QuickBooks Error 15103: Pro Ways on How to Fix This Error

QuickBooks is an accounting software that is highly recommended for small and medium-sized enterprises. QuickBooks Desktop streamlines bookkeeping and financial management chores.
However, as with any online system, users sometimes encounter login problems that can disrupt their workflow and cause frustration among users.

In this blog, we will talk about one of the most common errors that occurs while using the QuickBooks application, i.e., QuickBooks Error 15103, helping you to understand why this error occurs and the steps that can be carried out to fix this error. Keep reading till the last to know the ways to troubleshoot this specific error.

Table of Contents

QuickBooks Error 15103: An Overview

QuickBooks Error 15103 takes place when the user is downloading the QuickBooks desktop or is trying to update the payroll. Incorrect configuration can also lead to the occurrence of this specific QuickBooks error. While struggling with this error, the user might not be able to access the new and updated features of the application, as the presence of this QuickBooks error can prevent the user from using its updated version with its latest features. It becomes challenging for the user to download, update, install, or uninstall the application itself.

This error also takes place in multi-user mode, which does not allow the user to open the company file in such settings. QuickBooks error code 15103 on the desktop appears in the following manner on the computer screen. The error message 15103 can appear as;
Error 15103: Unable to open the update program
Or
Error 15103: The update program is damaged

Reasons Behind Encountering QuickBooks Desktop Error 15103

There could be several reasons behind the occurrence of the QuickBooks update error 15103. The reasons could be as follows:

Microsoft Internet Explorer or Edge has not been set up properly.
QuickBooks is unable to verify the digital signature of its file.
Company files could either be damaged or corrupted.
Issues with the Windows registry can also lead to this specific error in QuickBooks.
The QuickBooks installation file might be corrupted due to a virus or malware.
Windows files could be corrupted as well, and could be another possible reason for causing error 15103.
The Windows Operating system is not up to date and does not support the current version of QB you are using on your computer system.
Improper or incorrect installation of the QuickBooks installation file can also lead to the occurrence of this error in QuickBooks.
A poor internet connection can also lead to this error.
Firewall settings could be another reason why error 15103 QuickBooks Desktop takes place.

Pre-Conditions to Carry Out to Fix QuickBooks Error 15103

These are the pre-conditions one should check before carrying out the actual solutions to fix QuickBooks error 15103. The pre-conditions are as follows:

Make sure that you have a strong and stable internet connection for getting payroll updates.
Use an administrator account to make any required changes.
Use the updated version of QuickBooks so that you do not face any compatibility issues.
Temporarily turn off firewalls if it is disrupting payroll updates.
Make sure to back up your company file regularly to avoid any data loss.

Ways to Identify QuickBooks Error 15103

These are the signs that can be looked out for in the identification of QB Error 15103. The signs and symptoms are as follows:

A message like this appears on your computer screen: “Error 15103: QuickBooks has encountered an error while updating payroll.”
The updating process of payroll fails, hampering any updates in QuickBooks.
Your computer system may not function properly.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 15103?

These are the steps that can be taken for the prevention of QB error 15103. The preventive measures are as follows:

Use the updated version of QuickBooks so that you do not face any compatibility issues.
Make sure that you have a strong and stable internet connection for getting payroll updates.
Allow QuickBooks to pass through security software to look out for any viruses or malware in the QB application or your computer system.
Make sure to run QuickBooks as an administrator to avoid permission issues.
Clean out any junk or corrupted files, as they may cause problems while running or using the QuickBooks application.

How to Resolve This Update Error 15103 in QuickBooks Desktop?

This is the most important segment of this blog, as it explores the solutions that can be taken in order to resolve this update error 15103. The methods to troubleshoot this error are as follows:

Method 1: Install Digital Signature Certificate

The steps to install the Digital Signature Certificate are as follows:

Open a search window and look for QBW32.exe in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks.
If QBW32.exe does not appear even after searching, click on More Results in the search window.
Now, click on the computer icon that appears on your computer screen.
Look for QBW32.exe in the search results. Make sure that it is listed as an application.
Right-click on the QBW32.exe file and now click on the Properties option.
Furthermore, go to the Digital Signatures tab and check if Intuit Inc. is listed or not.
Now, click the Details tab.
Under the Digital Signature column, select the option View Certificate.
Now, while on the certificate window, click on Install Certificate.
Click on Next. As the Finish button appears on the screen, now click on it.
After all this, make sure to restart your computer system.
After restarting, open the QB Desktop and download the update again.

