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Fix QuickBooks Error 15240 When Trying To Update Payroll

• 
• By Jonathan Browns
• Oct 14, 2025
• Accounting
• 7 min read

Getting QuickBooks Error 15240 and failed to update the payroll according to the latest version? This issue is usually caused by the incorrect settings of Internet Explorer, Windows Firewall, or system date and time settings. However, when the error emerges, it flashes the warning message that says “The payroll update did not complete successfully.”

In this post, we have described all the possible causes along with the troubleshooting methods to address QuickBooks Desktop Error 15240. Continue reading this blog

Are you facing payroll update failure with error 15240 in QuickBooks? If so, don’t panic! We’re here to guide and help you troubleshoot this issue. You can call at +1-866-408-0444. 

Different Error Message That Trigger QuickBooks Error 15240?

Typically, QuickBooks Error 15240 takes place while downloading the latest payroll update. While trying to update payroll service, QuickBooks users get the following error messages:

• Error 15240: The payroll update was not completed successfully. The file specified cannot be opened.”
• “Error 15240: The payroll update was not completed successfully. The file exists.”
• “Error 15240: The update of QuickBooks failed.”
• “Error 15240: Internet connection error: unknown error.”
• “Error 15240: The update did not complete successfully. QuickBooks cannot verify the digital signature of the update file.”

What Are the Factors Causing Error 15240 QuickBooks Desktop?

As noted above, there are multiple reasons for facing error 15240 QuickBooks Desktop. Below, we have listed and explained the most common ones: 

Problem With the Settings of Internet Explorer

For web-based functionalities, QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer. Make sure these settings are correct and you’re using the latest versions of Internet Explorer. Else, the incorrect settings and an outdated Internet Explorer version can significantly trigger this error.

Incorrect Firewall and Internet Security Settings

Sometimes, firewalls or security software block QuickBooks and its related service updates like payroll for Windows security purposes. As a result, it may bring error 15240 QuickBooks Desktop while trying to update the payroll service.

Wrong Configuration of System’s Date and Time

If your computer system’s date and time settings are incorrect, it can lead to issues with verifying security certificates. These security certificates are essential while updating QuickBooks or its services like payroll. Thus, the incorrect date and time settings can also bring error 15240. 

Damaged or Corruption With QuickBooks Installation

Also, in some cases, a corrupted or incomplete installation of QuickBooks can lead to this error during payroll updates.

Lack of Administrative Privileges

Make sure your QuickBooks application is running with administrative privileges and rights. If a user is not running QuickBooks with all these required rights, the software may not be able to access necessary files and services, causing error 15240 QuickBooks Desktop payroll update errors. 

How Can You Identify the Occurrence of QuickBooks Update Error 15240?

Identifying the signs of the update error 15240 in QuickBooks Desktop can help users diagnose the issue and choose the most appropriate method to fix it. Let’s have a quick look at the signs given below:

• Flashing of the Error Message 15240

One of the most obvious symptoms a user can encounter is the QuickBooks error message 15240. Usually, users get a message reading, “Error 15240: The payroll update did not complete successfully.”

• Failure to Update QuickBooks Payroll

Due to the occurrence of the QuickBooks 15240 error, users are unable to download the latest updates of their QuickBooks payroll service. 

• Continuos Freezing of QuickBooks Program

Another sign a user can notice with QuickBooks update error 15240 is the unexpected freezing of the running Windows programs, including QuickBooks. 

• Message for Digital Signature 

When a user fails to update QuickBooks payroll service due to the error 15240, they may get messages related to the Digital Signature verification. 

• Poor Performance of QuickBooks Application

Technical problems like payroll update error 15240 can significantly affect the performance of the QuickBooks software. As a result, a user might face slow performance, crashes, or unresponsiveness of QuickBooks. 

Top Methods to Fix Error Code 15240 in QuickBooks Smoothly

After a deep understanding of the causes and symptoms of QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15240, you must fix the issue. Perform the solutions given below closely and resume updating the payroll for the smooth processing of employees’ payroll.

