QuickBooks Error 15311: A Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Georgejansen
3 min readApr 11, 2024
QuickBooks Error 15311

Facing issues when updating your payroll in QuickBooks? QuickBooks error 15311 can interrupt you from downloading or installing the QuickBooks program or payroll updates. This error often appears during the payroll update process, preventing you from processing payroll smoothly. But don’t worry! This blog explores the reasons behind error 15311, from missing digital certificates to Windows settings. We’ll guide you through troubleshooting steps to get your payroll updates again.

Are you unable to follow this troubleshooting guide? If so, our friendly tech support team is here to help! Call us at 1.855.856.0042 for personalized assistance and get your payroll back on track.

What Triggers Update Error 15311 in QuickBooks?

You might encounter the confusing error 15311 during the update process. This error can prevent you from processing payroll on time. Here are some common reasons why error 15311 might show up:

  1. Essential files needed for the payroll update might be missing or damaged. This can happen due to unexpected interruptions during the download or glitches during the update process itself.
  2. An outdated version of QuickBooks might not be compatible with the latest payroll updates. Running an older version can lead to error 15311.
  3. QuickBooks relies on digital certificates to verify the authenticity of updates. A missing or expired certificate can trigger error 15311 and prevent the update from installing properly.
  4. A slow or unstable internet connection might disrupt the download process for payroll updates. This can lead to incomplete downloads and, ultimately, error 15311.

Recommended to read: How to resolve QuickBooks Error 12029

Fixing QB Desktop Error 15311: Get Your Payroll Updates

Don’t let error 15311 stall your payroll processing! Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot the issue and get your payroll updates working smoothly:

Solution 1: Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure you have a stable and strong internet connection before attempting to update your payroll. A weak connection can cause download issues and trigger error 15311.

Solution 2: Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version

Here’s a step-by-step instructions on how to Update QuickBooks to the Latest Version:

  1. Close QuickBooks.
  2. Open the “Help” menu and select “Get Updates” (the option might vary).
  3. Follow the prompts to check, download, and install updates.
  4. Consider the “Options” tab to choose updates (critical usually selected).
  5. Click “Update Now” to begin downloading and installing the installation.
  6. Wait patiently for completion. Restart QuickBooks if prompted.

Solution 3: Verify Your Digital Signature Certificate

QuickBooks relies on digital certificates for secure updates. Check if your certificate is valid and not expired. If it’s expired, you’ll need to renew it to proceed with updates.

  1. Open Internet Explorer (even if you don’t use it regularly, it’s used for certificate management in QuickBooks).
  2. Click the Gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner and choose “Internet Options.”
  3. Select the “Content” tab and click the “Certificates” button.
  4. In the “Certificates” window, switch to the “Trusted Root Certification Authorities” tab.
  5. Look for certificates issued by Intuit or any trusted Certificate Authorities used by QuickBooks.
  6. Double-click a certificate to check its validity. The “Valid From” and “Valid To” dates should indicate a current certificate.
  7. If the certificate is expired, you’ll need to renew it. Consult Intuit’s website or support for certificate renewal processes specific to your QuickBooks version.

Solution 4: Download and Install the Latest Payroll Update Manually

If automatic updates fail, you can download the update file from the official Intuit website and install it manually.

  1. Open your web browser and visit the Intuit Downloads & Updates webpage (https://downloads.quickbooks.com/app/qbdt/products).
  2. Select your country from the dropdown menu.
  3. Choose your specific QuickBooks product and version from the available options.
  4. Click “Search” to view available downloads.
  5. Look for the latest payroll update file (identified by a number and release date).
  6. Download the updated file by clicking on it.
  7. Once downloaded, locate the file on your computer (usually in your Downloads folder).
  8. Double-click the downloaded update file to initiate the manual installation process.
  9. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the payroll update installation.
  10. Restart QuickBooks so the update takes effect.

If you’ve tried these steps and QuickBooks error 15311 persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to QuickBooks Support. Our team can provide more advanced troubleshooting and resolve the update issue for you. Dial 1.855.856.0042 and get in touch with the tech support team.

You may read also: How to fix QuickBooks Desktop running slow

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