How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15222 (When Downloading Payroll Updates)?

QuickBooks Error 15222 occurs during payroll or software updates. This error is triggered by incorrect date and time settings, firewall interference, or a misconfigured internet connection. Other causes include issues with the QuickBooks File Copy Service (FCS) being turned off, corrupt payroll components, or problems with verifying digital signatures. When you encounter Error 15222, the following error messages are displayed:

“The payroll update did not complete successfully.”
Or
“QuickBooks was unable to verify the digital signature“

Early signs of the error include failed update attempts, misconfigurations in Internet Explorer settings, and antivirus or firewall alerts blocking the update. To fix this QuickBooks Payroll Error 15222, users must ensure they meet certain prerequisites, such as running QuickBooks as an administrator and verifying internet connectivity. Check out these 13 proven solutions to fix QuickBooks Error Code 15222 that are curated by our team of experts.

Solution 1: Set the Correct Date and Time on Your System

An incorrect date or time can disrupt a secure server connection. Follow these steps to fix error 15222 caused by improper synchronization:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run box, type Control Panel, and hit Enter.
• Go to Clock and Region > Date and Time.

• Click Change Date and Time, set the accurate date/time, and click OK.
• Also, Hit Change Time Zone to ensure it matches your location.
• Save the changes and try updating QuickBooks again.

Solution 2: Restore Advanced Internet Connection Settings

Broken internet settings prevent QuickBooks updates and trigger Error Code 15222. Check out these steps to fix this error by restoring default configurations that allow a smoother connection.

• Open QuickBooks Desktop.

• Go to Help > Internet Connection Setup.
• Choose Use this computer’s Internet connection settings, then click Next.
• Select Advanced Connection Settings.
• In the Advanced tab, click Restore Advanced Settings and hit OK.
• Restart QuickBooks and retry the update.

Solution 3: Update QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) as an Administrator

Running QuickBooks without admin rights can restrict access to system files needed for updates. Fix Error 15222 by updating QuickBooks with admin rights.

• Close QuickBooks and all company files.

• Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon.
• From the list of options, select Run as Administrator.
• When prompted with “Do you want to allow this program to make changes?” click Yes.
• Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop, then download the latest payroll tax table.

Solution 4: Use the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

Installation-related glitches are easily fixed using QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. Check out these steps to run this tool to fix Error 15222:

• Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Click the Installation Issues tab.

• Select QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
• Let it run. This process usually takes around 20 minutes to complete.
• Once done, restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks and try downloading the updates again.

Solution 5: Reset Your Default Web Browser

QuickBooks needs a supported default browser to access the internet correctly. Here are the steps to setup Edge or Chrome to ensure compatibility and fix QuickBooks Error 15222:

To Set Microsoft Edge:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
2. Click on Web Browser and choose Microsoft Edge.

To Set Google Chrome:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
2. Type “Chrome” in the search bar, click it, and choose Set Default.

Once updated, reopen QuickBooks and retry the payroll update.

Solution 6: Temporarily Turn Off Windows Firewall

 In case your firewall is blocking QuickBooks, follow these steps to disable it temporarily to allow updates:

• Open Start > Settings > Windows Security.
• Choose Firewall & Network Protection.

• For Public, Private, and Domain networks, turn off Windows Defender Firewall.

Note: Remember to turn it back on once the update completes.

Solution 7: Run Quick Fix My Program Tool

Background processes may conflict with QuickBooks and trigger error 15222. This tool repairs them instantly, ensuring smooth operation.

Step 1: Install QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Download the latest QuickBooks Tool Hub (version 1.6.0.8).
3. Open the file and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Launch the Tool Hub from your desktop.

Step 2: Run the Tool

• In the Tool Hub, go to Program Problems.

• Click Quick Fix My Program.

Then restart QuickBooks and check for updates.

Solution 8: Redownload the Update

Failed downloads cause incomplete updates; users must retry to ensure files install correctly. Follow these steps to redownload and install QuickBooks properly.

1. In QuickBooks, go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Click the Update Now tab.
3. Select Get Updates.
4. Close and reopen QuickBooks to install the updates.

Repeat the process a couple of times to ensure the version updates properly.

Solution 9: Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Error 15222 is also caused when the corrupt software is installed. Mentioned below are the steps to fix this error by reinstalling QuickBooks to create fresh program files:

Step 1: Uninstall

• Go to Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features.

• Find your version of QuickBooks and select Uninstall/Change.
• Choose Remove and follow the prompts.

Note: If you can’t uninstall, log in as an administrator.

