QuickBooks error PS032 is one of the PSXXX series errors that appear when trying to update the payroll services. You may also see a warning message on your screen stating,
“[PS032] QuickBooks is having trouble installing your payroll update.”

In QuickBooks, the payroll tax table can be hampered due to a variety of factors, which include Windows Firewall or internal issues such as outdated QuickBooks.
To help you complete your payroll accurately, we have listed possible factors that trigger error code PS032 and solutions to address the root causes, ensuring a seamless payroll update. Get started with this detailed guide carefully.
What Causes Payroll Update Error PS032 in QuickBooks?
Explore the list of different factors that hinder the payroll tax table update in QuickBooks and trigger the error code PS032:
- Not having an active payroll subscription
- QuickBooks is not registered or activated
- Using an outdated version of QuickBooks
- Microsoft Defender might be blocking QuickBooks
- Background QB processes lingering with payroll updates
- Damages or corruption to the CPS folder
- UAC settings may hamper the payroll updates
- Windows Firewall might be blocking QuickBooks Desktop
- Incorrect installation or corrupted program files
Ways to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error PS032 When Updating Payroll
In this section, we’ll discuss various troubleshooting methods that will help you pinpoint the root cause of QuickBooks error PS032. Be sure to perform the fixes below to ensure payroll updates are working properly:
1. Check your payroll service subscription
Not having a payroll subscription means you won’t be able to run payroll services and receive updates. Check your payroll subscription with the steps below:
- Exit your company files and QuickBooks.
- Restart your computer.
- Open QuickBooks Desktop.
- Go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Manage Service Key.

- Verify that the Service Name and Status display as ‘Active‘.
Click Edit and ensure the service key number is correct. - If it’s incorrect, enter the accurate service key.
- Click Next.
- Remove the mark in the Open Payroll Setup box > Finish.
- This will help you get the entire payroll update.
If you still encounter issues, go to the next solution.
2. Register and update your QuickBooks Desktop
You must register QuickBooks Desktop to receive the latest security and feature updates, which include software improvements.
- Press F2 on your keyboard.
- Launch the Product Information window.
- Check if Activated is displayed beside the license number.

Note: If it doesn’t say Activated, you must register QuickBooks Desktop.
- Once QuickBooks Desktop is registered, update it to the latest release.
- Try to get the payroll tax table updates again.
If you encounter QuickBooks error PS032, proceed to Solution 3.
3. Add Defender exclusion and run Quick Fix my Program
Make sure Microsoft Defender is not blocking QuickBooks Desktop with the steps below, and fix it using Quick Fix my Program to resolve the QuickBooks error PS032 when updating payroll:
a. Create a Microsoft Defender exclusion of QuickBooks files
To resolve this issue, QuickBooks Tool Hub has added a feature to exclude specific QuickBooks files from Microsoft Defender scans. By including these files in an exclusion list, Defender skips scanning them during installation, ensuring updates proceed at normal speed. Follow these steps to use this feature:
Note: You must be logged in to Windows as an administrator to add exclusions. If you’re not an admin, the Add Defender Exclusion option will be disabled, and you’ll need to request that your admin add the exclusion for you.
- Hit Cancel to stop the update.
- Exit QuickBooks.
- Launch the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- If you don’t already have the QuickBooks Tool Hub, make sure to download and install the latest release available.
- In the left pane, select Installation issues.
- Click on Add Defender Exclusion.

- Restart your computer.
- Open QuickBooks and try to get the updates again.
b. Run Quick Fix my Program
- Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Go to Program Problems.
- Click on Quick Fix my Program.

- Open QuickBooks and get the most recent updates.
- Try to download and install the latest tax table.
4. Rename the CPS folder
Repair the CPS folder by renaming it to resolve error code PS032:
- Launch the Windows File Explorer.
- Select This PC.
- Go to the Local Disk C.
- Now, run Program Files (x86), then the Intuit folder.
- Open the QuickBooks Desktop folder of the same version as QuickBooks.
- Select Components, then Payroll folder.
- Right-click on the CPS folder and select Rename.
- Type a new folder name and press Enter to successfully rename it.
5. Temporarily disable UAC
Disable UAC settings when downloading payroll updates to make required changes on your computer and resolve QuickBooks error PS038.
- Press the Windows +R keys to open the Run command.
- In the Run prompt, type Control Panel and click OK.
- Choose User Accounts > User Accounts (Classic View).
- Hit on Change user account control settings.
Note: Click Yes on the UAC prompt to continue.
- Move the slider:
- Set UAC settings to Never Notify and click OK to turn it off.
- Set to Always Notify and click OK to enable UAC ON
Note: When prompted by UAC, click Yes to continue.
- Restart your computer.
6. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool
If something goes wrong during installation, problems may arise when updating payroll services or other features. Use the QuickBooks Installation Diagnostic Tool to troubleshoot this issue:
- Launch the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
- Go to the Installation Issues menu.
- Hit on the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. The tool might take up to 20 minutes; let the utility run until then.

- When the tool finishes, restart your computer and open QuickBooks Desktop, then open the company file.
- Update QuickBooks to the latest release to make sure you have the most recent fixes and security updates.
7. Configure the Windows Firewall settings
Windows Firewall, a built-in Windows security tool, regulates incoming and outgoing network traffic via system ports using predefined rules. When it identifies a potential threat, such as malicious software or suspicious data, it may block the related application, file, or folder, resulting in a QuickBooks error PS032.
To resolve this issue, configure the Windows Firewall to permit QuickBooks Desktop by adding exceptions for its specific files, folders, and ports. This enables QuickBooks to communicate effectively and complete updates without restrictions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, payroll updates are crucial for accurate payroll tax calculations and timely payment of taxes without delay or penalties. However, it’s a bigger challenge when you can’t update the payroll tax table and encounter QuickBooks error PS032.
Following the above steps, such as updating QuickBooks, disabling UAC settings, and other methods, will help you resolve the error and get the updates seamlessly.
For further assistance, dial +1(866)500-0076 and connect with a QuickBooks ProAdvisor now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is error code PS033 in QuickBooks?
QuickBooks Error code PS033 is part of the PSXXX series of errors that appear when attempting to obtain payroll tax table updates. Not having an active subscription, insufficient permissions to receive updates, UAC, and other factors may be causing your update failure. Identify these causes and resolve them promptly.
How do I fix a payroll error in QuickBooks?
To fix a payroll error in QuickBooks, first determine whether the paycheck has been processed or not. For unprocessed direct deposit paychecks, you can edit or delete them.
For processed paychecks (whether by direct deposit or paper check), you must cancel them, which creates a negative adjustment check to offset the original amount.
Why am I getting payroll error code PS032?
You may receive the payroll error code PS032 due to various factors, such as an outdated QuickBooks Desktop, no active payroll subscription, updates blocked by antivirus or Windows Firewall, or incorrect UAC settings.
How to fix the QuickBooks payroll update not working issue?
To resolve the issue where the QuickBooks Payroll update is not working, check your internet connection, system storage, and the version of QuickBooks you’re using. Additionally, run the update with administrator rights, repair QuickBooks Desktop, and ensure your payroll subscription is active to receive payroll updates.
How to manually update QuickBooks payroll?
To manually update QuickBooks Payroll, typically go to Employee > Get Payroll Updates > Update Now to download the latest tax tables. For QuickBooks Desktop, you can also manually install software updates via the Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
