QuickBooks Error 15106 Explained: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting tools for small and mid-sized businesses. Its payroll features make managing salaries, taxes, and employee data much easier. However, QuickBooks users often encounter update-related issues, one of the most common being QuickBooks Error 15106.

This error usually appears when you try to download or install the latest payroll updates. It may display messages like:

• “Error 15106: The update program is damaged.”
• “Error 15106: The update program cannot be opened.”

This error can interrupt payroll operations and delay important updates. Fortunately, resolving this error is easy if you understand its root causes and follow the right steps.

In this blog, we’ll explain what causes QuickBooks Error 15106, how it affects your workflow, and the best step-by-step methods to fix it. We’ll also discuss how choosing QuickBooks Pro Hosting or reliable QuickBooks Hosting Providers can prevent such issues in the future.

What Is QuickBooks Error 15106?

QuickBooks Error 15106 is a payroll update or QuickBooks update failure that occurs when the update installer cannot function properly. It typically happens when the system cannot access or modify important update files.

This error is categorized under QuickBooks 15106 series update errors, commonly caused by update service failures, insufficient permissions, or interference from security software.

Common Causes of QuickBooks Error 15106

Understanding the root causes helps you troubleshoot faster. Here are the main reasons behind QuickBooks Error 15106:

1. Damaged or Corrupted Update Files

If the downloaded payroll update files are incomplete or corrupted, QuickBooks cannot install them, triggering Error 15106.

2. Interference from Antivirus or Spy Sweeper

Security programs like Avast, Norton, McAfee, or Webroot Spy Sweeper often block QuickBooks update processes by mistake.

3. Insufficient User Permissions

If you are not logged in as Administrator, QuickBooks cannot modify or replace update files.

4. Windows User Account Control (UAC) Restrictions

High UAC settings may stop QuickBooks from updating system-level files.

5. QuickBooks Update Service Is Not Running

The QB_UPDATE.exe service, required for installing updates, may get disabled.

6. Problems in QuickBooks Installation

A damaged or incomplete QuickBooks installation often leads to update errors.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15106

You may notice the following signs when this error occurs:

• QuickBooks payroll update stops midway.
• You receive repeated pop-up messages about the damaged update program.
• QuickBooks freezes or works slowly.
• Payroll tax table updates fail.
• You cannot install any new QuickBooks releases.

If you observe these symptoms, it’s time to apply the solutions listed below.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15106 (Step-by-Step Fixes)

Now, let’s look at the best methods to fix QuickBooks Error 15106 permanently. Follow each step carefully.

Solution 1: Log in as an Administrator

One of the main reasons for this error is lack of admin rights. Without admin permission, QuickBooks cannot update important system files.

Steps:

1. Log out of your current Windows user account.
2. Sign in using an Administrator account.
3. Right-click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon.
4. Select Run as administrator.

After this, try installing the payroll update again.

Solution 2: Disable Antivirus or Spy Sweeper Temporarily

Your antivirus may flag the QuickBooks update file as a threat, causing Error 15106.

Steps to Temporarily Disable Antivirus:

1. Open your antivirus program (Norton, McAfee, Webroot, Avast, etc.).
2. Go to Settings or Protection Control.
3. Click Disable, Pause Protection, or Turn Off (depending on your software).
4. Now restart QuickBooks and try updating payroll again.

If Using Webroot Spy Sweeper:

1. Open Webroot.
2. Go to PC Security.
3. Turn off Active Protection temporarily.

After the update, don’t forget to enable antivirus protection again.

Solution 3: Fix the QuickBooks Update Folder Name

Sometimes, a misnamed or damaged update folder triggers Error 15106.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to:
    C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\Components
3. Look for a folder named downloadqbXX (XX means QuickBooks version).
4. Rename it to:
    downloadqb.old
5. Restart QuickBooks.
6. Try downloading the payroll update again.
   
    

Solution 4: Restart the QuickBooks Update Service

If the update service is turned off or damaged, QuickBooks cannot install updates.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Look for QuickBooks Update Service or QBUpdate.exe.
4. Right-click and select Restart.
5. Open QuickBooks and re-run the payroll update.

Solution 5: Turn Off User Account Control (UAC)

High UAC settings can block QuickBooks update functions.

Steps to Adjust UAC Settings:

1. Press Windows + R → type Control Panel → press Enter.
2. Go to User Accounts.
3. Click Change User Account Control settings.
4. Move the slider to Never Notify.
5. Restart your computer.

Now try updating QuickBooks again.

Solution 6: Perform a Clean Install of QuickBooks Desktop

If nothing works, your QuickBooks installation may be corrupted. A clean installation helps fix underlying issues.

Steps:

1. Uninstall QuickBooks

• Press Windows + R → appwiz.cpl
• Select QuickBooks Desktop
• Click Uninstall/Change
• Follow the prompts.

2. Run QuickBooks Tool Hub

• Install QuickBooks Tool Hub (if not already installed).
• Go to Installation Issues.
• Select Clean Install Tool.
  
   

3. Reinstall QuickBooks

• Install QuickBooks Desktop again using the product key.
• Try downloading payroll updates.
  
   

How QuickBooks Pro Hosting Helps Prevent Error 15106

Businesses that regularly face update failures, system conflicts, and installation problems often switch to QuickBooks Pro Hosting. When QuickBooks is hosted on a secure cloud server, most update-related issues—including Error 15106—are eliminated because:

Hosting providers handle all updates

Your QuickBooks version, payroll tax tables, and database services are updated automatically.

Zero conflicts with local system software

Antivirus programs or Windows settings on your personal computer cannot interrupt updates.

Better file security and backup

Hosted QuickBooks includes firewalls, automated backups, and 24/7 monitoring.

Accessible anytime, anywhere

You can access your QuickBooks from any device—Windows, Mac, smartphone, or tablet. This is why many businesses choose reliable QuickBooks Hosting Providers to reduce downtime and prevent errors.

Best Practices to Avoid QuickBooks Error 15106 in the Future

You can reduce the chances of facing this error again by following these preventive tips:

1. Always run QuickBooks as Administrator

This ensures QuickBooks has full access to update files.

2. Keep your antivirus updated

Outdated antivirus engines may mistakenly block QuickBooks processes.

3. Avoid forced shutdowns during updates

Interrupting updates can corrupt files.

4. Regularly clean temp and update folders

Unnecessary cache data often leads to update failures.

5. Switch to QuickBooks Pro Hosting

Hosted QuickBooks minimizes update errors and keeps software updated automatically.

Final Thoughts

QuickBooks Error 15106 may seem frustrating, especially when you're trying to update payroll or install new releases. But with the right steps like adjusting antivirus settings, running QuickBooks as admin, restarting update services, or performing a clean install you can resolve this error quickly and get back to work smoothly.

For long-term reliability, many businesses prefer QuickBooks Pro Hosting, as trusted QuickBooks Hosting Providers ensure that updates, payroll files, and security features work seamlessly without interruptions.