QuickBooks Error 15106: Fixing Update Blocks on Old Desktop Versions
Resolve QuickBooks Desktop error 15106, part of the 15xxx update family. Learn why the update fails, how to fix it, and how to freeze your discontinued ver
When QuickBooks Desktop tries to download an update and fails, it often throws a 15xxx error. Error 15106 specifically means the update program itself was blocked or could not run. If you are maintaining an older, unsupported version of QuickBooks Desktop, chasing these updates is usually a dead end. Here is how to understand this error, clear the immediate blockage, and properly freeze your install for long-term use.
The 15xxx Update and Payroll Error Family
Error 15106 belongs to the 15xxx family of update errors. These codes generally trigger when QuickBooks cannot connect to the update server, download a patch, or apply new files. If you are seeing a nearby code like 15107, 15108, or 15241, the underlying causes and solutions are largely the same.
In plain English, error 15106 means your system actively prevented the QuickBooks update utility from doing its job.
Common Causes of Error 15106
The most frequent culprit is your computer's security software. Because the QuickBooks updater runs in the background and modifies program files, overprotective antivirus or anti-malware programs often flag it as suspicious and shut it down. Other common causes include:
- Windows User Permissions: You are logged into Windows via a standard user account rather than an Administrator account.
- Damaged QuickBooks Components: Core installation files or the update module itself are corrupted.
- Incorrect System Date and Time: If your computer's clock is out of sync, secure server connections will fail.
The Hard Truth for Discontinued Versions
If you are running QuickBooks Desktop to maintain the books for a closed company, or you have intentionally chosen to stay on an older version, you must stop chasing these updates.
Intuit discontinues services for older versions after a few years. When that happens, the update servers for your specific version are shut down. The update will never succeed because the files no longer exist on Intuit's end. Continuing to force the updater to run will only result in endless 15xxx errors.
The durable solution is to freeze your installation exactly as it is, disable automatic updates, and rely on manual alternatives.
How to Fix Error 15106
If you are on a currently functioning install and simply need to clear the block, follow these steps. If you are on a discontinued version, skip to the prevention section to freeze your install.
- Run as Administrator: Close QuickBooks. Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon and select Run as Administrator. Try downloading the update again.
- Check Your Security Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus or anti-malware program. Return to QuickBooks, attempt the update, and turn your security software back on immediately afterward.
- Verify System Date and Time: Ensure your computer's clock is set to update automatically. A mismatched date will cause secure download failures.
- Run Quick Fix from the Tool Hub: If the updater module is damaged, use the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Install the hub, navigate to the "Company File Issues" or "Program Problems" tab, and run the Quick Fix tool to repair damaged installation components.
Preventing the Error from Recurring
To stop error 15106 from popping up again, you need to tell QuickBooks to stop looking for updates. This is the standard practice for freezing a discontinued version of QuickBooks Desktop.
- Open QuickBooks and go to Edit > Preferences.
- Select General from the left menu, then click the My Preferences tab.
- Under the "Update Status" section, uncheck the box for Automatically download and install updates.
- Click OK.
By turning off automatic updates, you freeze the software in its current working state. You will no longer be pestered by failed background downloads.
Replacing Cut-Off Services
Once you freeze your install, you will lose access to automated services like bank feeds and payroll tax table updates. You can easily replace these manually to keep your books accurate:
- Bank Feeds: Log directly into your bank's website and download your transactions as a Web Connect (.qbo) or .csv file. You can import these manually into QuickBooks Desktop.
- Payroll: If you process payroll, you will need to calculate your federal and state tax withholdings manually using current tax tables, entering the data directly into the program.
When the Company File Is Damaged
Sometimes, an update fails and leaves your company file in a vulnerable state. If you clear error 15106 but QuickBooks still crashes when opening your file, or if you receive errors regarding data integrity, the company file itself may be damaged. In these cases, running a standard rebuild inside QuickBooks is the first step. If the rebuild fails or the file refuses to open, you may need a professional QuickBooks company file repair to restore your data without losing your historical transactions.