QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting solutions for small and medium businesses. However, users often encounter certain technical glitches while updating payroll. One common issue is QuickBooks Error 15215, which usually occurs during payroll updates or when downloading the latest maintenance release. This error typically appears with a message:

“Error 15215: Unable to verify digital signature.”

If you’re struggling with this problem, don’t worry! In this post, we’ll walk you through the causes, symptoms, and step-by-step solutions to resolve QuickBooks Error 15215 effectively.

What Causes QuickBooks Error 15215?

QuickBooks Error 15215 is primarily related to incorrect configuration or conflicts with other background applications. Some common causes include:

• Digital signature verification failure.

• Internet Explorer (IE) misconfiguration or outdated settings.

• Firewall or antivirus blocking QuickBooks updates.

• Incomplete or corrupted QuickBooks installation.

• Running QuickBooks without admin privileges.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Error 15215

You may notice the following signs when this error occurs:

• QuickBooks update fails midway.

• Error message “15215: Unable to verify digital signature” pops up.

• Payroll features don’t update or function properly.

• PC performance slows down during update attempts.

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15215?

Here are some effective solutions you can try:

Solution 1: Run QuickBooks as Administrator

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop.

2. Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon.

3. Select Run as Administrator.

4. Retry the payroll update.

Running as admin ensures QuickBooks has full system permissions.

Solution 2: Check Internet Explorer Settings

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Go to Tools Internet Options.

3. Under Advanced Tab, ensure Use TLS 1.2 is checked and older versions (TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1) are unchecked.

4. Click Apply OK, then restart your system.

Solution 3: Configure Firewall/Antivirus Settings

• Ensure your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking QuickBooks services.

• Add QuickBooks and related Intuit domains to the exceptions list.

Solution 4: Restart Windows in Selective Startup Mode

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.

2. Under General Tab, select Selective Startup.

3. Deselect Load Startup Items.

4. Restart your PC and open QuickBooks.

5. Retry the payroll update.

Solution 5: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

If none of the above fixes work, reinstall QuickBooks using the Clean Install Tool. This removes corrupted installation files and ensures smooth updates.

Final Thoughts

QuickBooks Error 15215 can disrupt your payroll operations, but following the above solutions should help you resolve it quickly. Running QuickBooks as an admin, adjusting Internet Explorer settings, and ensuring no firewall conflicts usually fix the problem.

If you continue facing issues, it’s best to contact QuickBooks Payroll Support or consult a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor for professional assistance.