How to fix QuickBooks Error 12045

2025-08-18

By James Smith

When QuickBooks software is unable to download and install the updates properly, then QuickBooks Error 12045 occurs.

Other reasons for the occurrence of QuickBooks error are internet connection issues, incorrect time and date settings, etc.

This error typically shows up as a pop-up that disrupts your work and prevents you from completing the update. Below are six effective methods to resolve QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 12045 during installation.

Possible reasons for the occurrence of QuickBooks Desktop error 12045

QuickBooks error 12045 exists for a diverse range of reasons. Let's look at some of the potential causes :

Incorrect time and date settings on the user’s system.
Using multiple versions of QuickBooks software on a single system.
Incorrect folder permissions for the QuickBooks Installation directory.
Corrupted/damaged hosting configuration file.
Software connection is blocked by the internet connection.
Using an older version of QuickBooks.
Damaged company file.
Poor internet connection or firewall settings.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 12045?

Before trying to resolve the QuickBooks Update error 12045, make sure you go through the following process :

Creating a backup of company files – It's recommended to create a backup of your company file so that there would not be any loss of data while fixing the QuickBooks Error 12045.
Using a recent version of QuickBooks – Ensure that you are using the latest version of the software.
Firewall and antivirus settings – Disable all your firewall and antivirus software, as this prevents QuickBooks from accessing the update servers.

Read Also : How to fix QuickBooks Error 2308

Identifying QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 12045

This error occurs when the user tries to download and install updates but fails.

Some of the symptoms are :

Error message – An error message gets displayed, “QuickBooks Update Error 12045: Failed to install updates”.
Failed update process – The update process begins, but it fails after a certain amount of time.

Proven solutions to fix the error

Solution 1 – Verifying the system’s time and date settings

Sometimes, wrong time and date settings can block the QuickBooks updates process.

Follow the steps below to verify and correct the time and date settings :

First, check whether the time and date settings are correct or not.
In case it's incorrect, tap Windows + R, -> control, and Enter.
Now, navigate to the clock and Region -> Time and date -> Change the date and time.
Adjust the time and date and confirm it.
Now, close QuickBooks and open it again to reinstall its updates.

Solution 2 – Verification of the internet connection settings

To download and install QuickBooks updates, a high-speed, stable internet connection is needed.

Verification of internet connection

For this, go to your web browser and open any site to check the internet speed.

If the site loads in seconds, then you have a good internet connection. In case there is a delay, you need a high-speed internet connection.

Internet connection setup in QuickBooks

Open QuickBooks desktop and go to Help> Internet Connection Setup.
Choose Use my computer’s internet connection settings so that QuickBooks can connect to the internet.
Choose Use my system’s internet connection settings, allowing QuickBooks to connect QuickBooks

Extra tips for improving the update process

Download Accelerators – In case you are using download accelerators, disable them before downloading updates, as they will interrupt the process.

Dial-up connection - In case you are using a dial-up internet, ensure that your

Internet connection speed is 28.8kbpds.)

Using AOL

Solution 3 – Uninstalling multiple versions of QuickBooks Desktop

When you use the same versions of QuickBooks installed on your system such as QuickBooks Pro 2019 and QuickBooks Premier 2019, then this error occurs.

Follow the steps below to install the updated version of QuickBooks Pro 2019 :

Go to the Downloads & Updates on the QuickBooks website.
Choose your country and QuickBooks product, like QuickBooks Pro 2023.
Tap Search -> Get the latest updates.
Go through the on-screen instructions mentioned to install the update for your particular version.

Solution 4 – Resetting QuickBooks desktop updates and trying again

Follow the method below to resolve the QuickBooks error :

Go to QuickBooks desktop.
Visit Help -> Update QuickBooks desktop.
Choose Update Now, then select Reset Update from the drop-down lists.
Get updates, as it may take some time.

Solution 5 – Configuring firewall settings

Sometimes firewall settings interfere with QuickBooks configuration and this leads to the occurrence of QuickBooks error 12045.

Follow the steps below to configure it :

Step 1 – Allowing QuickBooks via the Windows Firewall

Go to Control Panel -> System & Security tab.
Tap on firewall and network protection.
Go to the Windows Firewall tab.
Choose the option to Allow an app via Windows firewall.
Tap on Change settings.
Find QuickBooks in the given list to ensure both public and private options are selected for QuickBooks. In case QuickBooks is not mentioned in that list, then add it manually.

Step 2 – Addition of QuickBooks to the firewall

In case QuickBooks is not available in the given list, then tap on the Add program button.
Tap on Browse to browse this path: “C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks and select qbw32.exe.”
Tap open -> Add.
Tap Ok to save the changes.

Step 3 – Temporarily disable the network protection

In case you are still struggling with the error, then disable the firewall and network protection.
Navigate to Control Panel -> firewall and network protection -> Switch Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
Now choose the option to switch off the firewall for both public as well as private networks.

Step 4 – Configuration of Antivirus and firewall settings

In firewall settings, make sure ports 80 and 443 are open for QuickBooks.
Add these QuickBooks files to the firewall settings-
QBW32.exe, QBCFMonitorService.exe, FileManagement.exe, QBDBMgr.exe, IntuitSyncManager.exe, QBDBMgrN.exe, QBGDSPlugin.exe, QBLaunch.exe, AutoBackupExe.exe, Dbmlsync.exe, and QBServerUtilityMgr.exe.
When QuickBooks is properly allowed via firewall and antivirus settings, you can fix any update errors interrupted by blocked connections.

Recommended : How to rectify QuickBooks Error 3371

Solution 6 – Using the SFC / Scannow command

To repair the QuickBooks error, you need to use the System File Checker tool.

Follow the steps below :

Open the command prompt as an administrator.
Mention sfc/scannow and tap Enter to begin the scan.
Wait for the scan process to finish.
When the process finishes, update QuickBooks again. Check for the issues.

Need Professional Help?

QuickBooks Error 12045 may seem like a minor glitch, but if left unresolved, it can disrupt essential updates and impact your accounting workflow.

By checking your system date and time, verifying internet settings, running the QuickBooks Tool Hub utilities, and ensuring your firewall isn’t blocking updates, you can usually resolve the problem quickly. For persistent issues, a manual update in Safe Mode or a clean install may be necessary.

Connect With Our Experts & Get Your QuickBooks Queries Resolved! Dial - +1-325-244-1757

FAQs

What is QuickBooks Error 12045?

It's a QuickBooks desktop update error that occurs when the system time and date settings on the system don't match the actual time and date, or when internet connection settings are misconfigured.

Which tools can fix Error code 12045?

There are various tools such as QuickBooks Tool Hub, QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool, QuickBooks File Doctor, Internet Connectivity Diagnostic Tool, Windows Data and Time Troubleshooter, and Windows Firewall Troubleshooter.

What to do if update errors keep coming?

In that situation, try performing a manual update in Safe Mode by downloading the update file from the Intuit website and installing it.

Is Error 12045 related to my QuickBooks version?

It can occur in any version of QuickBooks Desktop if the update access is restricted or the settings are incorrectly configured.

Does QuickBooks Tool Hub fix Error 12045?

QuickBooks Tool Hub can resolve certain update errors, but fixing Error 12045 typically involves manually reviewing your internet and firewall settings.

How do I check if my firewall is blocking QuickBooks updates?

Access your firewall settings, find QuickBooks or QBUpdate.exe in the program list, and verify that it’s allowed to send and receive internet connections in both directions.

Will fixing the date and time on my PC resolve Error 12045?

Yes, if the error is due to an incorrect date or time, adjusting it and restarting QuickBooks often resolves the problem.