Over the years, QuickBooks has emerged as an eminent accounting software with first-class facilities. Small and mid-sized businesses rely on this payroll and bookkeeping software to execute many valuable activities. However, you must regularly update its features to retain the seamlessness of the software. Unfortunately, updating QB desktop and its features may not be as easy as you think owing to QuickBooks Error 15240. You must be curious to know what this error is. It is an update error that occurs when you attempt to update QB desktop or try downloading payroll update. The current specialized segment is a comprehensive guide to help you uproot Error 15240 from QB. Read along this piece to gain invaluable insights.
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What is QuickBooks Error 15240?
As described in the introduction, this unfavorable error falls under the QuickBooks and payroll update error category. It basically doesn’t allow you to update QB desktop or download the latest payroll update. Updation of QuickBooks’ features is integral. We all know that, right? Regular updation enables swift and untroubled payroll functionalities. On the contrary, when you fail to update payroll, you become a victim of this prevalent flaw. Consequently, you begin encountering multiple oppressing hindrances.
For example:- You might not be able to send direct deposits to your employee’s account, and you may fail to send daily invoices or transactional receipts to your clients. Moreover, to make matters worse, you won’t be able to file crucial taxes on time. It’s daunting, right? Given these points, QuickBooks Error 15240 can certainly unsettle your business. When Error 15240 influences QuickBooks, you get to see some error notifications in general. For instance:-

- ‘Error 15240:- The payroll update did not complete successfully.’
- ‘File Exists:- The file you specified cannot be opened. Make sure that another program is not using it.’
- Internet connection error: unknown error
Receiving these error notifications presents concrete evidence that QB desktop is no longer as flawless as it was earlier. Therefore, considering the intensity of the error, you must get ready to explore and discover some quick troubleshooting steps to revitalize your payroll functions. We have begun with the causes in the very next segment of this technical guide. Read that piece carefully to acknowledge which factor is the root of all evil in QB desktop. Thereupon, you will find yourself in a better state to identify the most suitable solution to this error.
The Top Reasons for QuickBooks Desktop Error Code 15240
The reasons for QuickBooks desktop error code 15240 are majorly based on the issues with your system and certain hindrances on the application’s part. If you started facing this error just recently after making some changes in your system or downloading a new application, there is a high chance that it is the root cause of the problem. Here is the complete list of things leading to QuickBooks error 15240:-
- Running the QB desktop application in multi-user mode may lead to QuickBooks Error 15240, as the multi-user mode is considered unsuitable for QuickBooks to download its update.
- When Windows has errors related to the registry, it may lead to payroll errors. In other words, damaged Windows or corrupt registry files trigger this error.
- Even if the shared download is active, the download link could be incorrect, wrong, or invalid. Undoubtedly, this circumstance leads to QB error 15240 in the QB application.
- The last (recent) QuickBooks update might contain some bug or glitch by default. In this case, you will likely face unexpected errors like QB error code 15240. However, updating QuickBooks will automatically resolve the glitch.
- Installing new applications or programs from unauthentic sources on Windows might attract bugs, viruses, or malware that remove some of the essential QB files to force the malfunction.
What are the Common symptoms of QuickBooks Update Error 15240?
As soon as QuickBooks experiences QuickBooks Error 15240, it hurls a few specific symptoms to help you identify the error you are a victim of. This particular blog segment will brief you about those prominent signs and indications. Let’s have a close and quick look at them:-
- The very first sign is that you will be incapable of downloading the latest update of the QuickBooks application.
- In like manner, your attempt to download a payroll update will also be worthless.
- Accomplishing payroll tasks will pose significant challenges, making things messy and agitating.
- QuickBooks Error code 15240 negatively affects not only QB but also your Windows. Windows becomes super sluggish, and working on it becomes draining.
- As expected, this sluggishness leads to keyboard and mouse not responding promptly.
- One serious threat from this payroll error is that your Windows becomes vulnerable. There are possibilities that it might even crash, freeze, or take a whole lot of time during Windows startup as the system keeps loading.
- Lastly, the error notifications repeatedly pop up on the Windows screen.
With so many symptoms drawing your attention towards the error, you must take practical actions promptly to negate any possible damage or annoyance. Wondering how to do it and where to begin? Don’t worry; let’s jump into the most crucial part of this article that makes you well-informed about an array of practical solutions.
