Resolve QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15218

Wondering what happens eventually that stuck the payroll processing? Let’s find out what actually happened, why, and how to fix it. You must have encountered the QuickBooks Error 15218. If so, there are multiple ways to fix it. Updating QuickBooks Desktop regularly is one such way for payroll processing. The QuickBooks Error Message 15208 occurs due to a blockage from the antivirus application on your system. In addition to this, it also has its print in the insufficient Windows administrator permissions.

In this guide, you will get to know the causes behind the error and then standard solutions that will fix your QB error code 15218. However, sometimes standard solutions are not enough to fix the error, considering its critical nature.

Causes Behind the Error 15106 in QuickBooks Payroll

• Failed Digital Signature Verification: It could happen that Windows cannot verify the digital signature of the QuickBooks update file.
• Incorrect Firewall Settings: Security software is blocking QuickBooks from connecting to the internet to download updates.
• Insufficient System Permissions: The user account running QuickBooks lacks the necessary administrative permissions to install updates.
• Disabled File Copy Service (FCS): The QuickBooks File Copy Service, necessary for updating, is disabled.
• Incorrect Internet Explorer Settings: QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer settings to establish secure connections

Users on QuickBooks error 15218 Windows 10/11 systems may experience this more frequently due to security restrictions.

Solution to Fix the Error 15218 in QuickBooks Desktop

Below is the solution part that is time-tested to fix the QuickBooks Update Error 15218. Let’s use these solutions to fix the issue permanently. 

Solution 1: Run QuickBooks as a Windows Administrator

Often, error 15218 in QuickBooks Desktop appears because the program doesn’t have elevated permissions.

Steps to Run as Administrator:

• Close QuickBooks Desktop.
• Now, right-click the QuickBooks icon.
• Select Run as Administrator and attempt the update again.

If the update completes successfully, the issue was permission-related.

Payroll Users: Once the QuickBooks payroll error 15218 is fixed, download the latest tax table to maintain payroll accuracy.

Solution 2: Disable Antivirus & Rename Update Folder

Anti-virus applications have the tendency to block update components, which could trigger the QB Error Code 15218.

Step 1: Temporarily Disable Antivirus

1. Open the Task Manager.
2. To open it, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
3. Go to the Processes tab.
4. Locate your antivirus program.
5. Select End Task.

If needed, temporarily uninstall the antivirus.

Additional Fix: Reinstall in Selective Startup Mode, then you are required to follow some additional steps:

If the QuickBooks 15218 Error persists and no antivirus is installed:

• Switch Windows to Selective Startup mode
• Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop
• Attempt the update again

This prevents third-party programs from interfering with updates.

Update Your QuickBooks Desktop Version

If you regularly update your QuickBooks Desktop application, it would help you in preventing recurring issues like the QuickBooks Desktop error message code 15218.

Check Current Version (Windows)

• Open QuickBooks Desktop.
• Press F2 or Ctrl + 1.
• Review your version and release number.

If outdated, update immediately.

Automatic Update Method

• Go to Help and click on Update QuickBooks Desktop

• Click Options and choose Yes for automatic updates
• Click Update Now and hit Get Updates
• Restart QuickBooks and install it. 

Manual Update Method

If automatic updates fail:

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Visit the official downloads page.
3. Select your Country, Product, and Version.
4. Download and install the latest release.
5. Restart your computer.

If using Database Server Manager, update it as well.

For Mac Users

If you experience error 15218 in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.
• Press Command + 1 to check the release version.
• Compare it with the latest release.

Update from Within the Program:

• Go to QuickBooks Menu
• Click Check for Updates
• Select Install

Or manually download from the official updates page.

Does Error 15106 Relate to Error 15218?

Many QuickBooks users got confused between the Error 15106 in QuickBooks Payroll and the QuickBooks Error Code 15218. It is a fact that both errors occur in the situation of an updated related issue due to security software conflicts or permission issues. If you are able to configure anti-virus applications accordingly, it has the potential to fix the error. 

Conclusion

The QuickBooks Error 15218 mainly affects the update process, not your company file. If the issue continues after performing all troubleshooting steps, contact a certified QuickBooks expert at  +1(866)500-0076 for advanced assistance. Keeping your software regularly updated will help you avoid similar updates and payroll errors in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is QuickBooks Error 15218?

QB error code 15218 is a payroll update-related issue that appears when QuickBooks cannot open or access the update program. The error may be due to security restrictions or damaged update components.

Why does QuickBooks payroll error 15218 occur?

It happens when downloading payroll tax tables, and security software blocks the update file.

Is it safe to rename the downloadqbXX folder?

Yes, it is safe. Renaming the folder does not affect your company data. It simply forces QuickBooks to create a fresh update directory.

Do I need to reinstall QuickBooks?

Usually not. Reinstallation is recommended only if the administrator and antivirus troubleshooting steps fail.

Will this error affect my data?

No. QuickBooks Error 15218 only impacts the update process, not your company file.