Solution 1: Download the Payroll Updates as Administrator

Proper administrative rights are necessary to download and install the QuickBooks payroll updates easily. Otherwise, it might create a problem in updating payroll and cause QuickBooks Error Code 15240. So, to verify that you download updates with proper admin rights, do as follows:

• Close your company file and QuickBooks Desktop if it’s already open.
• Next, right-click on the QuickBooks icon and tap on the Run as Administrator option.

• From the User Account Control prompt, tap on the “Do you want to allow this program to make changes to your computer?”.
• Thereon, hit the Yes option and try to update QuickBooks.

Solution 2: Correct the Time & Date on Your System

Sometimes, the inappropriate settings of the system’s date and time might create trouble during the update of the QuickBooks Payroll. So, to resolve the QuickBooks Error Message 15240, check and rectify the date and time with these steps.

• Press the Windows logo key to launch the Start menu and type Date and Time in the search bar.
• It will launch a new window, wherein you must click Time & Language from the left panel.
• Now, choose the Date & Time tab.
• After this, set the date and time by clicking on the drop-down arrow.
• Once the changes are made, relaunch your computer.
• Finally, try to download the latest payroll update and see if the issue still persists.

Solution 3: Review the Settings of Your Internet Explorer

Go through the procedure given below for making the necessary changes to Internet Explorer.’

• Choose the Gear icon and then tap on the Internet Options.
• Now, head to the Advanced Tab.
• Look beneath the Security tab and tick-mark the checkboxes for Use SSL 2.0 and Use SSL 3.0.
• When the necessary changes are done, click Apply and then the OK tab.

Solution 4: Configuring the Internet Explorer Settings

It’s essential to run an updated Internet Explorer version with its correct configuration and settings. Else, while trying to update the QuickBooks payroll service, users may face issues related to the web-based functionalities leading to the error 15240. Therefore, perform the given method and check these aspects:

• Firstly, click on the Start menu or the search bar and type “Internet Explorer” in the search bar.
• Choose the Gear icon (Tools) from the upper-right corner of the Internet Explorer window.
• Now, select “Internet options” by clicking on the drop-down menu, and from the Internet Options window, choose the Security tab.
• Ensure that the security level for the Internet zone is set to “Medium-high.” If it’s not, adjust the slider to set it to “Medium-high.”
• Next, click the “Apply” button, and then hit the “OK” option.
• Choose the Advanced settings.
• Once again tap on the Advanced tab by navigating to the Internet Options window. Now, scroll down to the mid of the screen and opt for the Security section.
• Make sure that the checkboxes of Use TLS 1.0, Use TLS 1.1, and Use TLS 1.2 are tick-marked. If not, tick-mark the boxes.
• Finally, clear the SSL state, and hit the Apply and OK buttons.

Solution 5: Include Windows Permissions to QuickBooks Installation Folders

• Shut down the QuickBooks application before moving further.
• Now, browse to the Close QuickBooks C:\Program Files\. For 64-bit users, C:\Program Files (x86).
• When you get the Intuit folder, right-click on it and click Properties.
• Head to the Security tab, then choose the Advanced option.
• Also, verify that the owner of the folder is the User group. If it isn’t, take ownership of the Intuit folder. For that, perform the steps below:
  • Go to the Advanced Security Settings window to choose the Change option next to the Owner Name.
  • Insert Users within the field and then choose the Check Names tab.
  • After this, click OK and mark “Replace owner on sub-containers and objects.”
  • Tap on Apply and then OK to save the necessary changes.
  • Choose the Users option from the Permission Window and hit the Full Control tab.
  • When the changes are made, click the Apply and then the OK tab.
• Now, begin downloading the updates. If you are still experiencing the error, resume the above steps for the following folders.
  • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit
  • (64-bit users) C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Intuit
  • C:\ProgramData\Intuit
  • C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Intuit

Solution 6 – Review Your QuickBooks Payroll Subscription

Using the old or inactive QuickBooks Payroll subscription may create trouble while downloading payroll updates and trigger QB Error 15240. Follow the following steps to check and then upgrade the payroll subscription.

