Error Message - Microsoft unable to update Turbotax

[domerdoc]

May have been reported previously, but I didn't see an answer.  Have received this error last couple days.  Turbotax still seems to function OK, but I'm not sure what I'm missing with the update.  Sent error report to Microsoft.  Never had this problem before and never had to disable anit-virus with prior updates

Microsoft Installer Error 1603

Symptom: When installing a software update, the following error occurs:

"A fatal error occurred during installation."

Possible Causes

• An anti-virus, anti-malware, firewall, desktop search or backup program is interfering with Windows Installer.
• You are not logged in as an administrator.
• An unknown Microsoft installer error occurred.

Possible Solutions

1. Manually download the software updates from the TurboTax 2024 website.

---

1. Be sure to log in as an administrator.
2. Exit all running programs.
3. Temporarily disable any anti-virus, anti-malware, firewall, desktop search or backup programs you may have installed. Check with the program manufacturer for instructions on disabling this software.
4. Retry the software update.
5. If the problem persists, restart your computer and repeat the above steps

[domerdoc]

Previously was able to "restart" Turbotax - unable to do so now.  Fortunatly, I've already filed.  I'd be pissed otherwise.

[arejfour]

I just had the same problem this AM. I've been using TT for 15+ years and I have never had this problem. I did not try any of the suggested remedies.  I was not going to try any of those. I did use the manual update link and that worked. My Premier is now up-to-date. I think, perhaps, that a recent W11 update may have caused a glitch. I've seen glitches like this before and MS eventually fixes it, assuming this is the cause. TT needs to investigate this issue.

[SteamTrain]

@arejfour 

Microsoft issued a "second" W11 OS update this week.....after just updating my W11 a day or two ago, another one appeared this morning.

The new one has a new number...and takes unusually long to download and install.  The install reboot almost looked like it was hung at 0%....so I went and watched TV for an hour.....eventually it installed.  (laptop was started first and it's still working on it.)

Folks with W11, might need that most recent W11 update fully installed first, before the TTX update will go thru.

[arejfour]

Thank you for your reply. I did see that MS issued a new update KB5063060 yesterday, On my system it's showing as an optional update. It will install by-it-self probably in a few days. FYI the previous W11 update was KB5060942. Thanks and I'll keep you posted.

[SteamTrain]

@arejfour 

Yeah, I hadn't tried to install the TTX update before I installed the W11 OS update KB5063060 this morning on my laptop...

...but the latest TTX update did install OK just now, after that W11 update.....but don't know if that will be the case for everyone's system

[VolvoGirl]

@SteamTrain   Can you help me?  I just did the update from Win 10 to 11.  Everything looks ok and normal on my computer.  After it updated windows I checked for Window updates again and got a big KB5063060 update.  Took a while to do.  Now Windows says I'm up to date and no updates when I check.

My TT federal updates still are failing.  The California update worked the first time.  I downloaded the manual update and it still is failing 1603.  What do I try next?  Do I need to reinstall TT completely?  I paused my AntiVirus.  Think I'll try restarting my computer.  

[VolvoGirl]

When I click on the manual download file what's suppose to happen?  Does it take a long time?  I think I got extracting but then what?  How do I know it's done?

Oh wait,  I got a box saying wait while Windows configures TT.   I guess it's doing it.   Relaunch TT, says up to date but I'm not sure.  What is the latest Federal update?  Mine says released 4/23/25.  Should there be later ones?  Calif is 5/8/25.

[VolvoGirl]

Here is my update details.  Do I have the latest update?  

[SteamTrain]

@VolvoGirl 

No, the most recent TTX update is dated 6/12/2025.  Rev: 024.000.0405.

_______________________________

With a recent full W10-W11 upgrade, you might be sticking on an early year problem TTX with the 64 bit Visual C++ not being properly present.

Go here to to have the x64 bit version installed.  That might do it for you.

Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads | Microsoft Learn

__________________

Reboot a couple times anyhow afterward....That's all I an think of, other than ensuring the W11OS update KB5063060 did successfully install by checking your W11 update history.