Fix QuickBooks Payroll Error PS060 – Current Enhanced Payroll Service is Unavailable


Last Update: June 18th, 2025     Author: Adams Williams

Reviewed By: SMBAccountants Editorial Team

QuickBooks Payroll Error PS060 is one of the most difficult errors to diagnose and fix. The message, “Current Enhanced Payroll Service is Unavailable,” accompanies this error. The error code and message help us identify the possible root causes of this error. Also, users cannot access QuickBooks Payroll until QuickBooks Payroll Error PS060 is resolved.

QuickBooks error PS060

While facing PS060 error in QuickBooks Desktop, the users experience specific error messages on their screen.

Here is the list of the messages that appear on the screen:

“Current Enhanced Payroll Service is Unavailable”

Or

“Payroll service is currently unavailable.”

Or

“QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”

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Why QuickBooks Payroll Error PS060 Happened

Here is the list of the reasons given below to comprehend why this issue occurs:

  • The QuickBooks Desktop is not updated. It lacks the latest software and security updates.
  • There is an extra copy of QuickBooks Desktop on your system.
  • The payroll subscription in QuickBooks is invalid or expired.
  • The antivirus app or Windows Firewall is configured to generate blockages when operating QuickBooks.
  • The Internet Explorer connection settings are misconfigured. It happened while downloading payroll updates.
  • The billing details for your payroll subscription are wrong.
  • Important QuickBooks folders like the CPS folder are corrupted or damaged.
  • Your QuickBooks Desktop is not properly installed. The software is experiencing general program problems.
  • The Intuit server is under maintenance or not performing properly. As a result, QuickBooks and payroll failed to connect to the server.

Now that the causes of Payroll Error PS060 are clear, let’s proceed to troubleshoot it.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Payroll Error PS060

While experiencing Error PS060 in QuickBooks Desktop, the following symptoms are visible:

  • Failed to update QuickBooks Payroll.
  • The server is unresponsive.
  • Unable to auto-renew payroll subscription.
  • Failed to perform payroll activities like paycheck creation or payroll tax analysis.

Now, when the signs of the PS060 error in QuickBooks are clear, let us focus on the prerequisites, before troubleshooting.

What are the Important Points to Consider Before Troubleshooting?

Before starting with the solution steps, it is crucial to implement the following things:

  • Maintain a stable internet connection before troubleshooting.
  • In case any payroll subscription is inactive, fix it at the earliest.
  • Set the Internet Explorer as the default search engine.
  • Use QuickBooks in single-user mode while updating.
  • Make sure the date and time are correct in the system.

Once the important prerequisites are met, the troubleshooting steps and the payroll issue will be implemented seamlessly.

Fix QuickBooks Payroll Error PS060: Payroll Service Unavailable Issue”

Here are the top solutions to resolve QuickBooks Payroll Error PS060:

Solution 1: Change the Subscription and Billing Settings

The PS060 error in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll can be fixed by changing the billing and subscription settings. Here are the steps to change the billing and subscription settings:

  • First, open the section, My Account.
  • Now choose the company you need to modify or edit.
  • Navigate to the Billing Section.
  • Now press the option, Edit.
  • Check the information and perform changes and corrections.
  • Press Save.
  • Now close it to update the payment information.
  • Verify if the billing information is accurate. Check the Preview.
  • Lastly, save the changes and sign out.
Change the Subscription and Billing Settings

Solution 2: Check for connectivity issues

Ensure your computer is connected to the internet, as connectivity issues commonly cause this error. Contact your internet service provider if the issue persists.

Follow these steps:

  • Begin the procedure by opening the Internet Explorer.
  • Go to a safe website.
  • If the issue occurs while using the website, review the internet connection settings. Check for any misconfiguration.
  • Set the correct date and time in the system.
  • Open the Internet Explorer and choose the tools tab.
  • Now select the Internet options.
  • Press the option Restore/Reset in the advanced menu.
  • Press on Apply and click the OK tab.
Check for connectivity

Solution 3: Download and install the current version of the software

Outdated QuickBooks or payroll versions may cause the error. Download and install the latest updates for both QuickBooks Desktop and payroll.

download-page-for-QuickBooks

Solution 4. Wait for the Intuit Server Response

If Intuit’s server causes the error, wait until it is restored. Contact server support for an estimated recovery time.

