QuickBooks Error 17337: 9 Easy Ways to Fix Payroll Update Error

QuickBooks Desktop makes payroll and accounting easier for businesses, but occasional technical errors can interrupt important tasks. QuickBooks Error 17337 is commonly associated with payroll updates and connectivity problems. It can appear when QuickBooks has difficulty establishing a secure connection with the server while downloading payroll updates or communicating with payroll services.

When Error 17337 occurs, your payroll tax tables may fail to update, which can prevent you from processing payroll correctly. The problem may be related to internet connectivity, security settings, firewall restrictions, outdated QuickBooks components, or incorrect system settings.

Fortunately, you can often resolve QuickBooks Error 17337 by checking your internet connection, reviewing security settings, updating QuickBooks, and repairing the application if necessary.

What Is QuickBooks Error 17337?

QuickBooks Error 17337 is generally encountered when QuickBooks Desktop has trouble connecting securely to the servers required for payroll-related services or updates.

A secure connection is important because QuickBooks needs to communicate with Intuit servers when downloading payroll updates and other online services. If the connection is interrupted or blocked, QuickBooks may display Error 17337.

The error can be particularly frustrating when you are trying to download the latest payroll tax tables because outdated payroll information can affect payroll calculations.

Common Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 17337

You may notice one or more of the following symptoms when Error 17337 occurs:

• Payroll updates fail to download.

• QuickBooks displays an error message containing code 17337.

• QuickBooks cannot connect to the payroll service.

• Payroll tax tables remain outdated.

• QuickBooks becomes slow while attempting an update.

• The program repeatedly asks you to download an update.

• Internet-related errors appear while using payroll features.

• QuickBooks cannot establish a secure connection with its online services.

If the error appears repeatedly, it is important to identify the underlying connection or software problem instead of repeatedly attempting the same update.

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What Causes QuickBooks Error 17337?

There are several possible reasons for this error.

1. Unstable Internet Connection

QuickBooks needs a reliable internet connection to communicate with online payroll services. A weak, interrupted, or incorrectly configured connection can prevent the update from completing.

2. Firewall or Security Software

Windows Firewall, antivirus applications, or other internet-security programs can sometimes block QuickBooks processes from accessing the internet. Intuit notes that firewall and security settings can interfere with QuickBooks Desktop updates and recommends allowing the required QuickBooks programs and ports.

3. Incorrect Internet or Security Settings

Incorrect browser or security settings can interfere with secure communication between QuickBooks and its servers. Payroll connection problems can also be related to invalid security certificates or network timeouts.

4. Outdated QuickBooks Desktop

An outdated QuickBooks installation may have difficulty working with current online services. Keeping QuickBooks updated can help maintain compatibility and security.

5. Incorrect Computer Date and Time

An incorrect system date or time can interfere with secure connections. Intuit specifically recommends checking the computer's date and time when troubleshooting QuickBooks update problems.

6. Damaged QuickBooks Program Files

If QuickBooks installation files are damaged or corrupted, update and payroll functions may not work correctly. Repairing the installation or using QuickBooks Tool Hub may help.

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How to Fix QuickBooks Error 17337

Try the following solutions one at a time. After completing each method, attempt the payroll update again.

Solution 1: Check Your Internet Connection

Start with the simplest troubleshooting step.

1. Open a web browser on the computer.

2. Visit several secure websites.

3. Make sure webpages load normally.

4. Restart your router if the connection is unstable.

5. If possible, try a different reliable network.

6. Reopen QuickBooks Desktop.

7. Try downloading the payroll update again.

If other secure websites also fail to load, the problem may be with your internet connection rather than QuickBooks.

Solution 2: Check Your Computer's Date and Time

Incorrect system time can cause problems with secure online connections.

On Windows:

1. Open Settings.

2. Select Time & language.

3. Choose Date & time.

4. Turn on automatic date and time settings if appropriate.

5. Confirm that the time zone is correct.

6. Restart QuickBooks Desktop.

7. Try the payroll update again.

Intuit recommends checking system date and time as part of troubleshooting QuickBooks update and payroll connection problems.

Solution 3: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Security software may prevent QuickBooks from communicating with Intuit servers.

Check your firewall and antivirus configuration and make sure QuickBooks is allowed to access the internet.

Intuit's current guidance notes that ports 80 and 443 must be enabled for relevant QuickBooks Desktop update connections, and certain QuickBooks executable files may need firewall access.

Avoid permanently disabling your security software. Instead, configure appropriate exceptions or ask your network administrator to verify the settings.

After making changes, restart QuickBooks and try the payroll update again.

Solution 4: Update QuickBooks Desktop

Using an outdated version of QuickBooks can cause compatibility problems with online services.

To check for updates:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.

2. Select Help.

3. Choose Update QuickBooks Desktop.

4. Select Update Now.

5. Choose Get Updates.

6. Wait for the download to complete.

7. Restart QuickBooks.

8. Install the available update when prompted.

Keeping the application current is an important part of maintaining compatibility with QuickBooks services.

