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How to Fix QuickBooks Error 12057 quickly and easily

Author : Qb Accounting Pro | Published On : 26 Feb 2026

If you’re using QuickBooks for your business accounting, running into errors can be frustrating—especially when they interrupt payroll updates or software downloads. One common issue users face is QuickBooks Error 12057. The good news? It’s usually fixable with a few simple steps.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn what QuickBooks Error 12057 is, why it happens, and how to fix it quickly and easily—without needing advanced technical knowledge.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to QuickBooks Error 12057
  2. What Causes QuickBooks Error 12057?
  3. Signs and Symptoms of Error 12057
  4. Quick Checklist Before You Start
  5. Solution 1: Check Internet Connectivity
  6. Solution 2: Configure Internet Explorer Settings
  7. Solution 3: Verify SSL Settings
  8. Solution 4: Update QuickBooks as Administrator
  9. Solution 5: Configure Windows Firewall Settings
  10. Solution 6: Check System Date and Time
  11. When to Contact QuickBooks Support
  12. Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Error 12057 in the Future
  13. Final Thoughts

 

1. Introduction to QuickBooks Error 12057

QuickBooks Error 12057 usually appears when you attempt to update QuickBooks or download payroll updates. This error is part of the 12xxx error series, which is generally related to internet connectivity problems.

If your QuickBooks software cannot connect to the server properly, you may see an error message like:

“Error 12057: QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close.”

It may seem alarming, but in most cases, the issue is related to settings rather than serious data corruption.

 

2. What Causes QuickBooks Error 12057?

Understanding the cause helps you fix it faster. Here are the most common reasons:

  • Poor or unstable internet connection
  • Incorrect Internet Explorer settings
  • SSL settings not enabled
  • Windows Firewall blocking QuickBooks
  • Incorrect system date and time
  • QuickBooks not running as administrator

Since QuickBooks relies on Windows internet settings, even small misconfigurations can trigger this error.

 

3. Signs and Symptoms of Error 12057

Before jumping into solutions, confirm that you're experiencing this specific issue. Common signs include:

  • Unable to download payroll updates
  • QuickBooks update fails midway
  • Software freezes during update
  • System runs slowly when QuickBooks is open
  • Error message showing “12057”

If these symptoms match, you’re in the right place.

 

4. Quick Checklist Before You Start

Before diving into technical fixes, try these basic steps:

✔ Restart your computer
✔ Restart your router or modem
✔ Close and reopen QuickBooks
✔ Ensure Windows is updated

Sometimes, a simple reboot resolves temporary connectivity issues.

 

5. Solution 1: Check Internet Connectivity

QuickBooks Error 12057 often appears due to internet issues.

Steps to check:

  1. Open your web browser.
  2. Visit a secure website (like your bank’s site).
  3. If it doesn’t load, fix your internet connection first.
  4. If it loads slowly, try restarting your router.

If the connection works fine in your browser but QuickBooks still shows the error, move to the next solution.

 

6. Solution 2: Configure Internet Explorer Settings

Even if you use Chrome or Edge, QuickBooks depends on Internet Explorer settings.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Click on Internet Options.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab.
  4. Scroll down to Security section.
  5. Make sure Use SSL 2.0 and Use SSL 3.0 are unchecked.
  6. Ensure TLS 1.2 is checked.
  7. Click Apply and OK.
  8. Restart your system.

Now try updating QuickBooks again.

 

7. Solution 3: Verify SSL Settings

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) settings are essential for a safe connection.

  • Open Internet Options.
  • Go to Advanced.
  • Confirm SSL settings are properly configured.
  • Make sure your browser can access secure websites.

If secure sites do not open, your SSL configuration may be incorrect.

 

8. Solution 4: Update QuickBooks as Administrator

Sometimes permission restrictions cause the problem.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Close QuickBooks.
  2. Right-click the QuickBooks icon.
  3. Select “Run as Administrator.”
  4. Try updating again.

Running as admin allows QuickBooks to access necessary system files and internet configurations.

 

9. Solution 5: Configure Windows Firewall Settings

Firewall settings can block QuickBooks from connecting to update servers.

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Click on Windows Defender Firewall.
  3. Select “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall.”
  4. Locate QuickBooks.
  5. Ensure both Private and Public boxes are checked.
  6. If not listed, manually add QuickBooks executable file.

After making changes, restart your computer and try updating again.

 

10. Solution 6: Check System Date and Time

Incorrect system date and time can cause security certificate issues.

To fix:

  1. Right-click on the clock in the bottom-right corner.
  2. Select “Adjust date/time.”
  3. Enable automatic time setting.
  4. Restart your computer.

Now reopen QuickBooks and attempt the update.

 

11. When to Contact QuickBooks Support

If none of the above solutions work, it might be time to contact official support from Intuit, the developer of QuickBooks.

Before calling support:

  • Note the exact error message
  • Check your QuickBooks version
  • Confirm your Windows version
  • Backup your company file

Having this information ready will speed up the troubleshooting process.

 

12. Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Error 12057 in the Future

Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how to avoid this error moving forward:

  • Keep QuickBooks updated regularly
  • Update Windows frequently
  • Maintain a stable internet connection
  • Review firewall settings after Windows updates
  • Avoid using outdated security protocols
  • Run QuickBooks as Administrator when installing updates

Routine system maintenance significantly reduces update-related errors.

 

13. Final Thoughts

QuickBooks Error 12057 may look technical, but it’s usually caused by internet configuration issues or system settings. By carefully following the steps outlined in this guide, you can resolve the issue quickly and get back to managing your business finances without interruption.

Start with the basic internet checks, then move to browser and firewall configurations. In most cases, one of these solutions will solve the problem.

If you still experience issues, don’t hesitate to contact support. Keeping your accounting software running smoothly ensures your payroll, invoices, and financial reports stay accurate and up to date.