QuickBooks Error PS058: A Complete Guide to Causes, Fixes & Prevention

If you’re running payroll in QuickBooks and suddenly face Error PS058, you’re not alone. This frustrating message often appears when trying to download or install payroll updates and can stop your business in its tracks—especially when payroll deadlines loom.

In this post, we’ll explain what QuickBooks Error PS058 is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to fix it and prevent it from occurring again.

📌 What Is QuickBooks Error PS058?

QuickBooks Error PS058 typically occurs when there’s a problem during the download or installation of payroll updates. The error message is vague but usually says something like:

“QuickBooks was unable to install the payroll update.”

The process of updating payroll in QuickBooks involves downloading files, extracting them, and installing them on your system. If any part of this chain is interrupted—whether by a damaged file, blocked component, or system conflict—Error PS058 is likely to appear.

🧠 Why Does Error PS058 Happen?

Understanding the root cause of the error helps in applying the correct solution. Here are some common reasons why Error PS058 may occur:

• 🔧 Corrupt company files or registry entries
• 🔒 Firewall or antivirus interference during download or installation
• 🧩 Outdated QuickBooks software or system files (like .NET Framework)
• 🧑‍💼 Insufficient user permissions on your Windows account
• 💻 Slow or interrupted internet connection
• 🧪 Incomplete or broken installation of QuickBooks

🛠️ Step-by-Step Fixes for QuickBooks Error PS058

Now that we know what causes the problem, let’s dive into the step-by-step solutions to fix it.

1. Restart Your System and QuickBooks

Before diving into complex fixes, try the basics:

• Restart your computer
• Right-click the QuickBooks icon and choose Run as Administrator
• Try downloading the payroll update again

Sometimes, temporary files or processes may be blocking the update.

2. Manually Download the Payroll Update

Here’s how to update payroll manually:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop
2. Go to Employees > Get Payroll Updates
3. Select Download Entire Update
4. Click Download Latest Update
5. Wait until the update completes and a confirmation message appears

If the update succeeds this time, the issue was likely a network or download-related glitch.

3. Verify and Rebuild Your Company File

A corrupt company file can also cause payroll update errors. To fix it:

1. Go to File > Utilities > Verify Data
2. If QuickBooks detects an issue, proceed to Rebuild Data
3. Once the rebuild completes, retry the payroll update

This ensures that your file is not contributing to the issue.

4. Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version

Running an outdated version of QuickBooks can cause compatibility issues. To update:

1. Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop
2. Click the Update Now tab and select Get Updates
3. Restart QuickBooks once the update is done
4. Retry the payroll update

Always keep QuickBooks up to date to avoid known bugs and compatibility issues.

5. Repair QuickBooks Desktop

If none of the above work, your QuickBooks installation itself might be faulty.

1. Close QuickBooks and all other programs
2. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features
3. Select QuickBooks > Click Uninstall/Change > Repair
4. Follow the prompts to complete the repair
5. Restart your system and reattempt the update

This process fixes any damaged files in your QuickBooks installation without removing your data.

6. Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall

Sometimes, security software blocks QuickBooks updates by mistake. To test this:

• Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall
• Retry downloading the payroll update
• If successful, add QuickBooks as an exception in your antivirus settings

Always remember to turn your security software back on afterward.

7. Check Windows Components

QuickBooks relies on Windows components like .NET Framework, MSXML, and C++ Redistributables. If these are outdated or corrupted:

• Download the latest versions from Microsoft’s official site
• Install or repair them
• Restart your system and try the payroll update again

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using QuickBooks without administrator privileges
• Ignoring company file corruption warnings
• Letting your QuickBooks or Windows OS become outdated
• Not reconciling your payroll updates with tax tables

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error PS058

Here are some preventative best practices:

• Always run QuickBooks as an Administrator
• Keep your QuickBooks, payroll tax tables, and Windows OS up to date
• Back up your company files regularly
• Ensure uninterrupted internet connection during updates
• Configure firewall and antivirus to allow QuickBooks processes
• Perform periodic file verifications and rebuilds

When to Contact Support

If you’ve tried all the above and still see Error PS058, it might be time to contact:

• QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Support
• A certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor
• Your IT department for firewall or system permission issues

Final Tips to Prevent Error PS058

• Keep QuickBooks and Windows updated regularly
• Use strong internet connection during updates
• Avoid running other software while updating payroll
• Back up your company file before updates

Final Thoughts

QuickBooks Error PS058 can be annoying, but it’s fixable. The key is identifying where in the payroll update process the issue lies—download, installation, or system conflict—and applying the right troubleshooting steps.

With regular maintenance, system updates, and a bit of tech know-how, you can avoid running into PS058 again and ensure smooth payroll operations for your business.