QuickBooks Error 12057 is a common issue that users may encounter while attempting to update their QuickBooks software or when trying to download payroll updates. This error is typically related to connectivity problems and can prevent the software from accessing the necessary servers or resources to perform updates successfully.
QuickBooks Error Code 12057 can be commonly triggered by various factors, including issues with internet connectivity, firewall settings, and security software interference. And sometimes, the reason for this issue is misconfigured settings within QuickBooks itself. Resolving this error promptly is crucial to ensure the smooth functioning of QuickBooks and to keep your financial data up to date. In this guide, we will explore the causes, signs, and effective solutions to troubleshoot and resolve QuickBooks Error 12057.
A bit confused as to what should be done to fix QuickBooks error 12057. Don’t worry, speak with our experts on Asquare Cloud Hosting Helpline Number (+1.855.738.0359) and get immediate support.
Common reasons that might lead to QuickBooks Error Code 12057
Identifying the specific cause of the error is crucial for implementing the appropriate solution. By addressing these common causes, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve QuickBooks Error Code 12057.
- Internet connectivity issues.
- Firewall or security software blocking QuickBooks.
- Incorrect SSL settings.
- Outdated version of QuickBooks.
- Problems with Internet Explorer.
Common signs and symptoms to determine QuickBooks Error 12057
If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it is likely that you are encountering QuickBooks Payroll Error 12057. It is important to diagnose and resolve the error promptly to ensure the smooth functioning of your QuickBooks software and to keep your financial data up to date.
- QuickBooks software crashes or freezes frequently.
- Error message “Error 12057: The server name or address could not be resolved” appears on the screen.
- QuickBooks is unable to connect to the update servers or download payroll updates.
- Slow or unresponsive performance of QuickBooks software during the update process.
- Internet connection drops or becomes unstable while updating QuickBooks.
- Inability to access certain features or functionalities within QuickBooks due to the error.
Read More: How Do I Move QuickBooks to New Computer – 100% Proven Tool
Some important facts to know about QuickBooks Error 12057
These important facts about QuickBooks Connectivity Error Code 12057 will help you diagnose and resolve the issue effectively, ensuring the smooth functioning of QuickBooks.
- QuickBooks Error 12057 is usually accompanied by an error message that states, “A network timeout occurred while communicating with the server.“
- The error is primarily caused by issues with the internet connection settings on the computer running QuickBooks. It may occur due to misconfigured network settings, firewall restrictions, or problems with the SSL settings.
- Firewalls and security software can sometimes block QuickBooks from establishing a connection to the server, triggering Error 12057.
- It is important to ensure that QuickBooks is allowed to communicate through the firewall and that any security software is not interfering with the connection.
- The error can also be caused by incorrect Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) settings. QuickBooks relies on SSL to establish secure connections, and if the SSL settings are not properly configured, Quickbooks Error 12057 may occur.
- QuickBooks utilizes Internet Explorer settings to establish an internet connection. If there are any issues with Internet Explorer settings, such as incorrect proxy configurations or outdated versions, it can lead to QuickBooks Payroll Error 12057.
Solutions for QuickBooks Payroll Error 12057
Once you are able to determine the cause of this problem then it becomes easier for you to make sure the solution you are picking is right. Here are some of the best solutions that you can pick from while fixing this issue.
Solution 1: Try making the necessary changes in the Internet option
By adjusting the Internet Options as described above, you have modified the browser settings that QuickBooks relies on for Internet connectivity. To make changes in the Internet Options and potentially fix QuickBooks Error 12057, follow these steps.

- Launch the Internet Explorer browser on your computer. QuickBooks relies on Internet Explorer settings, so it’s necessary to make changes there.
- Click on the gear icon located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, select “Internet Options.” This will open the Internet Options window.

- In the Internet Options window, navigate to the “Security” tab. Select the “Internet” zone and set the security level to “Medium-high.” If it’s already set to this level, leave it unchanged.
- Next, select the “Trusted sites” zone and click on the “Sites” button.
- In the Trusted Sites window, uncheck the option “Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone” if it is checked.
- Add the following websites to the Trusted Sites list by typing them in the “Add this website to the zone” box one by one and clicking the “Add” button after each entry:
- https://*.quickbooks.com
- https://*.intuit.com
- After adding the websites, click “Close” to exit the Trusted Sites window.
- Switch to the “Privacy” tab in the Internet Options window.
- Set the privacy level to “Medium” or lower. If it is already set to this level, leave it unchanged.
- Click on the “Sites” button.
- In the Per Site Privacy Actions window, type the following website addresses one by one in the “Address of website” box and click “Allow” after each entry:
- https://*.quickbooks.com
- https://*.intuit.com
- After adding the websites, click “OK” to exit the Per Site Privacy Actions window.
- Advanced Tab: Move to the “Advanced” tab in the Internet Options window.
- Scroll down the list of settings and locate the “Security” section.
- Make sure that the following options are checked:

