QuickBooks Error 15103: Update or Payroll Error
Quick Answer:
Error 15103 occurs when QuickBooks cannot download updates or payroll files due to SSL/TLS security settings or firewall blocking. Fix it by updating Internet Explorer SSL/TLS settings, clearing download cache, and running QuickBooks as administrator.
What is QuickBooks Error 15103?
QuickBooks Error 15103 is an update and payroll download error that occurs when QuickBooks Desktop cannot establish a secure connection to Intuit's servers. This typically happens because QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer's engine for downloads, and if IE's SSL/TLS settings are outdated or incorrectly configured, the connection fails. The error can also be caused by antivirus/firewall blocking the connection.
Error 15103: Update or payroll error
QuickBooks cannot download updates or payroll files due to internet connectivity or SSL/TLS certificate issues.
Symptoms:
- •Error 15103 when downloading QuickBooks updates
- •Payroll updates fail to download
- •Error message about internet connection or SSL
- •Update hangs and eventually fails
Resolution Steps:
- 1.Check internet connection
- 2.Update Internet Explorer SSL/TLS settings
- 3.Clear QuickBooks download cache
- 4.Run QuickBooks as administrator
Quick Fix for Error 15103 (10 Minutes)
Fastest Solution
- Open Internet Explorer (even if you don't normally use it)
- Go to Settings (gear icon) → Internet Options
- Click Advanced tab
- Scroll to Security section
- Check: Use TLS 1.1 and Use TLS 1.2 (uncheck SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0)
- Click Apply → OK
- Close QuickBooks, right-click icon → Run as administrator
- Try updating again
Detailed Solution Steps
Configure secure connection settings for QuickBooks downloads:
- Open Internet Explorer (Start Menu → search for "Internet Explorer")
- Click the gear icon (Settings) → Internet Options
- Click the "Advanced" tab
- Scroll down to the "Security" section
- Uncheck: Use SSL 2.0 and Use SSL 3.0 (outdated and insecure)
- Check: Use TLS 1.1 and Use TLS 1.2 (modern secure protocols)
- If available, also check: Use TLS 1.3
- Click "Apply" then "OK"
- Close and reopen Internet Explorer
Important: Even if you use Chrome or Firefox, QuickBooks uses Internet Explorer engine for downloads. These settings MUST be changed in IE.
Delete corrupted download files that may be causing the error:
- Close QuickBooks completely
- Press Windows + R to open Run dialog
- Type:
%programdata%\Intuit\QuickBooks - Press Enter
- Look for a folder named "Components" or "Cache"
- Delete all files inside these folders (not the folders themselves)
- If prompted for permissions, click Continue
- Empty the Recycle Bin
Ensure security software allows QuickBooks downloads:
- Temporarily disable your antivirus/security software
- Try downloading the update again in QuickBooks
- If it works, add QuickBooks to antivirus exclusions list
- Add these QuickBooks executables to exclusions:
C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]\QBW32.exeC:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]\QBW.exeC:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]\QBW32.exe- Also add outbound firewall rules for ports 80 and 443
- Re-enable your antivirus after adding exclusions
Note: Only disable antivirus temporarily for testing. Always re-enable it after adding proper exclusions.
Give QuickBooks elevated permissions to download files:
- Close QuickBooks if it's open
- Find the QuickBooks icon on your desktop or Start Menu
- Right-click the QuickBooks icon
- Select "Run as administrator"
- Click "Yes" when prompted by User Account Control
- Open your company file
- Go to Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop
- Click "Update Now" and start the download
Download and install updates manually from Intuit:
- Open your web browser and go to Intuit's website
- Navigate to QuickBooks Desktop Downloads section
- Select your QuickBooks year and edition
- Download the latest update file
- Close QuickBooks
- Run the downloaded update file as administrator
- Follow the installation wizard
- Restart your computer after installation
Why Does Error 15103 Occur?
Common Causes
- •Outdated SSL/TLS Settings: Internet Explorer using old SSL 2.0/3.0 instead of TLS 1.2 required by Intuit servers
- •Antivirus Blocking: Security software blocking QuickBooks from connecting to Intuit servers
- •Corrupted Download Cache: Damaged temporary files preventing new downloads
- •Internet Connection Issues: Unstable or proxy-configured connection interfering with downloads
- •Insufficient Permissions: QuickBooks running without administrator rights needed for downloads
How to Prevent Error 15103
Best Practices:
- Keep Internet Explorer updated even if you don't use it as your main browser
- Add QuickBooks to antivirus exclusions during initial installation
- Maintain stable internet connection - avoid updating over VPN when possible
- Always run QuickBooks as administrator for update downloads
- Schedule updates during off-hours when network traffic is low
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes QuickBooks Error 15103?
Error 15103 occurs when QuickBooks cannot download updates or payroll files due to internet connectivity issues, SSL/TLS certificate problems, or firewall/antivirus blocking the connection to Intuit servers.
Why does QuickBooks use Internet Explorer settings?
QuickBooks Desktop uses the Internet Explorer engine for downloading updates and payroll, even if you use a different browser. That's why IE SSL/TLS settings must be configured correctly.
Can I download updates manually for Error 15103?
Yes, you can manually download QuickBooks updates from the Intuit website and install them if automatic updates fail. However, fixing the underlying SSL/TLS issue is recommended for future updates.
Do I need Internet Explorer installed for QuickBooks?
Yes, QuickBooks Desktop requires Internet Explorer components to be installed on Windows for updates and payroll downloads, even though Microsoft Edge has replaced IE as the default browser.
Related Resources
Need Professional Help?
If you're still experiencing Error 15103 after following these steps, or need help with payroll configuration, our QuickBooks experts are here to help.
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