Learn How to Fix QuickBooks Error 12007 When Updating

Written by BooksMerge | Published: September 21, 2026

QuickBooks error 12007 usually appears when QuickBooks Desktop fails to connect with the internet or Intuit’s update server while downloading an update. Issues with internet settings, firewall restrictions, browser configuration, or security software can prevent QuickBooks from completing the update.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the common reasons behind QuickBooks Error 12007 and walk you through the best solutions to fix it and update QuickBooks Desktop without further interruptions.

What is QuickBooks Error 12007?

QuickBooks Error 12007 is one of the 12XXX series errors that can occur when QuickBooks Desktop has trouble connecting to the internet or Intuit’s server during an update. These errors may display a warning message on your screen stating:

“Error 12007: A network timeout that is preventing QuickBooks from accessing the server.”

This error can stop QuickBooks from downloading the latest updates. Other errors in the 12XXX series can also appear when QuickBooks is unable to establish a proper connection with the update server.

This is one of several connection-related errors—if QuickBooks won’t connect at all, not just fail to update, see our guide on QuickBooks not connecting to the server.

How to Identify QuickBooks Error 12007?

QuickBooks Error 12007 is fairly simple to identify. One can easily come across an update being halted at certain point of time along with the pop-up showing, “Error 12007: A network timeout that is preventing QuickBooks from accessing the server.” It is quite possible that QuickBooks Desktop freezes in the course of downloading the update and fails to continue beyond that point.

Reasons Why You Get QuickBooks Error 12007 When Updating

QuickBooks error 12007 can occur due to several internet, browser, or QuickBooks settings that prevent the software from connecting to the update server. Some of the common reasons include:

• Unstable or slow internet connection
• Incorrect internet or browser settings
• QuickBooks is unable to connect to the update server
• Firewall or security software blocking QuickBooks
• Incorrect SSL settings
• An outdated QuickBooks Desktop version
• Internet Explorer settings are not configured correctly

Best 10 Solutions to Resolve QuickBooks Update Error 12007

Here are the solutions you can try to resolve error 12007 when updating QuickBooks or the payroll services and get the update process working again:

1. Verify the date and time on your system

Incorrect date and time settings can sometimes prevent QuickBooks from connecting properly to the update server. Check and correct your system date and time using the steps below:

• Right-click the clock on the taskbar.
• Select Adjust Date/Time.
• Click Change date and time and enter the correct date and time.
• Select OK twice to save the changes.
• Restart QuickBooks Desktop.
• Run the update again to check whether the error is resolved.

2. Run the TLS 1.2 Readiness tool

QuickBooks Tool Hub can help check your Windows settings and make sure the system is ready to use the TLS 1.2 security protocol. Before running the tool, close QuickBooks Desktop.

For better compatibility, Intuit recommends using the Tool Hub on a 64-bit version of Windows 10:

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Select Installation Issues from the left menu.
• Click QuickBooks TLS 1.2 Tool in the bottom-right corner.
• Select OK to open the tool and accept the EULA.
• Click Run to start the TLS check.
• Once the process is complete, click Exit.

TLS 1.2 issues can also trigger payroll download errors — see our guide to QuickBooks PSxxx errors if you’re seeing one alongside 12007.”

3. Test your secure internet access

You can also check whether your internet connection is working properly by opening a secure website in your browser:

• Open a web browser such as Google Chrome.
• Visit a secure website, such as Chase.com.
• If the website loads without any issues, your internet connection is likely working, and the problem may be related to QuickBooks.
• If the website fails to load, check your internet connection and network settings before trying the QuickBooks update again.

4. Check your Internet Connection settings

An incorrect internet connection configuration in QuickBooks can also interfere with the update process. You can reset the connection settings by following these steps:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop and go to the Help menu.
• Select Internet Connection Setup.

• Choose Use my computer’s Internet connection settings to establish a connection when this application accesses the Internet.
• Click Next.
• Select Advanced Connection Settings.
• Open the Advanced tab.
• Click Restore Advanced Settings.

• Select OK, then click Done.
• Try updating QuickBooks Desktop again to check whether the error is resolved

5. Configure Windows Firewall settings

Properly configured security settings are important to prevent your firewall, antivirus, or parental control software from interfering with QuickBooks. Strict security rules may block QuickBooks from accessing the internet or completing the update process.

To avoid such issues, configure Windows Firewall to allow QuickBooks Desktop through the necessary network connections. You can also create an antivirus exception for QuickBooks so your security software does not mistakenly block its files or processes while keeping your system protected.