- Use SSL 3.0
- Use TLS 1.0
- Use TLS 1.1
- Use TLS 1.2
- After verifying the settings, click on the “Apply” button and then click “OK” to save the changes and exit the Internet Options window.
- Close and relaunch QuickBooks to ensure that the changes take effect.
Read Also: How to Repair QuickBooks Error 6177? (Can’t Use the Path Issue)
Solution 2: Try to configure the SSL settings on your device
By configuring the SSL settings as described above, you have modified the browser settings that QuickBooks relies on for establishing secure connections. This can help in resolving the error. Here is what you will have to follow.
- Launch the Internet Explorer browser on your computer. QuickBooks relies on Internet Explorer settings, so it’s necessary to make changes there.
- Click on the gear icon located in the top-right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, select “Internet Options.” This will open the Internet Options window.
- Switch to the “Advanced” tab in the Internet Options window.
- Scroll down the list of settings until you find the “Security” section.

- In the Security section, look for the options related to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). The specific options might vary based on your Internet Explorer version, but generally, make sure the following SSL options are checked or enabled.
- Use SSL 3.0
- Use TLS 1.0
- Use TLS 1.1
- Use TLS 1.2
- If you see an option for “Use TLS 1.3,” uncheck it to disable TLS 1.3. QuickBooks may not be compatible with TLS 1.3, and disabling it can help resolve the error.
- After adjusting the SSL settings, click on the “Apply” button, and then click “OK” to save the changes and exit the Internet Options window.

- Close and relaunch QuickBooks to ensure that the changes take effect.
Solution 3: Try accessing your PC using admin credentials
Remember to re-enable User Account Control (UAC) and any security measures after troubleshooting to ensure the security of your system. To access your PC as an admin and potentially fix QuickBooks Error 12057, follow these steps.

- Ensure that you have an administrator account on your PC. Log out of your current user account, if necessary.
- Restart your computer. During the boot-up process, make sure to select the administrator account to log in to.

- Once you have logged in as an administrator, open QuickBooks.
- Check if there are any available updates for QuickBooks. If updates are available, download and install them. Updating QuickBooks to the latest version can help resolve various errors
- If QuickBooks Error 12057 persists after updating, you can try temporarily disabling User Account Control (UAC). Here’s how:
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Navigate to “User Accounts” or “User Accounts and Family Safety.”
- Click on “User Accounts.”
- Select “Change User Account Control settings.”
- Drag the slider to the lowest position to disable UAC.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
- Right-click on the QuickBooks desktop icon or the QuickBooks executable file (.exe) and select “Run as administrator.” Grant any necessary permissions or confirmations if prompted.
- Ensure that your computer has a stable and working internet connection. Check if you can browse other websites without any issues.
- If there are any connectivity problems, troubleshoot them accordingly or contact your internet service provider.
- Verify that your firewall and security software is not blocking QuickBooks from accessing the internet.
- Temporarily disable the firewall or create an exception for QuickBooks in the firewall settings. Consult the documentation or support resources for your firewall and security software for guidance on how to make these changes.
Read Also: Unable to Locate PDF Viewer?- Here’s How You Can Resolve It
Solution 4: Update your Quickbooks using the safe mode
Using Safe Mode can help eliminate any potential conflicts with other programs or services that might be causing the error. Using Safe Mode to update QuickBooks can help resolve QuickBooks Desktop Error 12057.
- Make sure QuickBooks is closed completely before proceeding.
- Restart your computer to access Safe Mode.
- As the computer starts up, continuously press the F8 key (or another key depending on your computer’s manufacturer) until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- From the Advanced Boot Options menu, use the arrow keys to highlight “Safe Mode” and press Enter. This will start your computer in Safe Mode.

- Log in to the administrator account in Safe Mode.
- Open QuickBooks while in Safe Mode.
- Check for any available updates for QuickBooks. If updates are available, download and install them.

- Updating QuickBooks to the latest version can help resolve various errors, including Error 12057.
- After successfully updating QuickBooks, restart your computer normally to exit Safe Mode.
- Once your computer has restarted, open QuickBooks in normal mode and check if Error 12057 is resolved.
Conclusion
Resolving this error requires adjusting various settings and ensuring a stable internet connection. Key steps to address QuickBooks Error 12057 include checking internet connectivity, configuring Internet Options and SSL settings, running QuickBooks as an administrator, and potentially using Safe Mode or repairing the QuickBooks Desktop installation.
If you are not able to fix this issue even after reading the solutions in this blog, call the Asquare Cloud Hosting Helpline Number at (+1.855.738.0359) and get immediate assistance.