Solution 5: Clean junk files from Internet Explorer

Arranging junk files in Internet Explorer can stop users from downloading payroll updates. As a result, it triggers a PS060 error in QuickBooks. However, this payroll issue can be fixed by erasing the junk files with the steps given below:

  • First, open the Internet Explorer search engine.
  • Now from the Tools menu, choose the option, Internet Options.
  • Now navigate to the General section. Now open the Browsing History and choose Erase.
  • Choose the Website Files, Cache, Temporary Internet Files, Cookies, etc.
  • Once completed, press the Delete option and then click OK.
Delete the Junk Temporary Files

Delete junk files and open QuickBooks. Download payroll updates again. If the issue continues, try the next solution.

See this: How to Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop

Solution 6: Fix the QuickBooks Application with the QuickBooks Tool Hub Utilities

Problems with the installation process or QuickBooks program often create the payroll update issue.

To resolve this, use QuickBooks Tool Hub Utilities in the following way:

1st step: Install the QuickBooks Tool Hub Program

The QuickBooks Tool Hub includes tools to fix various application issues. First, install the QuickBooks Tool Hub program in the following manner:

Note: Locate the current QB Tool Hub version at the bottom of the Home section if it’s already installed on your computer. Next, you must use the downloaded QuickBooksToolHub.exe setup file. Implement the steps available on-screen and accept the conditions to install the program.

  • When the installation is complete, access the program. Press the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon twice on your Windows Desktop.

Manually look for the QuickBooks Tool Hub, if you fail to find the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon on the system. Look for it on the Windows Search panel and use the utility.

After the program is installed on the system, go to the next step and then use the Quick Fix My Program tool.

2nd step: Access the Quick Fix My Program Utility

The Quick Fix My Program tool terminates background QuickBooks processes. Use it to resolve general program issues in the following manner:

  • Launch QuickBooks Tool Hub
  • Choose the tool, Quick Fix My Program from the Program Problems section.
  • When the tool stops, start your QuickBooks Desktop again and use the data file.

Check if you can access QB payroll and download the latest updates. If the error persists, use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool in the next step.

3rd step: Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Utility

Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool to resolve the installation problem, if Quick Fix My Program fails. Here are the steps to run the tool successfully:

  • Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
  • Go to the Installation Issues section.
  • Now choose the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool to begin the process.
  • Fix the installation problem with the help of the tool. It can take 20 minutes.
  • When the tool stops, start your system again. Launch the accounting software and update it.

Run the payroll updates again and check the PS060 error status. If the error continues, proceed to the next solution.

Solution 7: Flush DNS using command prompt

Clearing the DNS via Command prompt can help resolve the PS060 error in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.

Here are the steps to clear the DNS:

  • Click the Windows + R keys. The Run window will appear.
  • Now enter ‘cmd’ in the text box.
  • Click Enter. A black command prompt screen will appear.
  • Enter “ipconfig/flushdns ” on the screen. Now click Enter.
  • Start your operating system again.
  • Launch QuickBooks and check it. If the payroll update error is still active, use the next solution.

Solution 8: Review the Payroll Subscription and Service Key

An inactive payroll subscription or incorrect service key can cause a PS060 error in QuickBooks. Confirm that the subscription is active and manage the service key as follows:

  • Shut down all company files.
  • Restart the system. Now open QuickBooks and navigate to the Employees menu.
  • Choose the option, My Payroll Service. Now press Manage Service Key. Now check the Status and Service Name.
  • Make sure the service name and the status are showing Active. Now choose the Edit option.
  • Check the service key number. Enter the right service key if incorrect.
  • Press the Next tab.
  • Now uncheck the box, Open Payroll Setup.
  • Now choose the Finish option to end the procedure.

Now download the payroll update in QuickBooks once more and review the error status. In case the update error persists, go to the next solution.

Solution 9: Repair the CPS Folder Damage

The CPS folder in QuickBooks contains crucial files for updating payroll and accessing the company file. Damaged files or the folder can cause payroll update errors, such as a PS060 error in QuickBooks Desktop.

