QuickBooks Desktop error 15311 can occur when some crucial QuickBooks processes are interrupted in the background of Windows. Ensure that your QuickBooks subscription is activated. Update your QuickBooks desktop to latest release version. QuickBooks Error 15311 is a payroll error, It happens when a user attempting to Update Payroll services, occurs due to incomplete or corrupted QuickBooks. QuickBooks error 15311 is usually occurs where the user downloading the update of QuickBooks but somehow update process halted.