QuickBooks is one of the most reliable software solutions for accounting and bookkeeping services. However, you may encounter issues when downloading or installing payroll updates. Occurrence of QuickBooks Error 15225 prevents the verification of Digital signature of an updated QuickBooks File. This error is primarily caused by unstable network connections, improper internet configurations, and interference from third-party security applications.

Although, this error can affect all versions of QuickBooks Desktop, including Pro, Premier, Accountant, and Enterprise. However, there’s no need to worry—this article will provide a detailed overview of Error 15225 along with its quick fixes. Stay tuned until the end!

Complete Analysis of QuickBooks Desktop Error 15225

Typically, this error is often triggered by using an outdated Microsoft Edge version or by invalid digital signatures that prevent the proper downloading of updated files.

Additionally, any unauthorized file installation can exacerbate the issue which may further lead to system functionality to crash.

QuickBooks Error 15225 frequently appears with the message: 

“The QuickBooks Desktop update was unable to complete successfully.”

Hence, we will explore the causes of these issues, which are common runtime errors with practical solutions.

Common symptoms associated with QuickBooks Error 15225

 There are a few early signs that indicate the QuickBooks Update Error 15225. So accordingly, you should check if you noticed any of these signs to identify the problem and find the right solution. Let’s checkout take what they are:

  • Operations running slower than usual, with longer buffering times.
  • The screen going blank unexpectedly from time to time.
  • The page reloading automatically whenever you try to install an update.
  • Difficulty accessing Company Files.
  • A full shutdown of Windows or the desktop.

Also Read: How to Fix QuickBooks Update Error 1603?

Reasons behind QuickBooks Error 15225

Having a proper knowledge of the possible reasons behind your error will help you find the most effective solutions for QuickBooks Error 15225. So, we’ve listed down all the possible reasons why this error might appear on your screen. Let’s review them as they are:

  • Unauthorized malware intrusions – Malicious software or cyber threats may infect the system, leading to security vulnerabilities that trigger Error 15225 in QuickBooks.
  • Damaged or altered QuickBooks file – If a QuickBooks file is tampered with by an unauthorized user or gets corrupted due to incomplete or improper installation, the error may occur.
  • Unstable or weak internet connectivity – A slow or inconsistent network connection can interfere with QuickBooks’ ability to connect to servers, causing update failures and error messages.
  • Outdated or misconfigured Windows settings – Running an older version of Windows or having incorrect system configurations may lead to compatibility issues, preventing QuickBooks from verifying updates.
  • Invalid or unverified digital signatures – When a downloaded QuickBooks update lacks a valid digital signature, Windows may flag it as unsafe, causing the update to fail and triggering Error 15225.
  • Restricted firewall access due to security settings – If firewall rules block QuickBooks’ access to necessary servers, the software may struggle to validate updates, leading to this error.

See Also: How to Fix QuickBooks Error 3371?

Quick fixes for QuickBooks Error 15225

After that you have understand the possible causes of QuickBooks Error 15225, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to permanently resolve the issue. 

Although, before moving ahead to the solutions, make sure to create a backup of your QuickBooks company file to prevent data loss.

Here’s how you can make backup of your company file:

  • First, open QuickBooks.
  • Then, go to the File menu and select Backup Company.
  • Finally, click on Create Local Backup.
creating quickbooks desktop

Anyways, let’s dive into the solutions that can be followed to fix this QuickBooks Error 15225

Solution 1: Verification of your Internet Connection

The first step is to ensure that if simply an unstable internet connection causing QuickBooks Error 15225 to occur. This is one of the most common causes of update errors during the installation process. 

  • Restarting your router may resolves the issue.
  • Now you can proceed with the payroll update. If not, let’s move on to the next solution.

Solution 2: Activate the Install Diagnostics Tool in QuickBooks

The QuickBooks Tools Hub is built with a variety of diagnostic tools to resolve specific issues. For QuickBooks Error 15225, the Install Diagnostics Tool can be particularly useful. Here’s how you can use it:

  • Open the QuickBooks Tools Hub and go to the Installation Issues section.
  • Select the QuickBooks Install Diagnostics Tool to start scanning your system.
  • After the scan is complete, restart your computer and reinstall QuickBooks to apply the changes.