Rename the folder as follows:

  • Click the Windows + E keys.
  • Next, click the Windows File Explorer and press the tab, This PC. Go to the Local Disk C.
  • Run the Program Files. Now choose the Intuit Folder.
  • Now open the QuickBooks Desktop folder which is similar to the present QuickBooks version.
  • Choose the Components tab. Now choose the Payroll folder. Next, press right-click on the CPS folder.
  • Finally, select Rename and add a new folder name.
  • Now click the Enter key and save the changes.

Solution 10: Do a Clean Installation of QuickBooks Desktop

You can perform a clean installation process of the QB. The process includes:

  • Uninstalling of the QuickBooks Desktop 
  • Using QB Clean Install Tool for Windows 
  • Re-installation of the software 

Step 1: Uninstalling of the QuickBooks Desktop 

  • To begin with, use the Windows + R keys on your computer to start the RUN command
  • Then type Control panel into the search field followed by clicking the Ok button
  • Now go to Programs and Features tab and select Uninstall a Program from the drop-down menu
Uninstalling of the QuickBooks Desktop
  • In the end, from the list of all the Software, select QuickBooks Desktop and Select Uninstall, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish this step.
select QuickBooks Desktop and Select Uninstall

Step 2: Use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool for Windows

You’ll need to rename the installation folders in this step which you can do quickly with the QuickBooks clean install tool. The following are the steps to be performed:

  • To begin, go to Intuit’s official website and download QuickBooks Tools Hub
Use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool for Windows
  • After that, go to the file folder where the download was saved and follow the on-screen installation instructions to install the application
  • Once done then click “I Accept” to finish the installation and then access the QuickBooks Tool Hub from the Desktop
  • After selecting Installation Issues, go ahead and then click Clean Install Tool
Use the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool for Windows 2
  • After that, select the QuickBooks Desktop Version that was previously installed and click Continue
QuickBooks Desktop Version that was previously installed and click Continue
  • After some time, the message “Please install your copy of QuickBooks to the default location” will show on your screen; click OK to complete this stage

If you are unable to access QuickBooks while renaming the folders, the following actions should be followed:

  • To go to the Task Manager, go to the Windows taskbar >>> Task Manager
Task Manager - go to the Windows taskbar - Task Manager
  • Select the Processes tab and then click the image name column heading
  • Then click END after selecting exe, QBDBMgern.exe, qbw32.exe, and QBCFmonitorservice.exe.
click END after selecting exe - QBDBMgern.exe - qbw32.exe and QBCFmonitorservice.exe Screnshot
  • Finally, click “Yes” after receiving a confirmation message. 

Step 3: Re-installation of the software 

  • Follow the onscreen instructions after inserting the QuickBooks Desktop CD
  • After the software has been installed, it will prompt you for the product and licensing number
prompt you for the product and licensing number
  • Next step is enter the information exactly as it was given to you 
  • To finish the process, enter the above information and then follow the on-screen instructions
  • Then press the Next button
  • Select Next >>> install after selecting the installation type
  • Finally, you are all set to run QuickBooks software.

Now, launch QuickBooks and check if the error is resolved.

Need Professional Help?

Struggling with QuickBooks Payroll Error PS060? Don’t let it slow down your business. Follow our guide or let the experts at SMBAccountants.com help you resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. Contact us today and get your QuickBooks payroll running smoothly again!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1: Why should QuickBooks Payroll be updated regularly?

Q 2: What is a Payroll Error in QuickBooks?

Q 3: Can an expired payroll subscription cause PS060 error?

Q 4: Will reinstalling QuickBooks fix the PS060 error?

Q 5: How can SMBAccountants.com help with the PS060 error?

Adams Williams

Adams Williams is a seasoned accounting professional with over 4 years of experience in bookkeeping, financial reporting, and business accounting solutions. Specializing in QuickBooks software, Adams combines technical expertise with clear, accessible content writing to help businesses streamline their financial processes. His insightful guides and how-to articles are crafted to assist both beginners and seasoned users in navigating accounting software with confidence.

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