---
# System prepended metadata

title: How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15271 – Payroll Update Failed Error Explained

---

# How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15271 – Payroll Update Failed Error Explained
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="470" data-end="956"><strong>For immediate expert help, you can contact QuickBooks support at&nbsp;1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988.</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="470" data-end="956">QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting and payroll software solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. While it offers robust payroll features, users occasionally face update-related issues. One of the most frustrating among them is QuickBooks Error 15271, which usually appears when payroll updates fail to install correctly. Understanding why this error occurs and how to fix it properly is essential to ensure uninterrupted payroll processing and tax compliance.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="958" data-end="1151">If you are struggling with payroll update failures, this detailed guide will walk you through the <strong data-start="1056" data-end="1104">causes, symptoms, and step-by-step solutions</strong> to resolve QuickBooks Error 15271 efficiently.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="1153" data-end="1268">For immediate expert help, you can contact QuickBooks support at <strong data-start="1218" data-end="1254">1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988</strong>.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;" data-start="1275" data-end="1309"><strong>What Is QuickBooks Error 15271?</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="1311" data-end="1673">QuickBooks Error 15271 typically occurs when users attempt to download or install payroll updates. The error message may state that the update did not complete successfully or that a file could not be verified. This issue often prevents QuickBooks from receiving the latest payroll tax tables, which can result in incorrect tax calculations and compliance risks.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="1675" data-end="1814">The error usually appears due to problems with digital signature verification, Windows permissions, or interference from security software.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="1816" data-end="1968">To avoid payroll disruptions, resolving this error promptly is critical. For assistance, reach out to <strong data-start="1918" data-end="1954">1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988</strong>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;" data-start="1975" data-end="2027"><strong>Common Error Messages Associated with Error 15271</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="2029" data-end="2103">Users may encounter one or more of the following messages on their screen:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;" data-start="2105" data-end="2287">
<li data-start="2105" data-end="2171">
<p data-start="2107" data-end="2171">&ldquo;Error 15271: The payroll update did not complete successfully.&rdquo;</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2172" data-end="2227">
<p data-start="2174" data-end="2227">&ldquo;The update is missing a file or cannot be verified.&rdquo;</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2228" data-end="2287">
<p data-start="2230" data-end="2287">&ldquo;QuickBooks is unable to validate the digital signature.&rdquo;</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="2289" data-end="2395">These messages indicate that QuickBooks is unable to authenticate or install the payroll update correctly.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="2397" data-end="2537">If these messages persist, professional support at <strong data-start="2448" data-end="2484">1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988</strong> can help diagnose the issue accurately.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;" data-start="2544" data-end="2584"><strong>Main Causes of QuickBooks Error 15271</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="2586" data-end="2683">Understanding the root cause helps in selecting the correct fix. The most common reasons include:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;" data-start="2685" data-end="2966">
<li data-start="2685" data-end="2739">
<p data-start="2687" data-end="2739">Incorrect or missing digital signature certificate</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2740" data-end="2779">
<p data-start="2742" data-end="2779">Outdated QuickBooks Desktop version</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2780" data-end="2830">
<p data-start="2782" data-end="2830">Insufficient Windows administrator permissions</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2831" data-end="2882">
<p data-start="2833" data-end="2882">Firewall or antivirus blocking QuickBooks files</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2883" data-end="2926">
<p data-start="2885" data-end="2926">Corrupted QuickBooks installation files</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2927" data-end="2966">
<p data-start="2929" data-end="2966">Improper Internet Explorer settings</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="2968" data-end="3070">Identifying which of these applies to your system will make troubleshooting faster and more effective.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="3072" data-end="3155">For guided troubleshooting, call <strong data-start="3105" data-end="3141">1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988</strong>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;" data-start="3162" data-end="3195"><strong>Symptoms You Should Not Ignore</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="3197" data-end="3260">Before the error appears, you may notice several warning signs:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;" data-start="3262" data-end="3449">
<li data-start="3262" data-end="3297">
<p data-start="3264" data-end="3297">Payroll updates fail repeatedly</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3298" data-end="3346">
<p data-start="3300" data-end="3346">QuickBooks freezes or crashes during updates</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3347" data-end="3374">
<p data-start="3349" data-end="3374">Slow system performance</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3375" data-end="3411">