6. Start Microsoft Windows in Safe Mode

To check whether background applications are interfering with QuickBooks Error 12000, you can start Windows in Safe Mode using the System Configuration tool. Follow these steps:

• Press Windows + R to open theRun window.
• Type msconfig and press Enter.
• Open the Boot tab.

• Under Boot options, select Safe boot.
• Choose Minimal.
• Click OK and restart your computer.

7. Reset the QuickBooks updates

If QuickBooks continues to show update issues, resetting the update settings can help clear previously downloaded or corrupted update files. You can reset the updates by following these steps:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop and select Help from the top menu.
• Click Update QuickBooks.
• Open the Update Now tab.
• Select the Reset Update checkbox.
• Click Get Updates.
• Once the update finishes, close and reopen QuickBooks Desktop.

8. Run QuickBooks File Doctor

In case the update error results from network or connectivity issues rather than a problem with settings, QuickBooks File Doctor that could be run from Tool Hub may fix it before moving on to further troubleshooting steps.

• Go to the QuickBooks Tool Hub. If it is not installed on your computer, download and install it.
• From the menu on the left side, click Company File Issues.

• Click on Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
• Choose your company file from the drop-down list, or use Browse option and search for it in case it does not appear there.
• Choose Check your Network and click on Continue.

• If asked, enter your QuickBooks admin password and click Next.
• After completion of the scanning process, restart QuickBooks Desktop and try updating once more.

9. Reinstall QuickBooks in Selective Startup

If you’re unable to install or uninstall QuickBooks Desktop, switching Windows to Selective Startup can help prevent other programs from interfering with the process. Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary information and follow these steps carefully:

• Create a backup of your company file
• Keep a copy of your QuickBooks Desktop product and license info

a. Switch to Selective Startup

To prevent other applications and services from interfering with QuickBooks, you can switch Windows to Selective Startup. Follow the steps below to change the startup settings:

• Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run window.
• Type msconfig and click OK.
• Under the General tab, select Selective startup and Load system services.
• Open the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft services.
• Click Disable all.
• Clear the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
• From the list of services, locate and select Windows Installer.
• Click OK to save the changes.
• In the System Configuration window, select Restart to reboot your computer.

b. Uninstall or install QuickBooks Desktop

Once you have completed the troubleshooting steps, reinstall QuickBooks Desktop and return Windows to its normal startup mode:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
• Enter msconfig and click OK.
• Under the General tab, select Normal startup.
• Click OK to save the changes.
• In the System Configuration window, select Restart.

10. Set Internet Explorer as Your Default Browser

Internet Explorer settings determine the connectivity used by QuickBooks Desktop for certain aspects of the update process, even though you may use another browser for all other operations. Should another browser be designated as the default one, it may fail to establish a secure connection that will allow you to connect to the Intuit update server, leading to the appearance of Error 12007.

• Close QuickBooks Desktop before performing any other actions.
• Click Start and look for Default apps and press Enter.
• Go to Web browser at the bottom of the screen.
• From the list of available web browsers, choose Internet Explorer.
• Reboot your PC.
• Check if the QuickBooks error 12007 persists after opening QuickBooks Desktop and performing an update.
• When done, you can revert your default browser to your favorite one.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 12007?

QuickBooks Error 12007 can often be avoided by keeping your QuickBooks Desktop, internet settings, and security software properly configured. The following tips can help prevent the error from occurring during future updates:

• Keep QuickBooks Desktop updated with the latest available release.
• Maintain a stable and reliable internet connection while downloading updates.
• Check your firewall and antivirus settings to ensure they are not blocking QuickBooks.
• Keep your Windows and security software updated.
• Avoid using download accelerators while updating QuickBooks.
• Regularly check your computer’s date and time settings.
• Make sure your internet and browser settings are configured correctly.
• Run QuickBooks updates regularly instead of leaving the software outdated for a long time.

Summing Up

We have reached the end of this blog on QuickBooks error 12007. We hope the solutions discussed above helped you understand why this error occurs and how you can fix it without much hassle. Once the internet connection, security settings, and QuickBooks update settings are properly configured, you should be able to update QuickBooks smoothly.

For more QuickBooks-related errors, troubleshooting guides, and helpful tips, see our other QuickBooks blogs. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, contact our team through our personalized QuickBooks chat support or call us at +1-866-513-4656.