Fix Can’t Install Payroll Update Issue: QuickBooks Error 15240
- ron son
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read

QuickBooks error 15240 belongs to the 15000 series of errors in QB and its usually linked to issues while updating QuickBooks Desktop or downloading payroll updates. You need to update your application because security patches and software improvements are delivered through updates. The latest payroll updates are essential for accurate tax calculation because they contain the most recent regulatory changes. As this error code appears you get to see an error message on your screen stating, “File Exists: The file you specified cannot be opened. Make sure that it is not being used by another program.”
Potential Culprits for the Update Error 1520 in Your QuickBooks Desktop
Below is a detailed list of possible reasons behind error code 1520 in your QBDT:
Installing programs from unreliable sources may introduce viruses or malware into your device, such threats can damage or delete important application files causing the software to malfunction
Issues with the Windows registry such as damaged or corrupted registry files
Even where the shared download option is enabled an incorrect or invalid download link
Running QBDT in multi user mode can sometimes lead to error code 15240 as this mode is not ideal for downloading QB updates
Read Also: How to Fix QuickBooks Error 15223?
Fixes You Can Try to Resolve the QuickBooks Error 15240
Here are the methods listed below that will help you to rectify the update error code 15240 on your QuickBooks Desktop:
Method 1: Utilise the QB with administrator privileges
Right click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon > select Run as Administrator from the menu
When prompted you need to enter the administrator login credentials > click ok
QuickBooks will then open with full administrative rights, allowing you to proceed with downloading and installing the software updates without restrictions
Method 2: Setup Windows permission
First, open C:\Program Files on your computer
Locate the Intuit folder > right tap it > select Properties
Proceed to the Security tab > click Advanced
Look if the Owner is set to the User group, if it isn't you will need to take ownership:
On the Advanced Security Settings window, click Change next to the current owner name
Type Users in the field, then click Check Names to validate
Click OK once it recognizes the group
Check the box labeled Replace owner on subcontainers and objects
Click Apply, then OK to confirm the changes
Back in the Permissions window > select Users > then enable Full Control > hit Apply, and OK to save
Try downloading the payroll updates again
If the issue persists, repeat the same steps for the following folders:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit
For 64-bit systems: C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Intuit
C:\ProgramData\Intuit
C:\Users[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Intuit
Method 3: Turn on the QB File Copy Service
Click Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box
Then, type COMPMGMT.MSC and click OK
On the Computer Management window, expand Services and Applications
Click on Services and scroll through the list to locate Intuit QuickBooks FCS. Double-click it
On the Startup type dropdown menu > select Manual
Tap Apply > then, OK to save your changes
The QuickBooks update stuck is caused by restrictive firewall settings, which can be fixed by following the steps mentioned in the dedicated blog.
Winding Up
In this guide, we have covered multiple methods to help you resolve QuickBooks error 15240 effectively. Following these steps should help you download and install QB and payroll updates smoothly. If you get stuck at certain steps, you can dial +1.833.802.0002 seek their expertise.
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