Fixing QuickBooks Error 15270 During Payroll or Software Updates

Last reviewed 2026-07-17

When QuickBooks fails to download a payroll update or a new maintenance release, you might see Error 15270 on your screen. This message indicates that the update process started but could not finish successfully, often leaving the download incomplete. Fortunately, this is usually a permissions or connectivity issue that you can resolve with a few targeted steps.

What Triggers Error 15270

This update error typically happens when QuickBooks cannot verify the digital signature of the file it is downloading, or when the software lacks the necessary Windows permissions to write the new files to your hard drive. Other common causes include:

• Incorrect Windows User Account Control (UAC) settings
• A disrupted connection to the QuickBooks servers
• Conflicting digital certificates stored on your computer
• Antivirus or firewall software blocking the download

Run QuickBooks as an Administrator

Because updates require writing new files to system folders, standard Windows user permissions can sometimes block the process.

Close QuickBooks completely. Right-click the QuickBooks desktop icon and select Run as administrator. When the program opens, try downloading the update again by going to the Help menu and selecting Update QuickBooks Desktop.

Adjust Your Internet Explorer Security Settings

QuickBooks relies on your Windows internet settings to connect securely to its update servers. If those security settings are too strict, the connection will time out.

1. Open the Windows Start menu and search for Internet Options.
2. Go to the Security tab, select the Trusted Sites zone, and click Sites.
3. Add https://*.intuit.com to the trusted websites list.
4. Uncheck the box that requires HTTPS server verification if it is checked, then click Close.
5. Apply your changes and restart your computer before attempting the update again.

Verify Your Digital Signatures

If Windows cannot verify that the downloaded update file is legitimately from Intuit, it will block the installation. You can refresh these settings directly through QuickBooks.

1. Close QuickBooks and locate the program's executable file (usually found in C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks).
2. Right-click the QuickBooks application file (e.g., qbw32.exe) and select Properties.
3. Go to the Digital Signatures tab, select the Intuit signature in the list, and click Details.
4. Click View Certificate, then navigate to the Install Certificate button.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to add the certificate to your Trusted Root Certification Authorities.

Check Third-Party Security Software

Your system's firewall or antivirus software might mistakenly flag the QuickBooks update download as a threat and sever the connection. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall, run the QuickBooks update, and then immediately turn your security software back on. If the update succeeds while the security software is disabled, you will need to add an exception for QuickBooks in your antivirus settings.

Reboot and Update in Safe Mode

If background applications are still interfering with the download, restarting your computer in Safe Mode can provide a clean environment. Safe Mode loads Windows with only the bare minimum of drivers and programs. Once in Safe Mode, open QuickBooks as an administrator and run the update. If it completes successfully, restart your computer normally to return to your regular desktop.

If the update continues to fail after checking your permissions, certificates, and security software, the issue may stem from deeper Windows registry corruption or a damaged QuickBooks installation, which may require a clean uninstall and reinstall of the software.