topic error 1603 in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

error 1603

bsliv — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:25:06 GMT

Trying to start TurboTax 2021, Home and Small Business, it wants to update. Going thru the process, I get, "Failed to install update. Microsoft Installer error 1603, Faltal error during installation.

I tried restarting Windows.

I disabled Windows built in firewall and antivirus.

I started TurboTax as administrator.

I updated Windows 10.

I downloaded and ran dotnetfix.

I ran sfc /scannow as administrator.

I downloaded and ran the manual update.

I pulled the ethernet cable out of my computer but it still wants to update.

I called Intuit and asked for a call back. They said roughly 45 minutes. In roughly 45 minutes I got a call back from a recorded message that said to check their website for help. Ugh. I had been doing that for a long time! Frustration.

Anyone got any ideas to try?

Re: error 1603

ee-ea — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 23:39:49 GMT

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/bugs-and-error-messages/help/error-1603-a-fatal-error-occurred-during-installation-or-updating/00/26193

Re: error 1603

bsliv — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 23:48:00 GMT

I appreciate the reply but that page says, "If error 1603 occurs while updating TurboTax, download and install a manual update." I downloaded and installed the manual update (w_perrelsuperpatchlS_ttax_[phone number removed].exe). It didn't change anything as starting TurboTax still goes thru the auto update process and fails.

Re: error 1603

bsliv — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 00:57:10 GMT

Another data point, I still have TurboTax 2020 installed on this pc. I started it up, it went thru the update process and then started successfully.

Re: error 1603

washingtonjw — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 01:03:14 GMT

Try updating your Defender Antivirus.

Re: error 1603

bsliv — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 01:17:07 GMT

Done. I also tried it with it turned off.

Re: error 1603

washingtonjw — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 01:34:32 GMT

Ok.

These are the steps I tried.

If you have the software...

•Uninstall

•Update Antivirus Defender

•Reinstall software

That, so far, seem to work for me.

Otherwise,

If you have tried that, and it's with Microsoft. You may need to go to Help.Microsoft.com

If you call

[phone number removed]

It will direct you to go to the website.

May the force be with you. 😑

Re: error 1603

bsliv — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 03:50:18 GMT

Well, uninstalling and reinstalling caused it to work, including auto updates. This does not fill me with confidence in the product or the company.

Oh well, thanks to all that responded.

Re: error 1603

washingtonjw — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 04:04:46 GMT

You're welcome.

Re: error 1603

jwerle — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 21:36:16 GMT

Bummer; the uninstall and reinstall - and cleaning up my pc - did not allow it to work for me.

Re: error 1603

CatinaT1 — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 19:48:02 GMT

We'd love to help you complete your tax return, but need more information. Can you please clarify your question? You are posting on an old thread.

Re: error 1603

Ralphybow — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 02:22:15 GMT

Can I download the TurboTax 2024 updates from the TurboTax website?

Re: error 1603

RobertB4444 — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:59:43 GMT

Your program should automatically add the updates to your software. The software you would download from the TurboTax website would include the latest updates.

@Ralphybow