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How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15106: Update Failed

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Last Update 2 days ago

Need Immediate Help? Call QuickBooks Support at 855-389-9729

QuickBooks regularly releases updates to improve performance, add new features, and fix known bugs. However, sometimes users encounter update errors — one of the most common being QuickBooks Error 15106. This error typically shows up during payroll or software updates and can halt your workflow if not resolved quickly.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what Error 15106 means, why it happens, and how to fix it effectively.

What is QuickBooks Error 15106?

Error 15106 usually appears with a message like:

“The update program cannot be opened”
or
“The update program is damaged.”

This error prevents you from downloading or installing updates for QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Payroll.

Causes of QuickBooks Error 15106

There are several possible reasons you might be seeing this error:

User account lacks admin rights
Antivirus or security software is blocking the update
Spy Sweeper or other anti-malware tools interfering
Corrupt or incomplete QuickBooks installation
Firewall settings preventing access to update servers

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15106

Solution 1: Run QuickBooks as Administrator

Close QuickBooks.
Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon.
Select Run as Administrator.
Try updating QuickBooks again.

Running as administrator gives the software higher privileges to perform updates.

Solution 2: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Your antivirus or security software might be mistakenly identifying the QuickBooks update program as a threat.

Temporarily disable your antivirus software (e.g., Norton, McAfee).
Try running the QuickBooks update again.
Don’t forget to re-enable your antivirus afterward.

⚠️ Note: Only disable antivirus temporarily, and do not browse the internet while it's off.

Solution 3: Rename the Update Folder

If the update folder is corrupted, renaming it can help.

Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks (Year)\Components
Locate the folder named DownloadQBXX (XX = version/year).
Right-click and rename the folder to DownloadQBXX.old.
Reopen QuickBooks and try the update again.

Solution 4: Use Selective Startup Mode

Running Windows in Selective Startup helps identify if background services are interfering.

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Under the General tab, select Selective Startup and uncheck Load startup items.
Click Apply > OK, then restart your computer.
Try updating QuickBooks again.

After the update, return to Normal Startup using the same steps.

Solution 5: Reinstall QuickBooks Using Clean Install Tool

If the above steps don’t work, a clean install might fix deeper software corruption.

Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
Open it and select Installation Issues > Clean Install Tool.
Follow the on-screen steps to uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks.

Need Expert Help? Call 855-389-9729

Still stuck with Error 15106 after trying these solutions? Don’t worry — our certified QuickBooks support team is here to help. We’ll troubleshoot the issue remotely and get your software up and running in no time.

Call QuickBooks Support now at 855-389-9729 for fast, professional assistance.

Final Thoughts

QuickBooks Error 15106 may seem like a hassle, but it’s a fixable one. Whether it’s a simple permission issue or a conflict with your antivirus, following the right steps can save you hours of frustration.

Pro Tips: