Just how to Fix QuickBooks Error 15218 While updating payrolls in QuickBooks, it's possible to encounter the error: QuickBooks Error 15218. Cause for this error is the inability to verify a digital signature. This issue prevents further download or update of payroll. So that you can resolve this error and proceed using the normal workflow, you should identify the primary cause and then seek diagnostic help.

What does QuickBooks Error 15218 indicate?

While downloading a payroll update, the procedure is interrupted with a note that the update cannot progress due to QuickBooks error 15218. What this means is that the machine did not verify the digital signature. In some instances, all updates except the maintenance release updates are installed. QuickBooks errors like error 15218, ensure it is hard for users to execute routine tasks and so disrupt regular workflow activities.

Which are the possible cause of QuickBooks Error 15218 to occur?
The error might occur in the following circumstances:

Incomplete or improper installing of updates resulting in some modules being updated, even though the others are for the older version.
There is certainly a conflicting application running in the background. This application may be consuming a sizable bandwidth rendering it hard for QuickBooks to get in touch to your server.
The download is pre-empted by anti-malware, anti-spyware or just about any other virus-protection software. This happens since the anti-virus software assumes the download or update to be a threat and as a consequence does not permit its progress.
Issues with the configuration of Internet Explorer.
Virtually any reason behind failure to verify the digital signature associated with the downloads thereby interrupting it
Issues linked to internet connectivity that prevent downloads or updates from getting initiated.

Just how to resolve QB Error 15218?
If the issue is a result of a conflicting desktop application:
Close QuickBooks.
Right click on the startup icon of QuickBooks and select “Run as administrator”
Click on “Yes” for confirmation within the pop-up.
Check if the issue is resolved.

If the issue is caused because of blocking by anti-spyware:
Modify the anti-virus software to exempt the files exe and qbupdate.exe and also the domains: QuickBooks.com, Intuit.com, and Payroll.com.
Once exempted, the anti-malware software will not interrupt QuickBooks updates or payroll downloads.