<p data-start="3377" data-end="3411">Payroll tax tables do not update</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3412" data-end="3449">
<p data-start="3414" data-end="3449">Error codes appear during startup</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="3451" data-end="3526">Ignoring these symptoms can lead to payroll delays and compliance problems.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="3528" data-end="3647">If payroll tasks are affected, speak with a QuickBooks specialist at <strong data-start="3597" data-end="3633">1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988</strong>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;" data-start="3654" data-end="3709"><strong>Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error 15271</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Solution 1: Verify Digital Signature Certificate</strong></p>
<ol style="text-align: justify;" data-start="3765" data-end="4119">
<li data-start="3765" data-end="3793">
<p data-start="3768" data-end="3793">Close QuickBooks Desktop.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3794" data-end="3846">
<p data-start="3797" data-end="3846">Navigate to <code data-start="3809" data-end="3845">C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks</code>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3847" data-end="3902">
<p data-start="3850" data-end="3902">Right-click <strong data-start="3862" data-end="3875">QBW32.exe</strong> and select <strong data-start="3887" data-end="3901">Properties</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3903" data-end="3943">
<p data-start="3906" data-end="3943">Go to the <strong data-start="3916" data-end="3938">Digital Signatures</strong> tab.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3944" data-end="4002">
<p data-start="3947" data-end="4002">Ensure <strong data-start="3954" data-end="3969">Intuit Inc.</strong> is listed and click <strong data-start="3990" data-end="4001">Details</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4003" data-end="4059">
<p data-start="4006" data-end="4059">Click <strong data-start="4012" data-end="4032">View Certificate</strong> &rarr; <strong data-start="4035" data-end="4058">Install Certificate</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4060" data-end="4119">
<p data-start="4063" data-end="4119">Follow on-screen instructions and restart your computer.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="4121" data-end="4184">This ensures QuickBooks can validate payroll updates correctly.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="4186" data-end="4280">If you need help with this process, contact <strong data-start="4230" data-end="4266">1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988</strong>.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Solution 2: Run QuickBooks as Administrator</strong></h4>
<ol style="text-align: justify;" data-start="4336" data-end="4473">
<li data-start="4336" data-end="4356">
<p data-start="4339" data-end="4356">Close QuickBooks.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4357" data-end="4392">
<p data-start="4360" data-end="4392">Right-click the QuickBooks icon.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4393" data-end="4428">
<p data-start="4396" data-end="4428">Select <strong data-start="4403" data-end="4427">Run as Administrator</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4429" data-end="4473">
<p data-start="4432" data-end="4473">Try downloading the payroll update again.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="4475" data-end="4563">Running QuickBooks with elevated permissions allows it to access protected system files.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="4565" data-end="4676">If the error continues, professional support is available at <strong data-start="4626" data-end="4662">1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988</strong>.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;" data-start="4683" data-end="4746"><strong>Solution 3: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Version</strong></h4>
<ol style="text-align: justify;" data-start="4748" data-end="4910">
<li data-start="4748" data-end="4767">
<p data-start="4751" data-end="4767">Open QuickBooks.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4768" data-end="4818">
<p data-start="4771" data-end="4818">Go to <strong data-start="4777" data-end="4785">Help</strong> &rarr; <strong data-start="4788" data-end="4817">Update QuickBooks Desktop</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4819" data-end="4843">
<p data-start="4822" data-end="4843">Click <strong data-start="4828" data-end="4842">Update Now</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4844" data-end="4870">
<p data-start="4847" data-end="4870">Select <strong data-start="4854" data-end="4869">Get Updates</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4871" data-end="4910">
<p data-start="4874" data-end="4910">Restart QuickBooks after completion.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="4912" data-end="4997">Outdated versions often conflict with payroll update servers, leading to Error 15271.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="4999" data-end="5090">For step-by-step update assistance, call <strong data-start="5040" data-end="5076">1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988</strong>.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;" data-start="5097" data-end="5159"><strong>Solution 4: Adjust Internet Explorer and Security Settings</strong></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="5161" data-end="5246">QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer settings even if another browser is set as default.</p>
<ol style="text-align: justify;" data-start="5248" data-end="5459">
<li data-start="5248" data-end="5274">
<p data-start="5251" data-end="5274">Open Internet Explorer.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5275" data-end="5317">
<p data-start="5278" data-end="5317">Go to <strong data-start="5284" data-end="5293">Tools</strong> &rarr; <strong data-start="5296" data-end="5316">Internet Options</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5318" data-end="5374">
<p data-start="5321" data-end="5374">Under <strong data-start="5327" data-end="5339">Security</strong>, set the level to <strong data-start="5358" data-end="5373">Medium-High</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5375" data-end="5417">