• Access your QuickBooks Desktop application, ensuring no other Windows applications are running in the background.
• Browse to the “Employees” menu, and click the “My Payroll Service” option.
• Choose the “Account/Billing Information,” and ensure that your payroll subscription is active.
• However, if it’s not, follow the prompts to renew your subscription.
• Once you have successfully verified the payroll subscription, try updating your QuickBooks payroll service.

Solution 7- Change Your Windows Firewall Settings

The Windows Firewall is a security application that monitors and blocks access to unwanted apps as it considers them a threat. This could be the reason why Windows Firewall is blocking the update process. So, to resolve the issue, you must change the Windows Firewall settings for a smooth update process.

Solution 8: Configure the Damages Within QuickBooks Desktop

Sometimes, the damage or corruption of QuickBooks Desktop may also create a problem with the payroll update. So, to fix the issue, you must perform the following steps.

A. Use the Quick Fix My Program Utility

By running the Quick Fix My QuickBooks Tool, you can eventually shut down the background running processes and close them for smooth running of the QB program.

• Launch the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub on your computer.
• Choose the Program Problem tab from the Tool Hub.
• Tap on the Quick Fix My Program tab to run the repair on your QuickBooks program.
• Start running the QuickBooks Desktop or payroll services to verify if the issue still exists.

B. Run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic

• Launch the latest version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Choose the Installation Issues tab and then tap on QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
• Once the tool completes repairing, relaunch your PC and open QuickBooks, then your data files.
• Begin updating QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version.

Solution 9: Download & Then Install a Digital Signature Certificate

A digital signature certificate is used to verify the integrity of the file and its ownership. But sometimes the issues with the digital signature certificate might result in QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15240. So, to fix the issue, install the latest Digital Signature Certificate.

• Browse to the C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks.
• After that, search for QBW32.exe and right-click on it. Then, tap on the Properties option.
• Now, pick the Digital Signature option and then ensure that Intuit is selected in the signature list.
• Next, choose the Details option.
• Choose the View Certificate from the Digital Signature Details window.
• Click the Install Certificate from the Certificate window.
• Afterwards, tap on Next until you see the Finish option and select Finish.
• Restart your computer to take the changes into effect.
• At last, launch QuickBooks and then try to download the updates again.

Solution 10: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop addresses the existing company file issues and replaces them with the new files. Thus, it will let the users download the latest payroll updates without any hindrance.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 15240 might prevent users from installing the latest payroll or QuickBooks Desktop updates. Thus, it prevents users from accessing the latest features and functions provided by QuickBooks. Furthermore, if you still require any additional help, then have a quick consultation with our BizBooksAdvice professionals for better assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Question 1: What is error code 15240 in QuickBooks?

Ans. The users often get Error Code 15240 in QuickBooks because of multiple reasons, including a lack of admin rights, incorrect system date and time, or incorrect internet settings.

Question 2: How to fix payroll errors in QuickBooks Online?

Ans. To resolve the payroll error in QuickBooks Online, do the following:

• Tap on the Gear icon and choose Account and Settings.
• After that, choose the Payroll option.
• When you are in the HMRC reference section, click the pencil icon to edit.
• Provide the correct PAYE reference and Accounts Office reference and choose the Save option.

Question 3: How to activate payroll in QuickBooks Online?

Ans. To activate the payroll in QBO, do the following:

• Choose the Payroll option from the left-hand menu.
• After this, select a plan suitable for your business needs.
• Now, insert your Business Details, contact details, and payroll details.
• Finally, choose the Sign Up option.

Question 4: What precautions must you consider before fixing QuickBooks Error 15240?

Ans. The following are the precautions you must take before resolving QuickBooks Error 15240.

• Verify that you have created a backup of the data file.
• Check that your time and date on the system are correct.
• Ensure that the Windows Firewall settings are accurately configured.

Question 5: Does QuickBooks Tool Hub help fix the QuickBooks Error Code 15240?

Ans. Yes, by running the QuickBooks Tool Hub, you can easily resolve the QuickBooks Error Code 15240.