This simple process can help fix installation-related issues and get QuickBooks running smoothly again.

using quickbooks install diagnostic tool to fix quickbooks error 15525

Solution 3: Fresh installation of QuickBooks

If the above listed troubleshooting methods is not working for you, you can try this method i.e.to uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks desktop in order to get rid of the Error 15225 QuickBooks. 

This can be described as:

  • Abort all the QuickBooks Tasks that were going on. Once done with, go to Programs and Features tab in the Control Panel.
  • Now choose the option to Repair QuickBooks under the Uninstall\Change menu.
  •  After completing the repair, try updating the software again. If the error still exists, proceed with the steps below.
  • Go to the official website and download a fresh copy of QuickBooks.
  • Enter the necessary details to complete the installation. This should resolve QuickBooks Error 15225.

Solution 4: Updating the QuickBooks Desktop in Safe mode

It goes without saying that updating QuickBooks software can fix many errors and gives optimal throughput. However, Payroll Error 15225 may interfere with the process. So, it is suggested that consider updating QuickBooks Desktop in Safe Mode. The steps to be followed are:

  • Reboot your computer and repeatedly press F2 until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
  • Choose Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
  • Launch QuickBooks and navigate to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
  • Select Update Now and click Get Updates.
  • Restart your computer to complete the update installation.
updating quickbooks desktop

Solution 5: Set up a New Digital Certificate

As mentioned above in the causes, the system requires a valid digital signature to authorize the installation of an update file. If QuickBooks Update Error 15225 appears on your screen, it indicates that the digital signature is either malfunctioning or missing. To resolve this issue, follow the steps outlined below:

  • Close QuickBooks Desktop and your company file.
  • Click the Windows button and type QBW32.exe in the search bar.
  • Right-click on it and select Properties.
  • Look for Intuit.inc under the Digital Signature list. If it’s missing, make the necessary changes.
  • Go to Details, view the Digital Certificate, and click Install Certificate.
  • Once the installation is complete, try updating QuickBooks again.
setting up new digital certificate

Solution 6: Temporarily deactivate the firewall

If QuickBooks encounters Error 15225, it could be due to firewall restrictions. To temporarily disable the firewall:

  • Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security > Windows Security.
  • Select Firewall & Network Protection.
  • Then, choose Private Network and Public Network individually to turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall for all network types.
  • Restart QuickBooks and attempt the update again.
disabling the firewall

Solution 7: Reset SSL State

Clearing the SSL state in Internet Explorer is an important step that may help resolve the issue. Follow these steps to do so:

  • Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon ().
  • From the dropdown menu, select Internet Options.
  • Navigate to the Content tab.
  • Under the Certificates section, click on Clear SSL State.
  • A confirmation window will pop up on the screen—click the OK button to proceed.
  • Finally, close Internet Explorer and restart it to complete the process.
resetting ssl state

Solution 8: Add the Intuit and QuickBooks URLs to the list of trusted websites

It’s essential to add the Intuit and QuickBooks websites to the Trusted Websites list to prevent the system from blocking updates during installation. Here’s how you can do that:

  • In your browser, open the Tools menu and select Internet Options.
  • Go to the Security tab and select the Trusted Websites zone.
  • Add the following URLs to the list:
  • https://*.quickbooks.com
  • https://*.intuit.com
  • https://*.intuit.net
  • Close the window and click on Custom Level.
  • Enable the settings under the Miscellaneous section.
  • Click OK for the Access sources across domains option and apply the changes.
adding quickbooks to trusted website to fix quickbooks error 15225

This should help resolve the QuickBooks Update Error 15225.

Solution 9: Disable Security Settings

Another solution to resolve QuickBooks Error 15225 is to temporarily disable the firewall settings, which could be blocking the installation process.

  • In the QuickBooks window, go to the Preferences tab, then select Security and Privacy.
  • Under the Network Protection menu, open Settings.
  • Next, click on Windows Security and choose Firewall & Network Protection.
  • Turn off the Defender Firewall for all network types, including Domain, Private, and public networks.

This should help eliminate the update error.

Winding Up!

Fixing errors in QuickBooks is often simpler than it seems. By following the right steps, you can effectively resolve QuickBooks Error 15225 and prevent it from recurring. We hope the solutions outlined above have helped you troubleshoot the issue. However, if you still have any concerns or need expert assistance at any stage, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Pro Advisors team at TransyncPro. Our professionals are available to provide you with immediate guidance and reliable solutions to ensure smooth and uninterrupted QuickBooks operations.

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