<p data-start="5378" data-end="5417">Under <strong data-start="5384" data-end="5396">Advanced</strong>, enable <strong data-start="5405" data-end="5416">TLS 1.2</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5418" data-end="5459">
<p data-start="5421" data-end="5459">Apply changes and restart your system.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="5461" data-end="5536">Also, temporarily disable antivirus/firewall software and retry the update.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="5538" data-end="5648">If you&rsquo;re unsure about changing these settings, get help at <strong data-start="5598" data-end="5634">1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988</strong>.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;" data-start="5655" data-end="5701"><strong>Solution 5: Repair QuickBooks Installation</strong></h4>
<ol style="text-align: justify;" data-start="5703" data-end="5891">
<li data-start="5703" data-end="5757">Open <strong data-start="5711" data-end="5728">Control Panel</strong> &rarr; <strong data-start="5731" data-end="5756">Programs and Features</strong>.</li>
<li data-start="5758" data-end="5791">
<p data-start="5761" data-end="5791">Select <strong data-start="5768" data-end="5790">QuickBooks Desktop</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5792" data-end="5822">
<p data-start="5795" data-end="5822">Click <strong data-start="5801" data-end="5821">Uninstall/Change</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5823" data-end="5844">
<p data-start="5826" data-end="5844">Choose <strong data-start="5833" data-end="5843">Repair</strong>.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5845" data-end="5891">
<p data-start="5848" data-end="5891">Follow the prompts and restart your system.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="5893" data-end="5973">Repairing QuickBooks fixes corrupted program files that may trigger Error 15271.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="5975" data-end="6067">For professional repair support, contact <strong data-start="6016" data-end="6052">1-888-394-9046 or 1-866-596-1988</strong>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;" data-start="6074" data-end="6124"><strong>Preventing QuickBooks Error 15271 in the Future</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="6126" data-end="6157">To avoid payroll update errors:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;" data-start="6159" data-end="6391">
<li data-start="6159" data-end="6194">
<p data-start="6161" data-end="6194">Keep QuickBooks Desktop updated</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6195" data-end="6229">
<p data-start="6197" data-end="6229">Always install Windows updates</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6230" data-end="6266">
<p data-start="6232" data-end="6266">Use a stable internet connection</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6267" data-end="6305">
<p data-start="6269" data-end="6305">Run QuickBooks as an administrator</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6306" data-end="6345">
<p data-start="6308" data-end="6345">Regularly verify digital signatures</p>
</li>
<li data-start="6346" data-end="6391">
<p data-start="6348" data-end="6391">Configure firewall and antivirus properly</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="6393" data-end="6465">Proactive maintenance helps ensure smooth payroll operations year-round.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;" data-start="6472" data-end="6508"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Is QuickBooks Error 15271 a payroll-only issue?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="6562" data-end="6639">Yes, this error specifically affects payroll updates and tax table downloads.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Can I run payroll without fixing Error 15271?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="6691" data-end="6787">You may run payroll temporarily, but outdated tax tables can lead to incorrect tax calculations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Does reinstalling QuickBooks remove payroll data?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="6843" data-end="6902">No, but always create a backup before making major changes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>When should I contact support?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="6939" data-end="7033">If the error persists after following troubleshooting steps, professional help is recommended.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="7059" data-end="7391">QuickBooks Error 15271 can disrupt payroll operations, delay tax updates, and create unnecessary stress for business owners. Fortunately, with the right troubleshooting steps&mdash;such as verifying digital certificates, updating QuickBooks, adjusting security settings, and repairing installations&mdash;you can resolve this issue effectively.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="7393" data-end="7572">If you prefer expert-guided resolution and want to save time, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Timely support ensures your payroll runs accurately and on schedule.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="7393" data-end="7572"><a href="https://www.febspot.com/video/3048856">https://www.febspot.com/video/3048856</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="7393" data-end="7572"><span data-sheets-root="1"><a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--2ks2oPcjQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--2ks2oPcjQ</a></span><br /><a href="https://crpsc.org.br/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&amp;t=661823">https://crpsc.org.br/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&amp;t=661823</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="7393" data-end="7572"><span data-sheets-root="1"><a class="in-cell-link" href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5677493/dial-866-678-7728-quickb0okz-desktop-support-24-7" target="_blank">https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5677493/dial-866-678-7728-quickb0okz-desktop-support-24-7</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" data-start="7393" data-end="7572"><span data-sheets-root="1"><span data-sheets-root="1"><a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAQNdO2f3Kc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAQNdO2f3Kc</a></span></span></p>
<p data-start="7393" data-end="7572">&nbsp;</p>