QuickBooks error 15104 is something that you can stumble upon when updating the software or tax table. It could arise due to the firewall blocking, corruption in the Windows registry, disabled QuickBooks FCS, etc.
In this guide, we will explore all the reasons that can give way to error code 15104 and guide you on how to fix it. Alright then, let us begin!
Reasons Why You Can’t Update Payroll in QuickBooks Desktop
Here are some reasons why you can’t update QuickBooks Desktop and come across QuickBooks error 15104:
- QuickBooks cannot download payroll updates owing to a firewall setting that blocks it
- The computer is missing a file or component QuickBooks requires for payroll updates
- The Windows files are damaged, or the Windows registry is corrupt
- QuickBooks File Copy Service (FCS) is disabled
- Windows cannot verify the QuickBooks digital signature
- The Shared Download drive might not have been mapped correctly
- You haven’t updated the drivers for long, and they have started to malfunction
Now, let us see how to resolve QuickBooks Desktop.
Top Ways to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error 15104 and Resume the Update
QuickBooks error 15104 can keep you from updating the software and payroll tax table, but not for long. This section lists below various things you can do to troubleshoot specific aspects that give way to the error.
Therefore, go through these steps and follow the instructions given in these steps.
1. Run QuickBooks as an Administrator and Download Updates
QuickBooks might lack certain permissions to install updates to the computer. These permissions often require admin approval.
Therefore, launch QuickBooks as an administrator and then try to update it. Follow the steps below to do so:
- Log out of the QB company file and close all QuickBooks windows.
- Right-tap on the QuickBooks Desktop icon in the Start menu or Desktop and choose the Run as Administrator option.
- If you see a prompt asking if you wish to allow the program to make changes to your computer, choose Yes.
When QuickBooks opens, download the software update, followed by the latest tax table.
2. Utilize Quick Fix my Program
Quick Fix my Program instantly repairs the software for minor issues. The tool is available in Intuit Tool Hub, which you need to install on your computer first. Once done, follow the steps below:

- Open QuickBooks Tool Hub, followed by the Program Problems tab.
- Tap on Quick Fix my Program.
Now, restart QuickBooks Desktop, log in to the company file, and resume the updates.
3. Reset QuickBooks Updates
Previous updates can give way to QuickBooks error 15104, which can be resolved by resetting the update.
- First, close QuickBooks Desktop.
- Now, navigate to the Intuit folder in the C Drive, followed by QuickBooks, followed by Components. It usually is in this location:
C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks XX\Components where XX denotes the last two digits from the year of your QBDT version.
- Right-tap Components, and choose Delete.
- Now, launch QuickBooks Desktop, open the Help menu, and tap on Update QuickBooks Desktop.
- Choose Update Now and mark the checkbox for Reset Update.
- Now, tap on Get Updates.
Once the update is complete, restart QuickBooks Desktop and download tax table updates.
4. Install a Digital Security Certificate for QuickBooks
QuickBooks needs a digital security certificate to verify to Windows before it installs new software or updates.
- Open the C Drive, followed by Program Files, followed by Intuit, and then QuickBooks
Note: You can also navigate to this location: C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks
- Right-tap the QBW32.exe file and choose Properties.
- Click on Digital Signature and ensure in the signature list, Intuit is marked.
- Choose Details.
- You will be taken to the Digital Signature Details window, where you should choose View Certificate.
- Now, in the Certificate window, tap on Install Certificate.
- Choose Next until you see the Finish option, and then choose Finish.
Reboot the computer and then try to update QuickBooks Desktop and tax table. If it doesn’t help, configure Windows Firewall and antivirus settings.
5. Troubleshoot QuickBooks Installation
QuickBooks Tool Hub has a dedicated tool to repair installation issues and corrupt registries, QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool. Follow the steps below to run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool:
- Launch QB Tool Hub and go to the tab for Installation Issues.
- Choose QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool.
Allow the tool a while to appear and repair the damaged installation. Don’t cancel it before it’s done. Once the tool is finished troubleshooting installation issues, restart the computer and relaunch the update.
6. Repair QuickBooks from the Control Panel
Often, the tools in the Tool Hub will not be able to repair the QuickBooks program, and you need to do so from the Control Panel. The steps below will guide you on how to do so:
- Launch the Start menu and search for Control Panel.

- Choose Programs and Features, and then look for QuickBooks in the list.
- Select QuickBooks and followed by Uninstall/Change.
- Now, in the next step, choose Repair instead of Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on your screen to repair QuickBooks Desktop. Thereafter, you can get the software updates.
7. Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop
However, if nothing helps, and QuickBooks error 15104 keeps on persisting, perform a clean installation of QuickBooks Desktop. This means uninstalling the Desktop application, getting rid of residual files, and then installing the QuickBooks Desktop application.

This ensures that the corrupt or damaged files don’t remain in your computer when you reinstall the application and give way to error.
Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed why you see QuickBooks error 15104 when installing the software or payroll updates. Moreover, we also guided you on how to troubleshoot the issue. If the problem persists, speak to a QuickBooks expert. Dial +1(855)-738-0359 now!
Frequently Asked Questions
QuickBooks error code 15104 is something that shows up when installing the payroll or software updates. This could be because of inadequate permissions to make changes, invalid or missing digital security certificates, damaged QuickBooks program, antivirus or firewall blocking, etc.
To resolve QuickBooks error 15104 when installing the software or payroll updates, here are some things you can do:
1. Launch QuickBooks as an administrator: Run QuickBooks as an administrator and then install updates to ensure the application has the required permissions to make changes to the computer.
2. Reset QuickBooks Desktop Updates: While installing QuickBooks updates, mark the checkbox for Reset QuickBooks Updates to eliminate any problems resulting from a damaged update.
3. Utilize Quick Fix my Program: Launch QuickBooks Tool Hub and run Quick Fix my Program to instantly repair the program.
4. Install a Digital Signature Certificate: Install a digital signature certificate for QuickBooks Desktop so that it can verify the downloads.
5. Repair QuickBooks Program: Run a repair on the QuickBooks Desktop program via the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool and, if the problem persists, from the Control Panel as well.
6. Clean Install QuickBooks: If nothing helps, it will be best to uninstall QuickBooks Desktop, get rid of the residual files and install it again. However, make sure you don’t lose or delete the company file.

Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.