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How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15225 (When Updating Payroll)?

• 
• By Jonathan Browns
• Jan 29, 2026
• QuickBooks Payroll
• 7 min read

Software updates play a crucial role, especially when you are using the QuickBooks Desktop application to enhance your accounting experience. But, sometimes users suddenly started getting QuickBooks Error 15225 when they attempt to download or install the latest software or payroll updates. It may happen if the Internet Explorer settings aren’t configured properly.

So, if you are also stuck with this error, then you have reached the right place. In this guide, we’ve covered all the possible factors responsible for QuickBooks Error Code 15225, along with the solutions to fix it. Let’s begin reading!

Are you experiencing QuickBooks Error 15225 while downloading the payroll updates and need help to fix it? Call Us : +1-866-408-0444 and talk to our QB professionals directly to get quick assistance regarding the query.

What are the reasons that cause Error Code 15225 in QuickBooks?

Users often experience Error Code 15225 in QuickBooks while running the older version of QuickBooks Desktop. In other instances, this issue may also be caused by the following reasons discussed below.

• Windows Firewall or antivirus software installed is restricting the users from installing the new update.
• The settings of your Internet Explorer aren’t correct.
• Problem faced while installing the digital signature certificate.
• Any sort of damage or corruption with the installation of the QuickBooks Desktop application.

What Solutions Must You Apply to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15225?

Stuck with the QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15225 and unable to download the updates? Well, in that case, you must use the below-given troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue.

Solution 1: Ensure that QuickBooks Desktop is Updated

Before moving further with other solutions, it’s crucial to ensure that QuickBooks Desktop is updated. If not, then try to update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release. As a result, it will ensure that you can easily get the latest payroll updates.

Solution 2: Conduct the Installation of a Digital Signature Certificate

A Digital Signature Certificate in QuickBooks is mainly used to show the authenticity so that you can easily download the payroll updates. But, sometimes users confront the QuickBooks Update Error 15225 while using the outdated or damaged Digital Signature Certificate. So, to fix the issue, perf

• Move to the location where QuickBooks is actually located.
  • “C:\Program Files\Intuit\ QuickBooks
• After this, right-click on the QBW32.exe and choose the Properties option.
• Thereon, you must click the Digital Signature option and ensure that Intuit is chosen from the signature list.
• Pick the Details tab and browse to the View Certificate option.
• When you are in the Certificate window, opt for the Install Certificate option.
• Tap on the Next option unless the Finish tab is displayed.
• Relaunch your PC, open the QuickBooks application, and try to download the update.

Solution 3: Include Intuit URL as a Trusted Website

At times, users fail to download the latest QuickBooks Desktop updates if Intuit isn’t included as a trusted website in QuickBooks, as it considers it a threat to your system. So, it’s necessary to add Intuit as a trusted website for getting smooth updates.

• First of all, launch the latest version of Internet Explorer on your device.
• After this, tap on the top-right of the Gear icon and hit the Internet Options.
• Choose the Security tab and click the Trusted Sites and Sites button.
• Furthermore, insert https://www.intuit.com for the U.S. edition to add this website to the zone.
• Thereon, click the Add option and verify if you have tick-marked the “Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone.”
• At last, hit the Close > Apply and then hit the OK tab.

Solution 4: Download & Install the QuickBooks Payroll Updates As Administrator

Sometimes, users fail to download the latest QuickBooks payroll updates when they don’t have enough admin rights. So, it’s essential to install the updates as an administrator using the steps instructed below.

• Shut down the company file and your QuickBooks Desktop application.
• Now, right-click the QuickBooks icon and hit the Run as Administrator option.

• Choose the Yes tab from the message indicating “Do you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer?”
• Finally, start downloading the latest QuickBooks Desktop or payroll updates to see if the error still exists.

Solution 5: Disable the Firewall & Network Protection temporarily

Users often receive QuickBooks Error Message 15225 if the firewall or security software restricts them from downloading the latest software or payroll updates. So, to resolve the issue, you must disable the firewall on a temporary basis.

• Firstly, you must right-click on the Start button and click the Settings menu.
• After this, hit the Settings menu and pick the Update & Security option.
• When you are in the left pane, opt for the Windows Security tab. Then, head to the Open Windows Security.
• Beneath the Windows Security window, browse to the Firewall and Network Protection.
• Herein, move to the Domain, Private, and Public Network one after the other. Then, you must turn off the Microsoft Defender Firewall for all types of networks.
• Finally, try to download the latest QuickBooks Desktop or payroll updates to see if the QuickBooks Error 15225 exists.

Solution 6: Configure Your Windows Firewall Settings Manually

Sometimes, the interference of the Windows Firewall may also restrict users from downloading the latest QuickBooks payroll updates. So, to resolve the issue, you must try to configure the Windows Firewall manually.

Solution 7: Clear the SSL State

By clearing the SSL state, you can easily deal with the QuickBooks Update Error 15225. Perform the step-by-step instructions outlined below to clear the SSL state.

• Initially, launch Internet Explorer and then click the Gear icon.
• After this, choose the Internet Options.
• Move to the Content Sections tab and browse to the Clear SSL State.
• When you are done, tap on the OK tab.

Solution 8: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

If the above solutions don’t work for you, then try to reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop. It will rectify all the technical snags present in the QuickBooks software and reset the application completely. Thus, it helps the users in fixing the QuickBooks Error Code 15225.

Conclusion

So, we reach the end of this post, and we hope that now you can easily troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 15225. Thus, it will also help you in downloading the latest QuickBooks Desktop or payroll updates. So, if you are still struggling while downloading the latest updates, then connect with our BizBooksAdvice professionals for help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):-

Question 1: Why won’t my QuickBooks Payroll update?

Ans. The QuickBooks Payroll fails to update due to various reasons, including an outdated QuickBooks version, an expired or inactive payroll subscription, a wrong date and time on the system, an interruption of the Windows firewall, and antivirus software installed.

Question 2: What are the other 15xxx series of errors you face while updating QuickBooks Desktop or payroll?

Ans. Other 15XXX series of errors you may encounter while downloading the QuickBooks Desktop or payroll updates are as follows;

• QuickBooks Error 15102
• QuickBooks Error 15227
• QuickBooks Error 15223
• QuickBooks Error 15242
• QuickBooks Error 15101
• QuickBooks Error 15212

Question 3: How to manually update QuickBooks Payroll?

Ans. You can manually update the QuickBooks Payroll by using the following steps:

• Initially, launch the QuickBooks Desktop application and tap on the Employees menu.
• Choose the Get Payroll Updates option and tick the Download Entire Update checkbox.
• When you are all set, hit the Update option and then begin installing the latest payroll updates.

Question 4: What preventive measures should you consider before fixing QuickBooks Update Error 15225?

Ans. The following are some of the preventive measures you must consider before fixing QuickBooks Update Error 1522.

• Timely updating of the QuickBooks Desktop or Windows is necessary.
• Also, include Intuit servers and QuickBooks files in the firewall and antivirus exceptions.
• Make sure you download the QuickBooks payroll updates as an administrator.

Question 5: How can I identify the occurrence of QuickBooks Desktop Error 15225?

Ans. You can easily detect the occurrence of QuickBooks Desktop Error 15225 using the following indications:

• The warning message stating “QuickBooks can’t verify the digital signature of the update file. Error 15225.”
• Sudden crashing or freezing of the QuickBooks Payroll updates.
• You may discover the failure or incomplete payroll or QuickBooks Updates.