Important: Intuit says TurboTax Desktop for tax year 2025 (the version used to file in 2026) and later requires Windows 11, and it won’t install on Windows 10, even if your PC is enrolled in Extended Security Updates. On a Windows 10 PC, you can still file with TurboTax Online in your web browser, or install TurboTax Desktop for tax year 2024 or earlier to prepare or amend older returns. For the current Desktop version, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 11 or use another PC. Here’s how to work out which option fits, and how to install TurboTax Desktop where it’s supported.
Check Intuit’s Windows 10 end-of-support notice and TurboTax Desktop system requirements for the latest details, because requirements can change each tax season.
Which option do you need?
| Your situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Filing your latest return on a Windows 10 PC | TurboTax Online in a browser |
| You prefer the Desktop software for your latest return | Upgrade to Windows 11, or use a Windows 11 PC or a Mac that meets Intuit’s requirements |
| Amending or finishing a 2024 or earlier return | Install that year’s TurboTax Desktop on Windows 10 |
Option 1: Use TurboTax Online on Windows 10
TurboTax Online runs in a web browser such as Edge, Chrome or Firefox, so there’s nothing to install. Keep the browser up to date, go to the TurboTax website, and sign in with your Intuit account. Your return is saved to your account, so you can switch between computers. If you bought a Desktop license, check with Intuit about whether it can be applied to an online edition.
Option 2: Upgrade to Windows 11
If your PC meets Windows 11’s hardware requirements, the upgrade is free. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, or use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to see whether your PC qualifies. See how to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11. If your PC can’t run Windows 11, Extended Security Updates keep Windows 10 secure, but they don’t make TurboTax Desktop 2025 or later supported.
Install TurboTax Desktop (Windows 11, or older tax years on Windows 10)
Before you start
- Sign in to Windows with an administrator account.
- Make sure you have at least 1 GB of free disk space, plus room for updates. See how to free up space in Windows 10 safely.
- Have your license code ready. It’s on the CD sleeve, or in your Intuit account and confirmation email if you bought a download.
- Connect to the internet. TurboTax needs to activate and download updates.
From a download
- Sign in to your Intuit account on the TurboTax website and go to your downloads or orders.
- Download the installer for the correct tax year and choose Windows.
- Open the downloaded file and click Yes on the permission prompt.
- Accept the license agreement and click Install.
- When it’s finished, start TurboTax, enter the license code if asked, and sign in to your Intuit account.
- Let TurboTax download any updates before you start your return.
From a CD
- Insert the CD. If setup doesn’t start, open File Explorer > This PC, double-click the disc, and run setup.exe.
- Follow the same steps as above.
If your PC has no disc drive, use the download instead. Your license code works for both.
Troubleshooting installation
The installer says Windows isn’t supported
You’re installing tax year 2025 or later on Windows 10. Use TurboTax Online, or upgrade to Windows 11.
The installation freezes or fails
- Restart the PC and try again.
- Temporarily turn off third-party antivirus during installation, then turn it back on.
- Install all Windows updates, then try again.
- If an old copy is causing problems, uninstall it first under Settings > Apps. Your saved returns aren’t deleted. See how to uninstall programs on Windows 10.
Where are my saved returns?
TurboTax Desktop saves returns as .tax20XX files, usually in Documents\TurboTax. Back these up before you upgrade Windows or change computers.
Keep your tax data safe
- Download TurboTax only from Intuit’s website or your Intuit account. Other download sites may bundle unwanted software.
- Copy your .tax files and PDF copies of filed returns to an external drive or cloud storage each year.
- Use a strong, unique password and two-step verification on your Intuit account.
Summary
- TurboTax Desktop for tax year 2025 and later needs Windows 11, according to Intuit.
- On Windows 10, use TurboTax Online, or install Desktop versions for tax year 2024 and earlier.
- To install, download from your Intuit account, run the installer as an administrator, and enter your license code.
- Back up your .tax files before you upgrade or replace your PC.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.