Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15221 (Latest Methods)

Payroll Error 15221 is just another technical issue that occurs during the update of QuickBooks Desktop. Most of the times, this issue traces its roots to erroneous Internet configuration or corruption in QuickBooks. By the end of this blog, readers shall get full information related to this error which would include the Causes and practicable solutions to fix QuickBooks Error 15221.

What causes Error code 15221 in QuickBooks?

The main provoking factors leading to QuickBooks Error 15221 are:

Intuit digital signature certificate may be outdated, or not yet set up on the system.
Windows Registry may be facing technical issues.
Wrong internet configuration
Obstruction caused due to the Firewall.
Corrupted QuickBooks files.

Easy Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15221

If you are being bothered by this QuickBooks update error 15221, just proceed as per the instructions in this article, and get the problem solved in no time. Before proceeding with the troubleshooting methods, users should first create a backup of the Company files.

First create a Company file Backup

At first, the user needs to Open QuickBooks and from there, opt for the File tab.
After that, navigate to Back Up Company Create Local copy.
Proceed with the backup process, and once done with that, make a move to the troubleshooting walkthrough.

Easy approaches to Rectify QuickBooks Error 15221

Go through the steps mentioned in detail in this section to get this update issue rooted out from the system.

Approach 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop manually

In the beginning, navigate to Intuit, and make a move to the Downloads page.
Choose the version of QuickBooks set on the system and then download the update file. Get the same installed by manually running it upon double-clicking on it.
If the manual procedure doesn’t sort the problem, then users should switch to the next approach to fix Error 15221 in QuickBooks.

Approach 2: Installing Digital Signature certificate

Close QuickBooks Desktop and then search for QBW32.exe in C:/Program Files(x86)/Intuit/QuickBooks.
Once you find it, proceed by right-clicking on it and choose Properties.
Hit on Intuit Inc. from the list by clicking the Digital Signature tab, then tap on Details.

Following that, click on View Certificate in the Digital Signature Details box.
Now, hit on Install Certificate in the Certificate window.

Then, click on Next and then tap on Finish.
After that, hit on Finish.
Following that, restart the computer, and then launch QuickBooks once more.
Now, try to update QuickBooks desktop once again.

Approach 3: Disabling Firewall Protection

Firewall related disruptions can also lead to Error 15221 in QuickBooks desktop. To ward this off, users should turn off the firewall protection, the steps or which are given below:

To turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall with all types of networks, right-click the Start button, and then opt for Settings.
Following that, make a move to Update Security, and then tap on the Windows Security tab in the left pane.
Now, hit on Open Windows Security, and within the Windows Security window, opt for the Firewall and Network Protection.

Approach 4: Uninstall and Reinstall QuickBooks

If the above stated approaches do not fix Error 15221 in your case, then opt for a Clean Installation of QuickBooks Desktop. This can be done either manually from the Control Panel, or by using the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.

Conclusion

This blog uncovered multiple troubleshooting approaches for fixing QuickBooks Error 15221. If you come across any issues while performing the instructions listed in this blog, just give our QuickBooks desktop payroll error support experts a call at 1-800-615-2347.