How to Fix the QuickBooks TLS 1.2 Error

QuickBooks is a widely used and reliable accounting software designed to handle various financial tasks for businesses of all sizes. Whether you run a small business or a large enterprise, QuickBooks provides a secure platform to store and manage extensive financial data. However, like any software, it is not entirely free from errors and technical glitches. Some issues can cause QuickBooks to freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. When an error occurs, users often see a pop-up message indicating that QuickBooks is not functioning properly.

One such issue is the TLS 1.2 error in QuickBooks Desktop for Windows. If you encounter this error, it likely means that there have been changes to QuickBooks Online’s Internet Explorer settings. As a result, QuickBooks Online is no longer supported by Internet Explorer’s default TLS settings.

For businesses, security is a top priority. A weak security protocol can put sensitive financial data at risk. That’s why QuickBooks TLS 1.2 was introduced- an advanced internet security protocol designed to protect confidential information. In this guide, we will discuss TLS 1.2 in QuickBooks Desktop for Windows, explore the causes of this error, and provide solutions to resolve it effectively.

Understanding QuickBooks TLS 1.2 for Windows

Before learning how to fix the QuickBooks TLS 1.2 error, it’s essential to understand what TLS 1.2 is.

TLS, or Transport Layer Security, is a security protocol that enables safe and encrypted communication over the internet. Before June 1, 2018, QuickBooks relied on SSL/Early TLS as its security standard. However, due to security vulnerabilities, Intuit updated its systems to comply with PCI Data Security Standards, enhancing protection and ensuring stable connections within QuickBooks Desktop.

After this update, QuickBooks users must meet specific system requirements to continue accessing Intuit services. If your software displays a TLS 1.2 error, it indicates that some of these system requirements are not met.

To check whether your system is compatible, you can use the TLS 1.2 Readiness Tool. This tool helps users update their system settings, ensuring compatibility with Windows OS, Internet Explorer, and .NET Framework requirements.

Since May 22, 2017, QuickBooks no longer supports TLS 1.0 or TLS 1.1. To use TLS 1.2, users must enable it in Internet Explorer—the default browser for QuickBooks Online. If you use other browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you might not experience this issue.

System Requirements for Windows Users

To ensure that TLS 1.2 works properly with QuickBooks, you must meet the following operating system (OS) and browser requirements:

• Windows 10 & Internet Explorer 11 Users:

  • TLS 1.2 should be enabled by default. However, it’s always best to verify this in your settings.

• Windows XP/Vista & Internet Explorer 8 Users:

  • These older versions do not support TLS 1.2. You must upgrade your operating system to a newer version, such as Windows 10 or 11, to access Internet Explorer 11.

• Windows 7/8/8.1 & Internet Explorer 9/10 Users:

  • Internet Explorer 9 and 10 do not support TLS 1.2 by default. Users must upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 to enable TLS 1.2.

TLS 1.2 vs. SSL/Early TLS - Which One Is Better?

If you’re unsure whether to use TLS 1.2 or SSL/Early TLS for QuickBooks, here’s what you need to know:

• SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) was first introduced by Netscape in the 1990s. Over time, vulnerabilities were discovered, making it easier for hackers to exploit systems using SSL and Early TLS. If not updated regularly, these security gaps can compromise sensitive data.

• TLS (Transport Layer Security), on the other hand, has undergone multiple improvements, making it a more secure alternative. With the introduction of TLS 1.2, QuickBooks now benefits from stronger encryption algorithms, reducing security risks.

Since TLS 1.2 is more reliable and secure, QuickBooks users should upgrade their system to support this protocol.

Signs That Your QuickBooks Has a TLS 1.2 Error

Failing to update TLS 1.2 in QuickBooks Desktop can lead to several issues. On May 31, 2018, Intuit released a new security protocol, requiring all connections used by QuickBooks to comply with updated security standards. If your software is incompatible, you may encounter the following problems:

1. Online Payment and Payroll Services Stop Working

   • Features like online payroll processing, QuickBooks Payments, and online banking may fail to function properly.

2. QuickBooks Desktop Activation Fails on a New Device

   • If you’re trying to activate QuickBooks on a new system, the process may not complete successfully.

3. The Password Reset Tool Becomes Unusable

   • Users may face difficulties resetting their QuickBooks account passwords.

4. Intuit Account Services Stop Working

   • Features such as My Apps, Secure Webmail, and Contributed Reports may no longer function.

5. Intuit Data Protection Service Stops

   • If your system does not meet TLS 1.2 requirements, Intuit Data Protect may fail to back up your data.

6. Help Pages and VAT e-Filing Issues

   • Users may experience errors while accessing help pages or e-filing VAT returns.

7. Ordering Checks and Supplies Becomes Unavailable

   • QuickBooks users may be unable to place orders for checks and other supplies.

System Requirements for TLS 1.2 in QuickBooks

Ensuring that your system meets the necessary requirements for TLS 1.2 is crucial for smooth functioning in QuickBooks for Windows. Without proper system specifications, you may encounter multiple errors while using QuickBooks Desktop. Therefore, it’s important to update your operating system, browser, and essential components to ensure compatibility with TLS 1.2. Below are the key system requirements to help you avoid issues.

Operating System Compatibility

For TLS 1.2 to function correctly, your computer must be running one of the following operating systems:

• Windows 8.1

• Windows 10

• Windows Server 2008 R2

• Windows Server 2012 R2

• Windows Server 2016

If you are using an older operating system, you may need to upgrade to a supported version to ensure TLS 1.2 compatibility.

