How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15215?

QuickBooks Error 15215 appears when trying to download payroll updates or when performing maintenance releases.

An error message stating, "Error 15215: QuickBooks could not verify the digital signature for the update file." appears on the screen. QuickBooks may freeze, crash, or give slow responses due to this error.

It can be due to incorrectly configured Internet Explorer settings, conflict with other applications, or improper installation of QuickBooks.

In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to resolve QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15215 and get your software up and running smoothly again.

Common causes of QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15215

Before we delve into the solution, it's essential to understand the common causes of QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15215. By understanding the root causes, we can better troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Here are some common reasons for encountering this error:

Conflicting programs or applications:

Other programs running on your computer may interfere with QuickBooks and prevent it from performing necessary tasks.

Internet Explorer settings:

Incorrect or outdated Internet Explorer settings can cause compatibility issues with QuickBooks and trigger Error 15215.

Outdated QuickBooks version:

Using an outdated version of QuickBooks can lead to various errors, including Error 15215. Updating to the latest release can often resolve these issues.

A step-by-step guide to resolve QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15215

Now that we have identified the common causes, let's move on to the step-by-step guide to resolve QuickBooks Error 15215.

Checking for Conflicting Programs or Applications

The first step in resolving QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15215 is to check for any conflicting programs or applications that may be interfering with QuickBooks and causing Error 15215 or other related issues, such as the QuickBooks Payroll Update Not Working issue. Follow these steps:

Close QuickBooks and all other programs running on your computer.
Press "Ctrl + Shift + Esc" on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
In the Task Manager, go to the "Processes" tab and look for any programs or applications that might conflict with QuickBooks.
Right-click on the conflicting program and select "End Task" to close it.
Repeat this process for any other conflicting programs.
Once you have closed all conflicting programs, restart your computer and try running QuickBooks again to see if the error is resolved.

Verifying Internet Explorer Settings

Incorrect Internet Explorer settings can often cause compatibility issues with QuickBooks and trigger Error 15215. Here's how you can verify and adjust your Internet Explorer settings:

Open Internet Explorer on your computer.
Click on the gear icon in the top right corner to open the Settings menu.
From the menu, select "Internet options."
In the Internet Options window, go to the "Advanced" tab.
Scroll down to the "Security" section and make sure that the "Use TLS 1.0" and "Use TLS 1.1" options are checked.
Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Restart your computer and try running QuickBooks again to see if the error persists.

Updating QuickBooks to the latest release

Using an outdated version of QuickBooks can often lead to various errors, including Error 15215. Updating QuickBooks to the latest release can help resolve these issues. Follow these steps to update QuickBooks:

Open QuickBooks on your computer.
Go to the "Help" menu and select "Update QuickBooks."
In the Update QuickBooks window, click on the "Update Now" tab.
Check the box next to "Reset Update" to clear any previous update downloads.
Click on the "Get Updates" button to start the update process.
Once the update is complete, restart your computer and try running QuickBooks again to see if the error is resolved.

Running QuickBooks as an Administrator

Running QuickBooks as an administrator can sometimes resolve issues related to permissions and access. Here's how you can run QuickBooks as an administrator:

Close QuickBooks if it's currently running.
Right-click on the QuickBooks desktop icon and select "Run as administrator" from the context menu.
If prompted, enter your administrator credentials.
Once QuickBooks opens, check if you still encounter Error 15215.

Clearing Internet Explorer SSL State

Clearing the SSL state in Internet Explorer can help resolve issues related to secure connections. Follow these steps to clear the SSL state:

Open Internet Explorer on your computer.
Go to the "Internet Options" menu as mentioned earlier.
In the Internet Options window, go to the "Content" tab.
Under the "Certificates" section, click on the "Clear SSL state" button.
Click "OK" to confirm the action.
Restart your computer and try running QuickBooks again to see if the error persists.

Checking for Windows updates

Outdated Windows can sometimes cause compatibility issues with QuickBooks. Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date by following these steps:

Press the "Windows" key on your keyboard to open the Windows Start menu.
Type "Windows Update" and click on the "Windows Update settings" option.
In the Windows Update Settings window, click on the "Check for updates" button.
If any updates are available, click on the "Download" button to install them.
Once the updates are installed, restart your computer and try running QuickBooks again to see if the error is resolved.

Restarting the Computer and Performing a Clean Installation of QuickBooks

If none of the above solutions work, restarting your computer and performing a clean installation of QuickBooks can often resolve QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15215. Here's how you can do it:

Close QuickBooks and all other programs running on your computer.
Restart your computer.
After the restart, uninstall QuickBooks from your computer through the control panel.
Once QuickBooks is uninstalled, download the latest version from the official Intuit website.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install QuickBooks on your computer.
After the installation is complete, restart your computer again.
Open QuickBooks and check if you still encounter Error 15215.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 15215 can be a frustrating issue for QuickBooks users.

However, by following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can resolve this error and get back to managing your finances smoothly.

Remember to check for conflicting programs, verify Internet Explorer settings, update QuickBooks to the latest release, run QuickBooks as an administrator, clear Internet Explorer SSL state, check for Windows updates, and perform a clean installation of QuickBooks if necessary.