Step 2: Reinstall

1. Download and install QuickBooks again.
2. It will create new folders and rename old ones during setup.

After reinstalling, check if the update works correctly.

Solution 10: Turn On QuickBooks File Copy Service (FCS)

Disabled FCS blocks payroll updates. Follow these steps to enable it and ensure that updated files download correctly.

1. Press Windows + R, type COMPMGMT.MSC, and hit Enter.
2. In the Computer Management window, go to Services and Applications > Services.
3. Scroll and find Intuit QuickBooks FCS.
4. Right-click it, choose Properties, then set Startup Type to Manual.
5. Click Apply and OK, then restart QuickBooks.

Solution 11: Use the System File Checker Tool

In case Windows system files are damaged, use this tool to fix them:

1. Type Command Prompt in the Windows search bar.
2. Right-click and select Run as Administrator.
3. Enter the following commands one at a time:
    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. Once the message “The Operation Completed Successfully” displays, type sfc /scannow, and click Enter.
5. Once the scan message “Verification is 100% complete” is displayed, type exit and press Enter.

Solution 12: Keep Your Windows OS Updated

Outdated Windows can lead to compatibility issues with QuickBooks and thus cause Error 15222. Follow these steps to fix the error:

• Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.

• Click Check for Updates.
• Install any available updates and restart your PC.

Now try updating QuickBooks Desktop and payroll again.

Solution 13: Reconfigure Firewall/Malware Software

Incorrect firewall settings can block QuickBooks, causing update-related errors. Check out these steps to fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15222 by reconfiguring the Firewall settings:

Step 1: Open Windows Firewall Settings

1. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
2. Go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced settings.

Step 2: Create Inbound Rules for QuickBooks

1. In the left panel, select Inbound Rules > New Rule.
2. Choose Program > Next.
3. Select This program path and click Browse.
4. Add each QuickBooks executable file. Common paths include:
   • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks <year>\QBW32.exe
   • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks <year>\QBDBMgrN.exe
   • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBUpdate.exe
   • C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\QBCFMonitorService.exe
5. Select Allow the connection > Next.
6. Check Domain, Private, Public > Next.
7. Enter a name (e.g., QuickBooks Inbound QBW32) and click Finish.
8. Repeat for all QuickBooks executables.

Step 3: Create Outbound Rules for QuickBooks

• Repeat the same steps under Outbound Rules to allow outgoing traffic.

Step 4: Add Port Exceptions

QuickBooks Desktop requires specific ports. Each version has unique port numbers:

1. QuickBooks 2024 → 8019, 56728–56730
2. QuickBooks 2023 → 8019, 56723–56725
3. QuickBooks 2022 → 8019, 56720–56722

Steps to Add Ports:

1. In Inbound Rules > New Rule > Port.
2. Choose TCP and enter the correct port numbers.
3. Select Allow the connection > Next.
4. Apply to all profiles and click Next.
5. Enter a name (e.g., QuickBooks Ports 2024) and click Finish.
6. Repeat under Outbound Rules.

Step 5: Restart QuickBooks Services

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Restart the following services (if available):
3. QuickBooksDBXX (XX = year)
4. QBCFMonitorService

Step 6: Test QuickBooks Connection

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Switch between single-user mode and multi-user mode.
3. In case both work, the firewall is no longer blocking QuickBooks.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error 15222?

Before fixing this Error 15222, users must fulfil the requirements given below:

• Close all QuickBooks files.
• Run QuickBooks as an administrator.
• Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Verify your internet connection.
• Ensure your Windows operating system is updated.
• Check if the File Copy Service (FCS) is enabled and running.

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop Error 15222?

These are the signs you will encounter when QuickBooks Payroll Error 15222 occurs:

• “The payroll update did not complete successfully,” or “QuickBooks was unable to verify the digital signature” error messages will be displayed.
• You will not be able to update QuickBooks.
• QuickBooks will not install new updates even after restarting the software or system.
• Internet Explorer settings misconfigurations may trigger the error during updates.
• Antivirus or firewall alerts might pop up, signaling blocked access during the update process.
• QuickBooks fails to verify payroll update files.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 15222?

Follow these tips to avoid facing QuickBooks Error Message 15222

• Set Microsoft Edge or Chrome as your default browser.
• Regularly check and update the Windows OS.
• Reconfigure or temporarily disable Windows Firewall.
• Run periodic malware and antivirus scans.
• Verify and adjust date and time settings.
• Routinely update QuickBooks and QuickBooks Payroll Tax Tables.