Tried opening turbo tax 2024 desktop. It wants to install updates and it keeps failing. How do I get in without updating

Are you on Windows?  Try updating Windows first.  

If you can’t update your Windows program try doing a Manually update
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/updating/help/manually-update-turbotax-for-windows-software-basic-deluxe-premier-home-business/00/26041

Troubleshooting the Windows updating issues
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/troubleshooting/help/troubleshoot-turbotax-for-windows-updating-issues/00/25885