Rectification Methods to Get Rid of QuickBooks Error 15106

Payroll Error 15106 is a common error in the 15XXX series that affects QuickBooks update function. This error message appears when a user attempts to update QuickBooks and payroll, indicating that "The update program is damaged or cannot be opened." Unlike other 15XXX series errors, this error mainly occurs due to insufficient administrative rights and firewall restrictions on QuickBooks update services. Read the complete article till the end for detailed reasons and solutions to resolve QuickBooks Desktop error 15106 in this article. 

A brief review of QuickBooks Update Error 15106

The Windows Installer is software that helps you install and remove programs and updates on your windows computer. If it gets damaged or corrupted, errors may occur while updating some programs. QuickBooks can face this issue if the Microsoft installer becomes damaged or corrupted. This can lead to QuickBooks Payroll Error 15106, which prevents installation or updating of QuickBooks payroll. Such errors happen when the damaged Microsoft installer stops QuickBooks from updating correctly.

Causes of QuickBooks Update Error 15106

• The installation may fail to add the necessary components for the update or payroll to work properly.
• If you have Web Root antivirus software installed, it may prevent QuickBooks from installing, as it could consider the QuickBooks installer as a potential threat.
• Your user account may not have enough administrative rights to update QuickBooks.
• High Windows User Account Control settings can potentially disrupt the QuickBooks update process.
• Third-party antivirus or anti-malware software can also cause issues while updating QuickBooks.
• Insufficient Microsoft management permissions can cause the update to fail.
• The Spy Sweeper program in Web Root antivirus is also known to interfere with the QuickBooks update process.

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Methods to fix QuickBooks Update Error 15106

There are a few possible solutions you can try to resolve this issue:

Method 1: Login with an Administrator account on your computer

• To bring up the Control Panel, click the Start button. 
• Alternatively, press Windows key + R, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
• Go to User Accounts and Family Safety and select User Accounts.
• If asked, enter the administrator password by clicking Manage a different account.
• Look at your account name and see the account type that's shown next to it.
• If it's already an administrator account, you can proceed with the next troubleshooting step.

Method 2: Reset QuickBooks updates

• First, open QuickBooks Desktop and click on the Help tab. 
• From the dropdown, choose Update QuickBooks.
• Once the update window appears, click on the Options tab and select Mark all from the menu. 
• Then click Save and go to the "Update Now” tab. While making sure that the Reset Update now checkbox is selected, click on Get Updates. 
• If you still encounter Error 15106 while updating payroll, you can proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Method 3: Repair QuickBooks Desktop installation

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run command box. Then type "appwiz.cpl" and hit Enter.
• You should see the list of installed programs in the Uninstall or Change a Program window. Locate QuickBooks and double-click on it.
• Next, click on Change/Remove and then click Next.
• Make sure to select the Repair option and hit Next.
• Click on Repair to begin repairing the QuickBooks installation and remove QuickBooks Error Message 15106.
• If you see an error message that says "A File is in Use," select Ignore and continue with the repair.
• After the repair is completed, restart your computer and open the QuickBooks application.
• Once you see the window that says "QuickBooks has recently downloaded an update," select Install Now.

Method 4: Disable User Account Control (UAC) from Windows Settings

• If you're using Windows 10, you can search for UAC directly from the Cortana search bar. 
• For other Windows operating systems, click the Windows Start button and navigate to Control Panel. 
• In Control Panel, use the search bar at the top-right corner to look for User Account Control.
• Click on User Account Control Settings and select Never Notify.
• Click OK to save your changes.

Summing Up!

If the steps mentioned above don't work to resolve QuickBooks Error code 15106, please note that our team is available for further assistance. You can reach out to our QuickBooks error support team at 1-800-615-2347.

You may also see: How to update QuickBooks Desktop 2023