How do I copy my Turbotax installation file and install on a new computer?

[highschoolhank]

I have downloaded the Windows desktop version of Turbotax (not from Intuit) to my WIN10 laptop for the last 4 years.  I still have the installation files on WIN10.  Should I be able to copy these files to my WIN11 desktop and install them on WIN11?  I copied the files to a thumb drive but when I open the thumb drive on WIN11 the little installation icon normally seen to the left of the file in not there (just a blank rectangle) and and when I right click on the file to copy it for pasting there is no response from the thumb drive, just the infinite rotating circle.  

When I do my 2023 taxes on my WIN11 desktop will I need the TT for 2022 to be installed so it will initialize my tax data without having to re-enter everything from scratch?

[VolvoGirl]

No.  You have to install the program the same way you originally did.  Either from the CD or download it again.  But you don't need to install the program.  You just need the .tax2022 data file to transfer into next year.

What I would do on the old computer, is copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents. That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored. Also if you haven't done it, I would open each year in the program and save it as a pdf file, go to FILE - SAVE TO PDF so you don't need the program installed to view your return. Copy that folder to a flash drive or best yet is to burn it to a CD or DVD and then you will have a backup of them. Then on the new computer copy the folder (or files) from the flash drive to your Documents folder.

You only need the tax return data file ending in .tax2021 to transfer into 2022 or .tax2022 to transfer into next year. You don't need to install older programs unless you need to amend or you didn't save the pdf file.

See this article on how to move your tax return to another computer…….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-move-my-tax-data-file-to-another-compu...

[Mike9241]

you don't need the 2022 program installed. the only thing needed is the XXXX.tax2022 file which for a windows computer would normally be in the c:\users\user name\documents\turbotax folder.  put it where you can find it on your new computer because once 2023 is installed you need to find that file to transfer the data which as you know is done before you start the current year return. 

one thing you can try is transferring the installation file from the thumb drive to your new computer. then see if you can install the app or you may be able to go back to those websites where you got the apps for prior years to re-download directly onto your new computer. but you will need the applicable license number. 

[highschoolhank]

Thanks, I think I have things set up for starting my 2023 taxes on the new computer. Unfortunately I don't have the original activation key for the older versions of TT but when I get TT for 2023 I will be sure to save the key to avoid things like this in the future.