Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 12045 with Expert Tips

Last Updated on October 16, 2025

Like other software, QuickBooks must be kept up-to-date so that you can utilize it seamlessly while performing the accounting tasks. Sometimes, you might fail to update it due to some technical glitches and issues. One of the common problems that users face is QuickBooks error 12045, which mostly appears as an error message that interrupts your workflow. Therefore, it becomes necessary to resolve this issue in a way that allows you to continue your work more effectively.

It is commonly caused by slow internet connectivity or wrong network settings. However, other possible causes also exist that can cause this error. It is also essential to understand the reasons behind the problem before troubleshooting. Therefore, this detailed blog has been created to provide all the critical information about error 12045. Under this outline, you will learn all the significant causes that can lead to this blog and the ways to resolve this issue. It is recommended to follow all the aspects in the given order to avoid technical inconveniences.

It is possible to feel an inability to fix the QB error 12045 due to the lack of technical aspects of this issue. Feeling the same? No worries, just call us at +1(855)-738-0359. You will get immediate support from experts in resolving this issue.

Reasons Why You Find Yourself Stuck With QuickBooks Error 12034

Before troubleshooting this error 12045, it is crucial to learn about the triggers that keep you stuck in this problem. This will help you to understand the error, as well as other QuickBooks Desktop update errors. Go through the leading causes given below.

• Poor network connectivity or disconnection could interrupt the QB updating procedure
• The wrong date and time on the system could prevent the updating notification, which can delay it
• Firewall security settings can prevent QuickBooks from updating itself
• There may be many duplicate copies of the same QB version on the computer
• Lack of administration permissions can restrict QuickBooks from downloading the updates
• A damaged or incomplete QB installation can make this problem arise
• It might be an issue in the program itself

These are some of the most potent reasons that can cause you to experience this issue. Having covered all the significant causes, let’s now move on to the effective troubleshooting methods.

Powerful Tricks to Eliminate the QuickBooks Update Error 12045

It is crucial to keep the QuickBooks Desktop up-to-date. However, update errors, including 12045, 12038, and other 12XXX series errors, prevent the download of updates. Therefore, you should resolve this problem by following the effective methods given below to access all the latest features in QB software.

Method 1: Reset the Date and Time Settings

The date and time settings on your computer may be incorrect, which can cause these problems and interrupt the updating processes. Now, you must be aware of how important it is to update your QuickBooks regularly. Therefore, follow the steps below to correctly set the date and time.

• Start by right-clicking the system clock on the right-hand side of your device

• Next, click on Adjust Date/Time
• Now, set the correct date, time, and zone from the given options

The instructions will help you restore the correct date and time settings. After doing that, try again to update the QuickBooks Desktop. If this method doesn’t resolve the error 12045, try to verify the internet settings.

Method 2: Restore the Internet Connection Settings

You can face this problem if your internet connection is slow. To verify that, search for any secure website in the browser and try to open it. If you are unable to access the website, try resolving the internet issue by contacting your internet service provider. However, if you’re still facing the same problem after ensuring a good internet connection, you should restore your internet settings. To know how to do so, follow the steps below:

• Open QB Desktop and head to the Help menu

• Here, you should select Internet Connection Setup
• To grant the application permission to utilize the system’s internet, select Use my computer’s Internet connection settings
• Tap on Next and move to Advanced Connection Settings
• Now, choose the Restore Advanced Settings
• Select OK, followed by Done

Once you’ve restored your internet settings, try updating the QB Desktop again. Even after configuring the settings, if you are not able to do it, follow the next effective solution.

Method 3: Remove the Duplicate QuickBooks on the Computer

Having multiple copies of the same QuickBooks version on the system can trigger issues such as QuickBooks Enterprise error 12045. To resolve the issue, uninstall all copies by following the given steps.

• Open the Control Panel by typing it in the Start menu

• Select the Programs and Features option
• Further, tap on Uninstall/Change a program
• Select the duplicate QuickBooks versions in the list of installed programs
• Click on Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions

Once the installation procedure is done, restart your computer. Check whether the problem is solved. If you are still facing it, reset your previous QB update.

Method 4: Try to Download the Update in Selective Mode

When you start the computer in selective mode, it will help you to selectively update the QB Desktop without the interference of any third-party program. So, any other application may be running in the background. To resolve it, continue the updating process in this mode by following the steps below.

• Tap the Windows + R keys to open the Run command
• Next, enter the msconfig, then select OK
• Choose Selective startup and Load system services
• Navigate to the Services tab and choose Hide all Microsoft Services
• Now, select the Disable all option
• Unmark Hide all Microsoft services
• Then, choose the Windows Installer from the list of services
• Select OK
• Lastly, select Restart from the System Configuration window

After restarting the system into the selective mode, try to update your QB Desktop. After doing so, return to the normal startup mode by following the steps below.

Again, press Windows + R to access the Run command
Type msconfig, and click on OK
Select Normal startup in the General tab
Lastly, select OK, followed by Restart on the System Configuration

Even after switching to the selective mode, you still can’t resolve the QuickBooks error 12045? There is a possibility that the previous update you installed is faulty and triggering this problem. Follow the next method to reset the QuickBooks Update.