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Consider Upgrading to QuickBooks Desktop 2026

If you are using an older QuickBooks Desktop version and repeatedly encounter update or connectivity problems, you may want to Upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2026 if it is appropriate for your business and supported environment.

Before upgrading, create a backup of your company file and verify that your existing integrations, payroll subscription, operating system, and other business requirements are compatible with the newer version.

Upgrading should not be viewed as the only solution to Error 17337, but maintaining a supported and current QuickBooks environment can reduce problems associated with outdated software.

Solution 5: Run QuickBooks Tool Hub

QuickBooks Tool Hub can help troubleshoot common QuickBooks Desktop problems.

Intuit recommends using the current QuickBooks Tool Hub for several Desktop troubleshooting scenarios.

Follow these steps:

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop.

2. Open QuickBooks Tool Hub.

3. Select Program Problems.

4. Choose Quick Fix my Program.

5. Allow the tool to complete its process.

6. Reopen QuickBooks.

7. Try downloading the payroll update.

If the issue continues, additional Tool Hub utilities may be appropriate depending on the specific problem.

Solution 6: Check QuickBooks Internet Connection Settings

QuickBooks uses internet settings to communicate with online services.

Open QuickBooks and review its internet connection configuration. Make sure the correct connection option is selected and then retry the payroll update.

If your business uses a proxy server, VPN, managed network, or advanced security system, contact your network administrator to verify that QuickBooks is permitted to communicate with the required services.

Solution 7: Download the Payroll Update Again

After correcting your internet and security settings, try the payroll update again.

Open QuickBooks Desktop and go to the payroll update option. Make sure you are signed into the correct company file and that your payroll service is active.

If the update fails again, restart your computer before attempting another download.

For payroll connection issues, Intuit also recommends checking for the latest tax table and verifying that payroll operations are being performed in the appropriate mode when applicable.

Solution 8: Repair QuickBooks Desktop

If none of the previous solutions work, your QuickBooks installation may contain damaged program components.

Before repairing the software, create a current backup of your company file.

You can then use Windows' installed-app or program-repair options, depending on your QuickBooks version and Windows configuration. After repairing QuickBooks, restart the computer and test the payroll update again.

Solution 9: Temporarily Test Security Restrictions

If you suspect antivirus or firewall software is causing the problem, work with your IT administrator or security-software provider to test the configuration safely.

Do not leave your computer unprotected simply to bypass Error 17337. The goal is to identify which security rule is blocking QuickBooks and create an appropriate exception.

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How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 17337

After resolving the problem, several practices can help reduce the chance of seeing the error again:

• Keep QuickBooks Desktop updated.

• Keep Windows and security software current.

• Maintain a reliable internet connection.

• Check your computer's date and time settings.

• Configure firewall permissions correctly.

• Keep your payroll subscription active.

• Create regular company-file backups.

• Avoid installing unnecessary or conflicting QuickBooks versions.

• Use QuickBooks Tool Hub when appropriate.

• Monitor payroll update notifications.

If you plan to Upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2026, prepare before beginning the upgrade. Back up your company file, confirm system compatibility, and verify that your payroll services and third-party integrations will continue to work with the new version.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is QuickBooks Error 17337?

QuickBooks Error 17337 is generally associated with problems connecting QuickBooks Desktop to online payroll services or servers, particularly during payroll updates.

Can a firewall cause Error 17337?

Yes. Firewall or internet-security software can interfere with QuickBooks' connection to its required online services. Intuit recommends checking firewall settings and ensuring the required QuickBooks programs and ports have appropriate access.

Can an outdated QuickBooks version cause update problems?

An outdated installation can contribute to compatibility and update issues. Updating QuickBooks to the latest available release for your supported version is a useful troubleshooting step.

Should I Upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2026 to fix Error 17337?

Not necessarily. Error 17337 can have several causes, including network, firewall, security, and system-setting issues. However, if you are using an older version, evaluating an upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2026 may be worthwhile after checking compatibility and support requirements.

Why won't my QuickBooks payroll update download?

Possible reasons include an unstable internet connection, firewall restrictions, incorrect system settings, security-certificate problems, outdated software, or other payroll connection issues.

Final Thoughts

QuickBooks Error 17337 can interrupt payroll updates when QuickBooks cannot establish the connection it needs with online services. The most effective approach is to troubleshoot systematically.

Start by checking your internet connection and computer date and time. Then review firewall and security settings, update QuickBooks, use QuickBooks Tool Hub, and repair the application if necessary.

If you are running an older QuickBooks Desktop release, you can also evaluate whether it is the right time to Upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2026. Always back up your company file and confirm compatibility before upgrading.

By keeping QuickBooks, Windows, security software, and payroll components properly maintained, you can reduce update interruptions and keep your payroll workflow running more smoothly.