QuickBooks Error 15106: How to Fix It

5 min readJul 8, 2024

QuickBooks Error 15106 is a common issue that users encounter while updating QuickBooks Desktop. This error usually indicates that the update program is damaged or that the user does not have sufficient administrative privileges to perform the update. Resolving this error is crucial to ensure your QuickBooks software remains up-to-date and functions correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the causes of QuickBooks Error 15106 and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Error 15106 is part of the 15xxx series of errors related to update issues in QuickBooks Desktop. When this error occurs, you typically see one of the following error messages:

“Error 15106: The update program is damaged.”
“Error 15106: The update program cannot be opened.”

Common Causes of QuickBooks Error 15106

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of Error 15106 in QuickBooks:

Insufficient Administrative Privileges: The user attempting to update QuickBooks does not have the necessary administrative rights.
Damaged Update Program: The update program required to update QuickBooks is corrupted or damaged.
Antivirus or Antimalware Interference: Security software, such as antivirus or antimalware, may mistakenly identify QuickBooks update files as threats and block them.
User Account Control (UAC) Settings: UAC settings can prevent the QuickBooks update process from completing successfully.

Troubleshooting Steps for QuickBooks Error 15106

1. Log in as an Administrator

Ensure that you are logged in with an administrator account. Administrative privileges are required to update QuickBooks. If you are not an administrator, log out and log back in with an administrator account.

2. Disable Antivirus or Antimalware Software

Sometimes, antivirus or antimalware software can interfere with the QuickBooks update process. Temporarily disable your security software and then try to update QuickBooks again. Here’s how:

Locate the antivirus or antimalware icon in the system tray (usually at the bottom-right corner of your screen).
Right-click the icon and select the option to disable or turn off the software temporarily.
Try updating QuickBooks again.

3. Use Selective Startup Mode

Using Selective Startup Mode can help eliminate conflicts caused by other programs running in the background. Follow these steps to use Selective Startup Mode:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type msconfig and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, select the Selective startup option.
Uncheck the Load startup items checkbox.
Go to the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
Click Disable all.
Click Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer and try updating QuickBooks again.

4. Reset User Account Control (UAC) Settings

Resetting UAC settings can sometimes resolve update issues in QuickBooks. Here’s how to adjust UAC settings:

Press Windows + S and type UAC in the search box.
Select Change User Account Control settings.
Move the slider to Never notify.
Click OK and restart your computer.
Try updating QuickBooks again.

5. Clean Install QuickBooks

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, performing a clean install of QuickBooks may be necessary. A clean install involves uninstalling QuickBooks, renaming installation folders, and then reinstalling QuickBooks. Follow these steps:

Uninstall QuickBooks:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type Control Panel and press Enter.
Select Programs and Features.
Locate and select QuickBooks and click Uninstall.

Rename Installation Folders:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type %localappdata%\Intuit\QuickBooks and press Enter.
Rename the QuickBooks folder to QuickBooks.old.
Repeat the above steps for the following folders:
%ProgramData%\Intuit\QuickBooks
%ProgramFiles%\Intuit\QuickBooks
%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Intuit\QuickBooks (for 64-bit systems)

Reinstall QuickBooks:

Download the QuickBooks installation file from the official website.
Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall QuickBooks.
Try updating QuickBooks again.

Additional Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Error 15106

Regular Updates: Keep your QuickBooks software and Windows operating system updated to the latest versions.
Administrator Access: Always ensure you have administrative privileges when performing updates or installations.
Security Software Settings: Configure your antivirus or antimalware software to allow QuickBooks update files.
Backup Data: Regularly backup your QuickBooks data to prevent data loss in case of errors or issues.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Error 15106 can disrupt your workflow by preventing you from updating your QuickBooks Desktop software. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can resolve this error and ensure that your QuickBooks software remains up-to-date and fully functional. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to QuickBooks support for further assistance.

Keeping your QuickBooks software updated is crucial for smooth and efficient financial management. Regular updates ensure you have access to the latest features and security enhancements, helping you manage your business finances more effectively.