Payroll is an essential feature of QuickBooks accounting software, and irrespective of the size and nature of a business, it ensures smooth and uninterrupted payroll processing. Unfortunately, payroll is also more vulnerable to errors than other QuickBooks features and, even a minor mistake can induce errors in different payroll operations. QuickBooks Error 15222 is an uncommon but challenging to troubleshoot error that arises while updating Maintenance Release, Critical Fixes, Essentials, and Payroll tax tables under the Update QuickBooks Desktop window. If you are also receiving error code 15222 in QuickBooks, then follow the steps listed in this article for an instant solution.
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What is QuickBooks Error 15222?
QuickBooks has an infamous category of issues that arises specifically when the user downloads the newest available payroll updates on their device, and this is known as the 15xxx series of errors. Multiple factors may give rise to this issue, and the most prominent reason is a misconfiguration in the web browser settings – Internet Explorer. When the issue comes up, eventually, the update is unable to complete successfully, which further triggers other errors in the program. For example, your device may stop responding to your requests or may even fail to launch the next time you try to access it.
When it comes to updating QuickBooks and its components, 15XXX series of errors are common. QuickBooks Update Error 15222 occurs when QuickBooks can’t establish a connection with the internet to download the update files, and this could happen because of several different reasons. You might also get various error messages depending upon the error code you have received.

Payroll Update Error 15222
Updating QuickBooks online services like payroll requires an active version of QuickBooks Desktop. So make sure you are not using a discontinued version of QuickBooks.
Why QuickBooks Encounters Error 15222
Among several reasons that cause Maintenance Release Update Error 15222, missing digital signature certificates from the internet browser is the primary reason. Other reasons that cause the error 15222 in QuickBooks Desktop are listed below:
- An outdated version of QuickBooks Desktop application, i.e., 2015 and previous versions.
- System security applications that include antivirus, firewall applications, anti-malware, and anti-spyware sometimes block QuickBooks from accessing the internet connection resulting in error 15222.
- Instead of using Internet Explorer as your default internet browser, you are using some other browser like Firefox, or Safari.
- The user is not logged in with an administrator account on Windows.
- Incorrect Date and Time of your Windows computer also triggers QuickBooks to show payroll update error 15222.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that you are logging in with a user account that has Windows administrative rights, and your computer is displaying the correct date and time in the taskbar. An active payroll subscription is also required before running the payroll update.
Steps to Resolve QuickBooks Desktop Update Error 15222
Troubleshooting Step 1: Install Digital Signature in Internet Explorer
Digital signatures are meant to verify the authenticity of an application. If the digital signature of QuickBooks Desktop goes missing, Intuit update server will not allow it to download the updates.
- Open Windows File Manager and type C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks in the address bar.
- Press Enter and locate the QBW32.exe file in the QuickBooks folder.
- Right-click the QBW32.exe file and select Properties.
- Under the Digital Signature tab, look for the list of signatures.
- Click Details on the Intuit Inc digital Signature.
- Now hit the View Certificate option under the Digital Signature Details window.
- Now hit the Install Certificate option under the Certificate window.
- Click the Next button until you get the Finish option.
- Click Finish and restart your system.
- Try to Update QuickBooks once again.
Troubleshooting Step 2: Add QuickBooks Processes and Domains under Security Programs Exclusion List
To ensure that the error 15222 is not a result of restrictions imposed by any security program, add QuickBooks processes and domains to the list of exceptions in the security program settings.
- Follow the troubleshooting steps Add QuickBooks as an Exception in the firewall from our article on error 6094 for detailed instructions.
Important: If you are using an external firewall, then make sure to add the following domains to the exceptions in the settings:
- QuickBooks.com
- QBW32.exe
- Payroll.com
- Intuit.com
- qbupdate.exe
Troubleshooting Step 3: Set Default Internet Browser
By default, QuickBooks Desktop uses Internet Explorer’s internet settings to connect to the network. However, if you use some other browser as default, QuickBooks can face issues downloading the updates.
- To Set Internet Explorer as Default Browser, open Internet Explorer and from the Tools section select Internet Options.
- Click the Make Default option under the Programs tab.
- Finally, hit the OK button and rerun the QuickBooks update again.
Troubleshooting Step 4: Run QuickBooks File Doctor from Tool Hub
QuickBooks File Doctor is a perfect tool to deal with general company file and network-related issues.
- Download QuickBooks Tool Hub by clicking Here.
- Go to the downloads folder and run the QuickBooksToolHub.exe file.
- Agree to the license terms and conditions to install the application.
- Click Next to proceed with the installation.
- Once the QuickBooks Desktop Tool Hub is installed on your system, run it using the icon created on the desktop.
- Now move to the Program Problems tab and select Run QuickBooks File Doctor.
- Now select the option “Repair the file for your existing version of QuickBooks” and click Next.
- Once the file repair process completes, check if “QuickBooks Major Upgrade Error 15222” still affects QuickBooks.
In case none of the steps helps resolve QuickBooks Error 15222, make sure you can access the internet. If you cannot establish a proper connection with the internet, then contact an IT professional for troubleshooting assistance. If your internet connection is working fine, and still, you are getting the payroll update error 15222, dial Support Number +1- 855 738 2784 for better further aid and support.