QUICKBOOKS PAYROLL

What should I do if Getting QuickBooks payroll update not working after updates?

alexie warein | 28 March 2025

QuickBooks Payroll is a critical feature for businesses to manage employee payments, tax filings, and compliance. However, users often encounter issues where payroll updates fail to install or function correctly after updating QuickBooks. These problems can stem from incomplete updates, corrupted files, internet connectivity issues, or software conflicts.

This comprehensive guide will explore the reasons why QuickBooks Payroll updates may not work after an update and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve them. Additionally, we’ll include a Q&A section to address common concerns.

Why QuickBooks Payroll Updates Fail After Installation?

1. Incomplete or Interrupted Update Installation

If the QuickBooks update process was interrupted due to internet issues or system crashes, payroll features may not function correctly.

Solution:

Reinstall the latest QuickBooks update (Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop).
Ensure a stable internet connection during the update.

2. Outdated or Missing Payroll Tax Tables

After updating QuickBooks, the payroll tax tables may not automatically refresh, leading to errors.

Solution:

Manually download the latest payroll tax tables (Employees > Get Payroll Updates).
Verify that the tax year is correct.

3. Damaged QuickBooks Installation Files

Corrupted files during the update process can prevent payroll from working.

Solution:

Use QuickBooks File Doctor to scan and repair damaged files.
Perform a clean reinstall of QuickBooks if necessary.

4. Compatibility Issues with Windows Updates

New Windows updates may conflict with QuickBooks, causing payroll to malfunction.

Solution:

Reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework and C++ Redistributables.
Check for Windows compatibility updates.

5. Incorrect Payroll Settings After Update

Updates may reset payroll configurations, leading to processing errors.

Solution:

Verify payroll setup (Payroll > Payroll Setup).
Recheck employee and tax details.

6. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking QuickBooks

Security software may prevent QuickBooks from accessing payroll services after an update.

Solution:

Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus and test payroll.
Add QuickBooks as an exception in security settings.

7. Expired Payroll Subscription

Updates may trigger a subscription check, and an expired subscription will halt payroll functions.

Solution:

Check subscription status (Help > Manage My Account).
Renew the payroll subscription if expired.

8. User Permission Issues

Updates may reset file permissions, preventing QuickBooks from accessing payroll data.

Solution:

Run QuickBooks as Administrator.
Adjust folder permissions if needed.

9. Outdated QuickBooks Desktop Version

Using an unsupported version of QuickBooks may cause payroll update failures.

Solution:

Update QuickBooks to the latest release (Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop).

10. Server-Side Issues from Intuit

Intuit’s servers may experience downtime during updates, preventing payroll from syncing.

Solution:

Check Intuit’s Service Status Page for outages.
Wait and try again later.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Payroll Update Issues

Step 1: Reinstall the Latest QuickBooks Update

Open QuickBooks.
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Click Update Now and restart QuickBooks.

Step 2: Download Latest Payroll Tax Tables

Go to Employees > Get Payroll Updates.
Download and install the latest tax tables.
Restart QuickBooks.

Step 3: Run QuickBooks File Doctor

Download QuickBooks File Doctor from Intuit’s website.
Scan and repair company files.

Step 4: Reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework

Uninstall .NET Framework via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Download the latest version from Microsoft’s website.
Restart your computer.

Step 5: Check Payroll Subscription Status

Go to Help > Manage My Account.
Renew the payroll subscription if expired.

Step 6: Disable Conflicting Software

Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall.
Test payroll processing.

Step 7: Clean Reinstall QuickBooks (Last Resort)

Back up company files.
Uninstall QuickBooks via Control Panel.
Download and reinstall the latest version from Intuit.

Q&A: QuickBooks Payroll Update Issues

Q1. Why does payroll stop working after a QuickBooks update?

A: Incomplete updates, missing tax tables, or corrupted files can cause payroll to malfunction.

Q2. How do I fix "Payroll Update Error 15215"?

A: Run QuickBooks as Administrator, update again, or use QuickBooks File Doctor.

Q3. What if "Get Payroll Updates" fails after updating QuickBooks?

A: Check internet connection, disable firewall, or manually download updates from Intuit.

Q4. Why does QuickBooks crash after a payroll update?

A: Damaged .NET Framework or conflicting software may be the cause. Reinstall .NET and QuickBooks.

Q5. How do I restore payroll if it fails post-update?

A: Use a backup file or restore from Auto Data Recovery.

Q6. Why does payroll say "Subscription Expired" after updating?

A: Updates may trigger a subscription check. Renew via Help > Manage My Account.

Q7. Can I roll back a QuickBooks update if payroll breaks?

A: Yes, uninstall the update and reinstall the previous version (back up data first).

Q8. What if payroll tax calculations are wrong after an update?

A: Re-download tax tables and verify payroll items under Lists > Payroll Item List.

Q9. How do I fix payroll direct deposit issues after updating?

A: Re-enter banking details and ensure payroll updates are installed.

Q10. Who should I contact if payroll still doesn’t work?

A: Call QuickBooks Payroll Support or use the QuickBooks Tool Hub.

Preventing Future Payroll Update Issues

Always back up company files before updating.
Ensure a stable internet connection during updates.
Keep Windows and security software updated.
Regularly verify payroll settings and tax tables.

Conclusion

QuickBooks payroll update not working update issues can be frustrating, but most problems can be resolved by reinstalling updates, repairing corrupted files, and verifying settings. Follow this guide step-by-step, and contact QuickBooks Support if problems persist.