The 9 Simple Steps To Fix QuickBooks Update Error 15240
There are five different solutions for QuickBooks Error 15240 based on making changes to your system and application’s settings. Let’s look at the step-by-step guide to these solutions:-
Solution 1- Run as Administrator
Insufficient permission for the application is one reason for QuickBooks payroll error 15240. Running it as an administrator grants a lot of permissions required by the application. Here are the steps you need to follow:-

- Close the QuickBooks application.
- Press the Windows Start button and search QuickBooks.
- Look for the QuickBooks icon and right-click on it.
- Tap on Run as Administrator.
Now try to update QuickBooks or download payroll updates to check if QuickBooks update error 15240 still persists or not.
Solution 2- Check your system date and time configuration
Incorrect system date and time is another reason for QuickBooks desktop error code 15240. You need to check and if required, correct the date and time. Here are the steps you need to follow:-
- Tap on Date and Time in the bottom right corner of your desktop screen.
- Ensure that both things are absolutely correct.
- If any of them is wrong, click on Change date and time settings.
- Again tap on Change date and time.
- Then set the correct time and date.
- Finally, click on Apply.
Solution 3: Add Windows Rights to QuickBooks Installation Folders
As mentioned above, QuickBooks Error 15240 can be due to insufficient permissions. You can add the required permission to the QuickBooks installation folder itself. Here are the steps to do so:-
- Close the QuickBooks application.
- Go to C:\Program Files\. For 64-bit users, C:\Program Files (x86).
- Right-click on Intuit and choose Properties.
- Select Advanced under the Security tab.

- Make sure the User group is the folder’s owner. If this isn’t the case, you’ll need to gain control of the Intuit folder. To do so, follow these steps:
- Select Change beside the Owner name in the Advanced Security Settings panel.
- In Enter the object name to select the field, type Users, and then choose Check names.
- Choose OK.
- Tick-Mark Replace owner on sub-containers and objects.
- Click on Apply and then OK.
- Select Users on the permission window and then click on Full Control.
- Choose Apply and then OK.
- Now check if you are able to download the updates. In case the error still appears, you need to repeat steps 1-5 for these folders.
- C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit
- (64-bit users) C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Intuit
- C:\ProgramData\Intuit
- C:\Users\Your User Name\AppData\Local\Intuit
Solution 4: Check your Internet Explorer settings
QuickBooks online facilities require you to have certain required Internet Explorer settings or you’ll face QuickBooks payroll error 15240. Ensure that you have the required settings by following these steps:-
- Click on the Gear icon and then select Internet Options.
- Go to the Advanced tab.
- Mark Use SSL 2.0 and Use SSL 3.0 under Security.
- Now tap on Apply and press OK.
Solution 5: Check your Third-party Firewall Configuration
Your firewall configuration decides what will pass through your internet connection or not. QuickBooks Error 15240 can arise if the firewall is stopping the download and update process in QuickBooks. In addition, you need to check the website of the developer of your third-party firewall for instructions on how to adjust the settings and allow QuickBooks to download and install updates. Go through this link if your internal system firewall configuration creates an issue.
Solution 6: Consider Utilizing SFC Scan on Your Windows
SFC stands for System File Checker. It is significantly helpful in scanning the system files and resolving some common Windows errors. We have systematically mentioned the steps to run an SFC scan on your Windows for your convenience. Consider following the steps given below:-
- In order to begin, you need to press the Window key and the R key on the keyboard simultaneously to open the Run Command box on the extreme left corner of your desktop.
- In the Run Command Window, type cmd to launch the command prompt window.
- Moving further, consider using the CMD window as an administrator by selecting the Run As Administrator option.
- Enter SFC/Scannow in the Command Prompt box when it appears on your desktop screen.
- In conclusion, hit the ENTER button. As soon as you press the enter button, the System File Checker will begin scanning and diagnosing the system files.
- This effective measure helps you resolve QuickBooks Error 15240 for good. However, if you are still witnessing this payroll update error in QB desktop, you must consider the very next solution to check if it works in your favor.
Solution 7: Consider Fixing Registry Errors
A corrupt Windows registry may pave the way for QuickBooks Error 15240 on your QuickBooks desktop. However, you can settle this issue by updating the program. A set of instructions has been mentioned below to help you follow the steps line by line.