Method 5: Reset the QuickBooks Update

If the previous methods don’t resolve the QB Desktop issue, try resetting the software’s update. To do so, follow the instructions below.

• Start by opening the QB Desktop and heading to the Help menu
• Click on the Update QuickBooks Desktop tab
• Choose Update Now
• Mark the Reset Update checkbox
• Next, choose Get Updates

Once the download completes, close and reopen the QB Desktop. Navigate to the Update QuickBooks Desktop. Lastly, you need to select Overview, followed by Update Now. If you are still unable to update it, follow the method below.

Method 6: Install the Digital Signature on Your System

You should try to install the digital signature on the computer to resolve the QuickBooks error PS034. Go through the instructions outlined below to carry out this method.

• Head to C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks.
• Next, right-click on QBW32.exe, then choose Properties
• Now, choose the Digital Signature and check that Intuit is selected from the signature list
• Choose Details and move to the Digital Signature Details window
• In this window, select the View Certificate option
• Choose Install Certificate in the Certificate window
• Go through the on-screen references and click on Next until the Finish is displayed
• End the process by selecting the Finish

With the help of the above steps, you can easily install Intuit’s digital signature. After doing it, restart your device and try to update QuickBooks again. If it fails again, try to update the

Method 7: Verify the Firewall Settings and Restore It

Firewall security settings can block QuickBooks software from downloading the updates. In such a case, you need to check and configure the Windows firewall settings. Follow the upcoming steps to implement this method.

• Search Windows Firewall in the Start menu and double-click on it to open
• Click on the Advanced Settings, followed by right-clicking on Inbound Rules
• Choose New Rule and do this for Outbound Rules
• Next, tap on Port and then Next
• Ensure that the TCP option is selected
• Navigate to the section for Specific Local Ports
• Now, enter the ports according to the QB Desktop versions:
  • QuickBooks Desktop version 2017 and newer: 8019, 56727, 55373-55377
  • QB Desktop version 2018: 8019, 56728, 55378-55382
  • QB Desktop version 2019: 8019, XXXXX
  • QB Desktop version 2020: 8019, XXXXX

Click on Next after entering the port number
Choose Allow the Connection, followed by Next
If it is prompted, ensure all profiles are checked and tap on Next
Now, give a name to it, like “QBPorts(year).”
End the procedure by selecting the Finish

Repeat the instructions above to create outbound rules. Here, you need to follow each step except select Outbound Rules on step 3.

Create Firewall Exception for QuickBooks Desktop

The QB Desktop uses the executable files (.exe) to perform various tasks. You need to go through the given steps to create these specific exceptions.

• Access the Windows Start menu
• Search for and click on Windows Firewall to open it
• Next, select Advanced Settings and right-click on the Inbound Rules
• Now, choose the New Rule
• Then, select Program, followed by Next
• Choose This Program Path, followed by Browse
• Locate and select the executable file in the table given below
• After that, select Next
• Choose Allow the Connection and then Next
• If prompted, all the profiles should be marked, and choose Next
• Lastly, create a rule. Give it a name like “QBFirewallException(name.exe).”

Repeat the instructions given above, and then create outbound rules. You can follow the same steps, except select Outbound Rules at point number 4. However, go through the tabular data given below to know all the executable extensions and their locations.

Note: When you see Program Files (x86), it means that you are using a 64-bit Operating system.

After attempting all the features, reopen QuickBooks and run the update process again. If you are still seeing the problems, then you need to tackle the antivirus settings.

Method 8: Verify the Antivirus or Firewall Settings

Occasionally, the antivirus software on your computer could see QuickBooks as a threat. When this happens, it disallows the QB application from updating itself. Moreover, you cannot continue the updating process until Intuit is not in the antivirus exception list. This trigger can give rise to the update error 12045 in QuickBooks Desktop.

So, to tackle this problem, it is advised to verify the antivirus settings once. If you encounter any issues, reset the settings to create an exception for Intuit. After doing so, try again to update the QB software. You will need to go through the next possible method if you are still experiencing the same issue.

Method 9: Reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop Manually

Even after trying out so many methods, if you can’t resolve the QuickBooks error 12045, then there could be an issue in the software. In such a case, you should reinstall the QB on your system to fix it. Go through the steps below to implement this method.

• Head to the Start menu and search for Control Panel to open it
• Select the Programs and Features or Uninstall a Program
• Choose the QB version you wish to remove
• Then, choose Uninstall/Change, followed by Remove, and then Next

Note: If you don’t see this option, you need to sign out and then sign back into Windows as an admin user or another user with admin rights.

• After removing the QB from the system, you need to install the QuickBooks Desktop
• Restore the company data backup to the software

After reinstalling the QB Desktop, reopen the software and attempt to rerun the update process. Hopefully, these methods will resolve all the errors related to the QuickBooks 12000 error series.

Conclusion

This detailed blog has covered all the significant aspects of QuickBooks error 12045. In this guide, you have understood the most potent causes behind it. Also, we have provided practical solutions to resolve this issue. It is advised that you follow the steps in the given order to save your time from further inconveniences. However, if these methods don’t resolve your issue or you find these solutions ineffective, call us at +1(855)-738-0359. You will receive valuable and helpful assistance from a QB expert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.