Updating payroll is a task that must be performed regularly, and users must do so every time they run payroll. Unfortunately, unexpected errors frequently disrupt the payroll update process, preventing users from downloading and installing payroll updates. One of the most common payroll update errors in QuickBooks is error 15270, which displays an error message that reads, "Error 15270: The payroll update did not complete successfully. The update is missing a file." You must have gone through the basic troubleshooting steps available online to get rid of this error, but this does not always work. If this is also where you stand now, and you are receiving QuickBooks error 15270 after troubleshooting the issue with online solutions, try implementing the advanced solutions crafted by certified QuickBooks professionals, which you can find further in this article.
Troubleshooting payroll update issues like QuickBooks Update Error 15270 can be a difficult task for some QB users, and such users can seek expert assistance in fixing the issue by contacting our support team at +1-(855)-955-1942
What Exactly Triggers QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15270?
Aside from the obvious causes, such as an inactive payroll subscription or an inaccurate EIN, the following are some less obvious causes of error 15270 in QuickBooks Desktop.
A general program error can occur as a result of the restrictions imposed by some security software can force QuickBooks update keeps asking to reboot.
Errors while downloading payroll updates can be caused by issues with your internet connection and setup, such as not using Internet Explorer as your primary browser.
Assuming you have a valid payroll subscription and have entered the correct EIN in your company file, we'll move on to advanced troubleshooting solutions to address the two aforementioned problems.
Advanced Methods for Troubleshooting QuickBooks Error Code 15270
Solution 1: Use Quick Fix My Program Tool to Resolve General QuickBooks Program Issues
Quick Fix My Program, as the name suggests, is a tool that quickly helps you get rid of minor errors and glitches in the QuickBooks Desktop program that can trigger bigger issues like error 15270. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how you can use the Quick Fix My Program tool to resolve error 15270 while updating QuickBooks payroll.
Launch QuickBooks and navigate to the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon, which may be found under the Help menu.
Once you notice the download link on the following windows that appear on your screen, download QuickBooks Tool Hub.
Launch QuickBooks Tool Hub and navigate to the Program Problems tab to select the Quick Fix My Program tool.
This utility will instantly rectify any program issues that are keeping you from getting the latest payroll updates.
Retry downloading and installing the payroll updates to see whether you have rectified error 15270; if not, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
Solution 2: Reconfigure your Browser and Switch to a Non-Wired Connection
As we have already discussed, misconfigured internet connection settings can not only prevent QuickBooks from downloading the latest payroll updates it can also trigger the same issue in other applications running on your Windows system. Thus, with this solution, we will first re-configure the internet connection settings so that they start supporting the payroll download, and to ensure the internet is not lagging, we will switch to a non-wired connection, which is more stable in comparison to a wired connection.
Launch Internet Explorer, which you may quickly find by searching for it in the Windows search bar if you can't find its shortcut icon on the desktop.
Now, in the top-right corner, click Tool, and then select Internet Options to open your Windows PC's Internet settings.
Navigate to the Program tab and put a checkmark next to the Make Default option in the Default Web Browser section.
If you are currently connected to a hard-wired connection, switch to a wireless connection.
Reinstall QuickBooks, apply the most recent payroll updates and see if the techniques above helped you repair QuickBooks error 15270. If you still can't resolve the problem or if a new error appears, there is a strong possibility that your QuickBooks Desktop is outdated, which you must immediately update before getting the payroll updates. If you need the help of an expert at any moment troubleshooting the error, reach our support team at +1-(855)-955-1942.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is QuickBooks Error 15270 and why does it appear?
A: QuickBooks Error 15270 usually pops up when you're updating payroll and the update fails to complete. It’s often triggered by incorrect setup, broken internet connection, or a corrupted update file. The error message will say something like “The payroll update did not complete successfully.” To fix it, make sure your payroll subscription is active, reboot QuickBooks in Admin mode, and manually download updates again.
Q2: How can I fix QuickBooks Error 15270 manually?
A: To manually fix Error 15270 in QuickBooks:
Close QuickBooks and restart your computer.
Right-click QuickBooks icon → "Run as Administrator."
Open Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Go to Update Now, select Reset Updates, then download again.
Recheck your payroll subscription status.
If the issue persists, check firewall settings or reinstall QuickBooks.
Q3: Can expired payroll subscriptions cause Error 15270 in QuickBooks?
A: Yes, absolutely. If your QuickBooks Payroll subscription is expired or inactive, the update process will fail, causing Error 15270. Always ensure your subscription is up-to-date. Log in to your Intuit account to verify status and renew if necessary. After activation, restart QuickBooks and try downloading the update again.
Q4: Is Internet Explorer required to fix QuickBooks Error 15270?
A: Yes, QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer for several background processes, especially during payroll updates. If IE settings are incorrect or outdated, Error 15270 can occur. Update to the latest IE version, set it as your default browser, and enable TLS 1.2 under Internet Options > Advanced tab. Then restart QuickBooks and retry the update.
Q5: Does antivirus software trigger QuickBooks Error 15270?
A: Sometimes, yes. Overprotective antivirus or firewall settings can block QuickBooks from accessing update servers, triggering Error 15270. Temporarily disable your antivirus and retry the payroll update. If that works, create an exception rule for QuickBooks in your antivirus settings to avoid future issues.
Q6: What if QuickBooks Error 15270 keeps coming back after every update?
A: Repeated Error 15270 means there may be deeper issues—corrupted program files, misconfigured system settings, or conflicting third-party apps. Try reinstalling QuickBooks using the Clean Install Tool, reset updates, and verify payroll data integrity. If the issue still reappears, consider reaching out to QuickBooks support.
Q7: Can using QuickBooks in multi-user mode cause Error 15270?
A: Yes, occasionally. Payroll updates are best handled in single-user mode. If you're updating payroll while others are connected, Error 15270 might show up. To avoid it:
Switch to single-user mode from File > Switch to Single-user Mode.
Retry the payroll update.
This ensures no interference during the update process.