- Click on the Windows key on the keyboard or go to the Windows icon to open the Start menu on your desktop.
- A search bar will appear at the top. Type in CMD as a command in the search bar and hit the Enter button on your keyboard.
- Wait until the Command Prompt results appear on your desktop screen.
- As soon as the Command Prompt results appear on the screen, don’t try to open it; instead of doing that, you need to press the Ctrl and Shift keys together. After pressing both keys simultaneously, double-click the CMD window flashing on the screen.
- The moment you double-click it, a dialogue box will appear with a couple of options to choose from. Either YES or NO. Here, you need to choose Yes.
- It will direct you to a blank black window with a flashing cursor. Here, you need to type REGEDIT and then hit the Enter button.
- A Window will pop up here. You need to open the File menu and press the Export option.
- Consider heading to the Save In list and choosing a folder where you wish to save the error-related QB Desktop registry key.
- Now, you need to open the File Name box and give a unique name to the backup file.
- Then, go to the Export Range box. A “Selected Branch” option will pop up before your eyes. Check it to proceed further.
- Lastly, make sure to save all these settings by hitting the Save option.
- Now, get yourself confirmed that the file has been saved with the .reg extension.
Solution 8: Consider Updating your Windows
Using an outdated Windows is a practice that doesn’t align with QuickBooks. If QuickBooks is run on an outdated or discontinued version of Windows, it is likely to experience hiccups. In order to minimize or negate errors, you must switch to the latest Windows release.
- Tap on the Start menu icon.
- Type in Update in the search bar and hit the Enter button.
- Further, select the Check for Updates option in the Update and Security window.
If you see any update available, get it promptly to resolve the problems.
Solution 9: Update QuickBooks with the Latest Updates to Rectify the Error
Updating the QuickBooks application from time to time is considered essential to enjoy its latest features. Although QuickBooks self-downloads and installs an update whenever it is made available, you can still take control in your own hands and update it manually. This blog segment presents a step-by-step guide to help you manually update QB desktop to its latest version.
Before you make an attempt to update QuickBooks, it’s equally important to acknowledge which version of the QuickBooks app you are currently using. Therefore, you are advised to check the software’s version installed on your desktop first. In order to do the same, follow the steps given below:-
- Go to the QuickBooks icon on your desktop and double-click to open it.
- Now, press the F2 key on your keyboard, or you can also press the Ctrl+1 key to open the Product Information window on your screen.
- The moment you hit the keys, the Product information window appears and flashes the essential information before you, like QuickBooks version, license number, product number, etc. You can check your QB desktop version and its release here.
- After gathering enough information about which QuickBooks version you are currently operating, you are in a much better state now to decide whether you need an update. If you have the latest version of this payroll software, sit back and relax. However, if your QuickBooks version is not up-to-date, follow the steps mentioned below to update your QuickBooks promptly.
- Go to the Help menu on your QB desktop. It will present a list of options before you. You need to select Update QuickBooks Desktop among those visible options.
- Now, click on the Update Now option, and then click on the Get Updates option.
- Once the update finishes, exit QB desktop and then reopen it.
- After reopening it, it will ask you to install the update, where you need to hit the Yes option.
- When the installation finishes, QuickBooks will present a set of instructions before you. You need to follow those on-screen instructions.
Note:- You should also download the latest payroll tax table if you have an active payroll subscription. Downloading the same will ensure seamless payroll processing.
Follow the instructions below before retrying to update QuickBooks:
- Exit QuickBooks.
- Consider right-clicking on the taskbar to select Task Manager.
- A details tab opens on the screen. Under that details tab, search for the following background processes to select and end each task.
- QBW32.exe or QBW.exe
- QBCFMonitorService.exe
- qbupdate.exe
- QBDBMgr.exe or QBDBMgrN.exe
- QBMapi32.exe
- Now, you need to right-click the QuickBooks shortcut and press the Run as administrator option.
- Lastly, consider re-running the update.
Seek Expert Advice To Fix QuickBooks Error 15240 Payroll Update
So now we hope you are able to fix QuickBooks error code 15240. We mentioned all the possible reasons for the error and what things needed to be done to fix it. If you can still not solve it, the next task is to reach out to technical experts at Asquare Cloud Hosting Helpline Number at +1 855.738.0359 for better guidance. They will ensure that the error is fixed and you don’t lose any data.