or security software blocks QuickBooks programs from running or connecting to the internet. If that happens, an update will surely end up with an error.

Therefore, to ensure the antivirus doesn’t consider QB programs as threats, create antivirus exemptions for them. Now, download and install the tax table update.

Case 6: Programs Running in the Background are Interrupting the Update

Background programs can take up the space in Random Access Memory (RAM) and interrupt QuickBooks operations. Bring up the Task Manager and check if there are any tasks running in the background. End them if you don’t require them.

• To launch the Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• To end a process from the task manager, right-click on it and choose End Task.

Now, install the tax table update. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, boot your PC in selective startup mode and then install updates. Here is how you can start the computer in selective startup mode.

• In the search box beside the Start menu, type MSConfig.
• When you see the MSConfig.exe program in the search results, right click on it and choose to Run as Administrator.
• Tap on the General tab followed by Selective Startup. De-select the checkbox for Load startup items.
• Go to the Services tab and mark the checkbox that says Hide all Microsoft services.
• Click the Disable All button and then select Apply.
• Choose OK.

Finally, restart the computer and install the QuickBooks update. Once done, reboot your computer in normal mode. To do so, search for MSConfig, right-click on it to run as an administrator, and choose Normal Startup. Tap on Apply, followed by OK, and reboot the PC.

You may also see: QuickBooks Error 1328: Can’t Install or Update the Software

Conclusion

We saw various reasons that might prevent you from installing payroll updates and give way to QuickBooks error 12057. Furthermore, we walked you through expert recommended solutions to the problem so that you can resume your payroll operations right away.

However, if the problem persists, speak to a QuickBooks expert. They will fix the error for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Kate Churchill

Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.