What Causes QuickBooks Error 15106 & How to Fix it?

Keeping QuickBooks up to date is important, especially when you are running payroll or managing daily transactions. But sometimes, while updating, you may suddenly see QuickBooks Error 15106 on your screen. It usually pops up with messages like:

• Error 15106: The update program cannot be opened
• Error 15106: The update program is damaged

This error typically shows up when your antivirus blocks the update process or when you are not logged in as the Windows administrator. The good news? It is fixable. Let’s walk through the right solutions to fix error 15106 in QuickBooks Desktop and get your updates running smoothly again.

Solution 1: Sign in as Windows Administrator

In many cases, QuickBooks Error 15106 appears simply because the program doesn’t have admin-level permissions.

Step 1: Run QuickBooks as Administrator

• Close QuickBooks Desktop if it’s open.
• Right-click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon.
• Select Run as Administrator.

• Try updating QuickBooks again.

If the update works, the issue was related to permissions.

Note: If you’re using QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, download the latest tax table after completing the steps to ensure your payroll data stays accurate.

If the error still appears and you have antivirus software installed, move to Solution 2.

Solution 2: Disable Antivirus and Rename the Update Folder

Sometimes, your antivirus mistakenly blocks the QuickBooks update file, which leads to error 15106 in QuickBooks Desktop.

Step 1: Stop the Antivirus Process

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and open Task Manager. 
• Go to the Processes tab.
• Look for your antivirus program (for example, SpySweeper.exe or similar).
• Select it and click End Task.

If you face issues while stopping it, you may need to temporarily uninstall the antivirus application.

Step 2: Rename the QuickBooks Update Folder

Now we’ll rename the update folder so QuickBooks can create a fresh one.

• Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
• Navigate to:
• C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks(year)\Components

For 64-bit systems, go to:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks(year)\Components

• Look for the folder named downloadqbXX, where XX represents your QuickBooks version year. 
• Right-click the folder and choose Rename.
• Add .old as an extension at the end, for example: downloadqb18.old.

Once done, reopen QuickBooks Desktop and try updating again.

Additional Tip: Reinstall in Selective Startup Mode

If you are still facing QuickBooks Error 15106 and there’s no antivirus installed, the issue may be caused by background programs interfering with the update.

In that case:

• Switch Windows to Selective Startup mode.
• Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop.
• Then attempt the update again.

This process prevents other applications from blocking QuickBooks updates.

Update your QuickBooks Version: QuickBooks Desktop for Windows

Check Your Current Version

Before updating, confirm whether you are already on the latest release to prevent Error Code 15106 in QuickBooks Desktop.

• Launch QuickBooks Desktop.
• To open the product information window, press F2 or use Ctrl + 1.
• Check your current version and release number.
• Compare it with the latest available release:
  • QuickBooks 2024: R18_60
  • QuickBooks 2023: R17_35

If the application you are using is outdated, proceed with the update.

Update QuickBooks Automatically

Option A: Enable Automatic Updates

• Go to the Help menu.
• Select Update QuickBooks Desktop.

• Click the Options tab.
• Select Yes to enable automatic updates.
• Click Close.

Option B: Run an Immediate Update

• Go to Help and select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
• Click the Update Now tab.
• Select Get Updates.

• Once the download finishes, restart QuickBooks.
• Click Install Now when prompted.

After installation, open your company file and check whether the error has been resolved.

Update QuickBooks Manually

If QuickBooks does not update from within the program:

• Close QuickBooks Desktop.
• Visit the official QuickBooks Downloads and Updates page.
• Choose the standard setup.
• Select your Country, Product, and Version (Year).
• Click Search.
• Select Get the latest updates.
• Open the downloaded file and install it.
• Restart your computer after installation.

If you use Database Server Manager, ensure that it is updated as well.

QuickBooks Desktop for Mac

Check Your Release

• Open QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.
• To open the Product Information window, press Command + 1.
• Compare your release number with the latest version:
• QuickBooks Mac Plus 2024: R10.2.
• QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023: R7.6.

If your version is outdated, update it using one of the methods below to resolve error 15106 in QuickBooks Desktop.

Update Within QuickBooks

• Navigate to the QuickBooks menu.
• Click on Check for QuickBooks Updates, then select Install.
• Finally, you can relaunch QuickBooks.

To avoid this QuickBooks Desktop Error Message Code 15106 in the future, choose the option to automatically download and install updates.

Update QuickBooks Desktop for Mac Manually

If the in-product update doesn’t work or the release number doesn’t change:

• Go to the QuickBooks Downloads & Updates page.
• Select the standard setup.
• Choose your Country, Product, and Version (Year).
• Click Search.
• Select Get the latest updates.
• Open the downloaded file and install it.
• Restart your computer.

Conclusion

We believe that the QuickBooks Error 15106 is fixed, and you must be running your payroll smoothly. However, in any case, if you are still struggling to resolve the QuickBooks Error code 15106, contact our senior QuickBooks expert at +1 (866) 500-0076.

There is no reason to take any risk by yourself since these solutions are enough to prove that the error requires an advanced solution from an expert. If the standard solutions did not work, rest assured, our team will take care of everything related to the QuickBooks error. Also, ensure that you are updating your QuickBooks software regularly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QuickBooks Error 15106?

QuickBooks Error 15106 usually appears when you try to update QuickBooks Desktop or download a payroll update. The error message may say:

• The update program cannot be opened, or
• The update program is damaged.

This typically happens when your antivirus blocks the update file or when you are not logged in as the Windows administrator.

Why does error 15106 occur in QuickBooks Desktop?

There are a few common reasons behind this issue:

• You are not signed in as a Windows admin user.
• Your antivirus software is blocking the QuickBooks update.
• The update folder (downloadqbXX) is damaged.
• Background applications are interfering with the update process.

Identifying the exact cause helps you fix error 15106 in QuickBooks Desktop more quickly.

Is it safe to rename the downloadqbXX folder?

Yes, it is safe. Renaming the folder by adding .old does not delete your company data. It simply allows QuickBooks to create a new update folder.

Do I need to reinstall QuickBooks to fix error 15106?

In most situations, you would not need to reinstall QuickBooks. Running it as an administrator or disabling antivirus software usually resolves the problem. Reinstallation in Selective Startup mode is recommended only if basic steps do not work.

Will this error affect my company file data?

No, QuickBooks Error 15106 only affects the update process. Your company file remains safe. However, you should resolve the issue promptly to keep your payroll tax tables and software up to date.

What should I do if the error still doesn’t go away?

If you have tried all the solutions and the error still appears:

• You need to make sure you are logged in as a Windows administrator.
• Check that no security software is blocking QuickBooks.
• Consider reinstalling QuickBooks in Selective Startup mode.
• Reach out to a QuickBooks expert for advanced troubleshooting.