Learn More:- QuickBooks Online Payroll Subscription

Method 2: Verify the Internet Explorer Settings

The steps are as follows to change the Internet Explorer settings.

Open Internet Explorer on your computer system.
Click the gear icon and click on the option Internet Options.
Go to the Security tab, then go to the Trusted Websites.
Add the appropriate webpage:
- For the US version: *.quickbooks.com.com.com or *.intuit.com
- For the Canadian version: *.quickbooks.ca or *.intuit.ca
Now click on Close.
Furthermore, click on Apply, then OK.

Method 3: Uninstall and Reinstall QuickBooks Software

Sometimes, there are chances that there might be issues with the QuickBooks software itself. Try to uninstall and reinstall it, which can resolve any software-related login issues. The steps for uninstalling and reinstalling the QuickBooks application are as follows:

Uninstall QuickBooks:

The steps to uninstall QuickBooks are as follows:

Click on the Start button and then navigate to the Control Panel.
Navigate to “Programs and Features” and then choose the option “Uninstall a Program.”
Now, follow the instructions that appear on your screen to uninstall QuickBooks from your computer system.

Reinstall QuickBooks:

The steps to reinstall QuickBooks are as follows:

reinstall-your-quickbooks-desktop-using-clean-install-tool. bizbooksadvice

Go to the official website and download the latest version of QuickBooks by paying for it.
Once downloaded, a file will be saved on your computer system named QuickBooks.exe.
Moreover, follow the instructions on your computer system.
Now, the software has been downloaded, and you can activate it.
At this point, you will be prompted to fill in the license and product number that will be available on your Online Order Email.
Now, click on Next and accept the terms of the license agreements.
Now, click on Next again.
Fill in your License Number and furthermore, click on Next.
Now, choose the location wherever you wish to install the application and go ahead with choosing the installation type as well.
Furthermore, click on Next again.
Now click on Install, and the installation process will begin.
Once installed, you can now open the QuickBooks application.

Method 4: Configure Antivirus Defender

Verify the firewall and antivirus settings to protect QuickBooks files.
Note: QuickBooks files may get damaged during updates or reinstallation if the firewall is not set up correctly.

Method 5: Download Update in Safe Mode

These are the steps to download the update in safe mode:

Open the system via Safe Mode.
Download the update.
When restarting the system, restart it in normal mode.
Download the update again

Conclusion

We are at the end of this blog. This blog has explained in detail how you can use and fix any issues related to QuickBooks Error 15103. In case you are still unable to fix the error 15103, feel free to call our QB experts at our toll-free number. We will be happy to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Are there any steps to prevent Error 15103 in the future?

Regularly update QuickBooks, keep Windows updated, limit third‑party security interference during updates, and perform clean installs if frequent issues occur.

If the error persists after a reinstall, what should I do?

Check the QB error logs, try updating in Safe Mode, contact QuickBooks Support or your IT/admin for deeper troubleshooting.

How can I ensure Windows and. NET are up to date to fix 15103?

Run Windows Update and install any pending updates; ensure. NET Framework is current as some QB components rely on it.

How can I fix it by running Update Manager as an administrator?

Right-click QuickBooks Update Manager > Run as administrator, then try updating again.

How do I disable antivirus temporarily to test 15103?

Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall, run QuickBooks Update Manager again, then re-enable protection after testing.

Can renaming the QB Update folder fix it permanently?

It often fixes the current update download; you may need to re-run Update Manager to download a fresh update.

About The Author

Jonathan Browns

Jonathan Brown is a trained QuickBooks professional with 10 years of experience in the accounting sector. Moreover, he is passionate about helping businesses reduce the stress of managing accounts. Also, he is proficient in assisting entrepreneurs and small business owners to use QuickBooks and enhance their accounting experience.

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