Basic PAYE Tools problem after updating to latest version

After updating Basic PAYE Tools as per system prompt the tools now fails to open stating The application encountered an error in the startup process. This error occurs after the messages 1. Updating database 2. Checking for Updates 3. Starting application I've tried downloading the latest Basic PAYE Tools again from HMRC site and installing it but still get the same error. I've tried starting in normal and assistive modes but both give the same error.

Hi Martin,
We are aware that some employers are experiencing problems with Basic PAYE Tools (BPT) when downloading and using the 2025-26 tax year release.  
We are working to fix this issue as soon as possible and a new version of BPT will be available shortly. 
We are aiming to have a fix available by Friday 4 April 2025. 
If you still require help or require assistance in calculating what to dedudct from your employees gross pay please contact us on 0300 200 3200.
Thank you.

I have had exactly the same problem. The only potential issue I can see is that my MacBook is now using the MacOS Sequoia not Sonoma - could this be the problem? Will the update today fix this please? I am unable to send in my EPS and Final FPS!

I accessed BPT from my home page icon as usual on Wednesday - prompted to update for new 2025-2026 tax year - start bar appeared but no download progress so after approx. 10 minutes I restarted my computer. Went to home page to re-open BPT & the icon had disappeared - checked C drive & nothing there either. Rang helpline who advised that they were receiving similar calls & a new updated version would be available today (Friday) - we were advised to download new version & when our employer details are input the new version should re-populate it - fingers crossed & we'll give it a try - big problem for us as wages were due Wednesday.....

Hi Sharon Brooks,
Please contact our online services team for advice.
Technical support with HMRC online services
Thank you.

Today I downloaded new version Basic PAYE tools but still can't open it. Error message is " The application encountered an error in the startup process. The logs may contain more details." I am using window 11 and computer age less than 5 years. Can HMRC fix this asap as I can't open it since 25 /3 . I am using DPNI scheme and now fail to report tax and NI for March and early April. I tried to seek help from hotline and livechat but no one help. I feel so helpless.

I'm experiencing the same issue—I can't start the BPT after downloading the pre-4 April version. I hope the post-4 April version resolves this. Is it available for download now? I am having trouble submitting my EPS and Final FPS.

I updated PAYE Basic Pay RTI and am now completely locked out of my programme. Home screen displays error message "There was a problem on start up" and only option is to click "ok" which shuts down the programme. Helpdesk says there is to be a new update tonight but how can I update something that I no longer have access to? In addition it appears that my backups have also been overwritten with a new folder that contains no information in it. I'm completely stuck and need to submit P12 plus year end returns. I was advised to email Helpdesk Notifications which I have now done. Keen to get this completed and not incur a fine for an HMRC error!

I stupidly updates the update on Monday without checking any info and now can’t access it at all as my Mac is updated as far as I can go which is macOS Catalina 10.15.7 !!! Still can’t see the new update ,, any help thanks

Just downloaded the latest version (4 April), still doesn't work!

I am having the exact same problem payday is today and I can never get through on the helpline number. I am really concerned now

The last update failed (including a reinstall from a fresh download), so having 'kept an eye on' https://www.gov.uk/basic-paye-tools as instructed, I noticed the update to 25.1.25092.226 and downloaded (Windows 10 ZIP) and installed (as Administrator); it fails again, repeatedly, in both normal and assistive mode. The flash screen shows 'updating database', the error message shows "Startup error / The application encountered an error in the startup process. / The logs may contain more details." and the rti-shell.log contains these entries: Info: [migrations] 18676 Version 25.1.25092.226 started at 2025-04-04 [time] Info: [migrations] UnicodeDecodeError: 'ascii' codec can't decode byte 0x8e in position 10: ordinal not in range(128) Info: migrations finished with exit code: 255

I have already updated the latest version of the Basic PAYE - The latest version is 25.1.25092.226. However, the basic PAYE tools still cannot be opened and shown that "The application encountered an error in the startup process. The logs may contain more details." Appreciated if the problem can be solved? as I cannot make the full payment submission on time. Kindly advise what I can do as I am afraid all the historical date will be disappear in this situation.

After updating Basic PAYE Tools (payetools-rti-25.1.25092.226-win), The application encountered an error in the startup process.
I've tried downloading the latest Basic PAYE Tools again from HMRC site and installing it but still get the same error.
I've tried starting in normal and assistive modes but both give the same error.

Got error code 7865 and was told by HMRC tech line to update to new software released on Friday. I updated the software and still getting error 7865 and unable to submit FPS. Is this a recognised problem that is being addressed?

I updated the software and still getting error too, My version is 25.1, Just show '' The application encountered an error in the startup process. The logs may contain more details.'' Where can find ''the logs'', please help

Still having trouble with the new update !!! Can’t open still

After updating Basic PAYE Tools, cannot run the software anymore. It showed "Startup error" "The application encountered an error in the startup process. The logs may contain more details".

I have been able to download the latest update for Basic PAYE Tools but have been able to install it. I am offered a window asking for the administrator password but it does not allow the password to be entered. Anyway the only option available to the question 'Do you want to install' is NO. I have been able to submit my FPS for 2024/25 but cannot access any P60s which, I trust, the update would permit. Suggestions please.

Hi Ceci,
If you have already downloaded and installed the Basic PAYE Tools version 25.1 and you’re still experiencing problems, contact the online services helpdesk.
You should check this page regularly for further updates:
Basic PAYE Tools — service availability and issues
Thank you.