Internet Explorer Requirements

Since Internet Explorer is the default web browser for QuickBooks Desktop, it must be updated to the latest version. If you're using an older version, follow these steps to upgrade it to the latest one.

1. Open the Windows Start Menu.

2. Navigate to Settings > Apps.

3. Locate Internet Explorer in the list of installed applications.

4. Select it and proceed with the update to Internet Explorer 11.

Alternatively, you can update it through the Microsoft Store by searching for Internet Explorer and installing the latest version. Once updated, restart QuickBooks Desktop to ensure smooth performance.

.NET Framework Requirements

To run QuickBooks Desktop properly, you need to have .NET Framework 4.5.2 or higher installed on your system. If it's not available, follow these steps to install it.

1. Download the latest .NET Framework from Microsoft’s official website.

2. Save the file to your computer.

3. Open the downloaded file and double-click on it.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

5. Once done, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Internet Explorer Group Policy Settings

Even if you have Internet Explorer 11, you may still face TLS 1.2 errors if the settings are not configured correctly. To ensure that TLS 1.2 is enabled, check your Internet Explorer group policy settings and update them if necessary.

Running QuickBooks with Administrator Privileges

To enhance security and prevent issues related to TLS 1.2, you should always run QuickBooks Desktop with administrator privileges. Here’s how:

1. Close QuickBooks if it’s open.

2. Right-click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon.

3. Click on Run as Administrator.

This ensures that the software has full access to internet security settings and avoids unnecessary permission-related errors.

Fixing TLS 1.2 Update Error in QuickBooks Desktop

Like other technical glitches in QuickBooks, TLS 1.2 errors can be fixed with some simple steps. Below are some effective troubleshooting methods to resolve TLS 1.2 errors in QuickBooks Desktop.

Solution 1: Run the TLS 1.2 Readiness Tool

To check whether your system supports TLS 1.2, you should use the TLS 1.2 Readiness Tool. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Install QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop.

2. Download the latest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub version 1.5.0.0.

3. Store the file in a location that is easy to access.

4. Open the downloaded file and run QuickBooksToolHub.exe.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

6. Once installed, double-click on the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon to open it.

Step 2: Run the TLS 1.2 Readiness Tool

1. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.

2. Click on Installation Issues from the menu.

3. Select QuickBooks TLS 1.2 Tool from the bottom-right corner.

4. Click OK and launch the tool.

5. Accept the EULA Agreement.

6. Execute the program and allow the process to finish.

7. Once done, exit the tool and restart QuickBooks Desktop.

If this approach doesn't fix the error, move on to the next solution.

Solution 2: Configure Internet Explorer TLS Security Settings

When transferring data between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop, TLS 1.2 errors can sometimes occur. You can fix this issue by modifying Internet Explorer’s security settings:

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Click on Tools > Internet Options.

3. Under the General tab, select Delete.

4. Choose Temporary Internet Files > Delete, avoid selecting Delete Cookies.

5. Navigate to the Connections tab > LAN Settings.

6. Ensure that Automatically Detect Settings is checked.

7. If you are not using a proxy server, make sure the proxy option is unchecked.

8. Click OK twice to save the changes.

9. Scroll down to Advanced Settings.

10. Uncheck both SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0.

11. Ensure that TLS 1.2 is enabled.

12. Close the settings and restart QuickBooks.

If this solution does not work, try the next one.

Solution 3: Enable TLS 1.2 Security Update

This method is specifically for QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale users. If you are using Windows 7 or higher, follow these steps:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale.

2. Click on the Help menu.

3. Select Software Updates.

4. Click on Check for Updates.

5. If an update is available, download and install the latest version.

This guide covers all essential details related to TLS 1.2 errors in QuickBooks. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue and ensure smooth operation. However, if the error persists even after applying these fixes, consider reaching out to an IT professional or contacting QB Advisors LLC support for further assistance.

FAQs

1. How Can I Prevent QuickBooks TLS 1.2 Update Errors?

To prevent TLS 1.2 errors, follow these steps:

• Always use the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop.

• Run the TLS 1.2 Readiness Tool to check if your system supports it.

• Ensure that Internet Explorer is updated to its latest version.

• Run QuickBooks as an Administrator to avoid permission-related issues.

2. What Are the System Requirements for TLS 1.2?

To avoid TLS 1.2 errors, your system should meet these requirements:

• Operating System:

  • Windows 8.1, Windows 10

  • Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016

• Browser: Internet Explorer 11 (latest version)

• Framework: .NET Framework 4.5.2 or higher

3. Can I Fix the TLS 1.2 Error on My Own?

Yes! You can resolve the error using any of these methods:

1. Run the TLS 1.2 Readiness Tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub.

2. Adjust Internet Explorer security settings to enable TLS 1.2.

3. Update QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale if applicable.

4. What Happens if TLS 1.2 is Not Updated in QuickBooks?

Failure to update TLS 1.2 can cause multiple problems, such as:

• Online banking and payroll services may stop working.

• Activating QuickBooks on a new device may fail.

• The password reset tool may not function.

• Secure webmail, reports, and data protection features may become inaccessible.

To avoid these issues, ensure that your system meets all TLS 1.2 requirements and stays up to date.