QuickBooks Error 15320 Blocking Payroll Updates? Discover the Shockingly Simple Fix That Works Every Time


 If QuickBooks throws Error 15320 at you during payroll updates—right when you urgently need to update tax tables—it can be incredibly frustrating. This error typically crops up when required files are missing, the File Copy Service (FCS) is disabled, or User Account Control (UAC) interferes. Suddenly, your payroll process grinds to a halt, and you’re left scrambling.

In this in-depth guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what QuickBooks Error 15320 is, why it happens, and—crucially—how to resolve it quickly and permanently. You’ll also get expert FAQs and insider tips to help avoid this error in the future. Let’s fix this once and for all.

What Is QuickBooks Error 15320

QuickBooks Error 15320 occurs when QuickBooks Desktop fails to complete payroll updates because it cannot access or install necessary update files. The error often presents as:

  • Error 15320: The payroll update did not complete successfully. A required file is missing.

  • Additional descriptions may highlight issues with the File Copy Service or User Account Control preventing the update.

The good news: this error is typically caused by common environmental or system-level issues that can be quickly remedied.

Why QuickBooks Error 15320 Happens

1. File Copy Service (FCS) Is Disabled or Malfunctioning

QuickBooks relies on FCS to transfer update files to the application. If it's disabled, outdated, or broken, updates fail.

2. File Copy Service Files Are Missing or Corrupted

Damaged or missing runnable files may cause the update process to halt unexpectedly.

3. User Account Control (UAC) Restrictions

UAC may prevent QuickBooks from writing or modifying system files—especially in protected directories—leading to failed updates.

4. Missing or Corrupted Payroll Update Files

If files are incomplete or have been deleted, QuickBooks cannot apply necessary updates and triggers this error.

5. Antivirus or Firewall Intervention

Security programs may block the update process or remove permissions required for payroll files to access needed folders.

6. Invalid Payroll Service Key or Subscription Status

An expired or improperly entered service key can prevent validation and disable essential updates.

7. Corrupted or Incomplete QuickBooks Installation

Damaged program files or incomplete installations may cause essential functions—like payroll updates—to break.

Step-by-Step Fixes for QuickBooks Error 15320

1. Enable or Restart File Copy Service (FCS)

  1. Close QuickBooks Desktop.

  2. Press Windows + R; type services.msc and press Enter.

  3. Locate Intuit QuickBooks FCS, double-click it.

  4. Set Startup type to Manual or Automatic, then click Start and Apply.

  5. Reopen QuickBooks and retry the payroll update.

2. Run QuickBooks Reboot.bat

  1. Navigate to your QuickBooks install directory.

  2. Right-click on reboot.bat and select Run as Administrator.

  3. Once the command window closes, restart your PC and retry the update.

3. Run QuickBooks with Administrative Privileges and Reset Updates

  1. Close QuickBooks and any open company files.

  2. Right-click QuickBooks icon, choose Run as Administrator.

  3. From Help → Update QuickBooks, go to Update Now.

  4. Check Reset Update, then click Get Updates.

  5. Restart QuickBooks, go to Employees → Get Payroll Updates, select Download Entire Update, then click Update.

4. Revalidate Payroll Subscription or Service Key

  1. Navigate to Employees → My Payroll Service → Account/Billing Info.

  2. Confirm that your subscription status is Active.

  3. If prompted, re-enter or refresh your payroll service key.

  4. Retry the update.

5. Reset User Account Control (UAC)

  1. Open Control Panel → User Accounts → Change User Account Control Settings.

  2. Slide the bar down to Never Notify and click OK.

  3. Restart your computer, then run QuickBooks and attempt the update again.

  4. Once fixed, restore UAC to its original setting to maintain security.

6. Whitelist QuickBooks in Your Firewall and Antivirus

  1. Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software.

  2. Add exceptions for QuickBooks executables such as QBW32.exe, QBUpdate.exe, and Intuit services.

  3. Re-enable the security program after confirming the update completes successfully.

7. Repair QuickBooks Installation

  1. Back up your company file.

  2. Open Control Panel → Programs and Features → QuickBooks, select Repair.

  3. Follow on-screen instructions.

  4. Once completed, restart QuickBooks and retry the payroll update.

8. Use Selective Startup and Clean Install

  1. Run msconfig via Windows + R, select Selective Startup, uncheck Load Startup Items.

  2. In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and disable all remaining.

  3. Restart your computer.

  4. Uninstall QuickBooks and run the Clean Install Tool.

  5. Reinstall QuickBooks, run as administrator, and attempt the update.

  6. Return to Normal Startup in msconfig.

9. Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

  1. Download and open QuickBooks Tool Hub.

  2. Navigate to Program Problems → Quick Fix My Program.

  3. Run the scan and apply fixes.

  4. Restart QuickBooks and attempt payroll update again.

FAQ: Your Quick Answers for QuickBooks Error 15320

What causes Error 15320?
It’s typically due to a disabled FCS, missing update files, UAC restrictions, antivirus interference, or an invalid service key.

Is my data at risk?
No—your company file remains intact. This error affects only update processes.

Can I fix this myself?
Absolutely. The steps above are user-friendly and require no advanced technical skills.

Do I need a clean install?
Only if other methods fail, especially if FCS is corrupted or files are missing.

Will disabling UAC affect security?
Just temporarily—re-enable it after completing the update to preserve your system’s defenses.

Real-World Rescue: How a Small Practice Fixed Error 15320

A small accounting office kept hitting Error 15320 during payroll seasons. After enabling FCS, refreshing their service key, and running the quick fix tool—all working under admin privileges—the update completed flawlessly. That prevented penalties, kept clients happy, and restored their confidence in QuickBooks.

Read more - QuickBooks Error 15212 Stopping Your Updates Instantly Try These Proven Fixes

Conclusion: Fix QuickBooks Error 15320 Permanently

QuickBooks Error 15320 doesn’t have to derail your workflow. Whether it’s disabled services, missing files, software settings, or subscription problems—this complete guide offers a clear solution. Apply these fixes, keep your QuickBooks and Windows updated, run essential services, and you’ll reclaim control over your payroll updates.

Location: United States

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