Running older Turbotax software on Windows 10 or 11.

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
March 26, 2023
2 replies
1 view

I'm trying to confirm that all older Turbotax software (2018, 19, 20, 21) will still install and run normally on a windows 10 or 11 computer. I want to make sure they will all still run on a new computer with Win 10 or 11 so the tax files from those years can still be opened if I want to look back at various forms and worksheets from those years (or do an amended return) without having to get a second computer that has an older Windows OS. I hope so because it would be truly ridiculous if we needed to have two separate computers with two different operating systems, just to run the older software.

Thanks

VolvoGirl

Level 15

They should. I installed 2021 on my Windows 10 laptop. It should only be the other way.....you can't install newer Turbo Tax programs on older computers.

Mike9241

Level 15

here's a link to the minimum Windows system requirements

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/product-system-requirements/minimum-system-requirements-turbotax-windows/L8ZSsGqF1_US_en_US

I have 2018 through 2022 installed and they all run on my W10 OS with a 4000 series CPU (kind of old)

note that Turbotax only makes available updates for the current and prior 3 years. after that, once you uninstall the app and try reinstalling it will not be available and the Cds that are advertised for sale for older years are beta versions which you won't be able to update and no state returns will be available. while the programs are only available for this period if you use online then TurboTax only keeps the last 6 or 7 years as does the IRS after that they're permanently gone. if you use the desktop app, then Turbotax does not have any copies whatsoever only the IRS for the period specified

******

the best thing you can do is save the entire return worksheets and all as a PDF on your computer and then a backup copy on a thumb or flash drive. you'd be surprised at the number of threads about taxpayers wanting older returns but they've changed computers, deleted the files, hard drives went bad, etc. that's the reason for a backup.

Mike9241

LoneamigoAuthor

Level 2

Is there a way to transfer the entire program (updates and all) from a computer with a failing HD to a new computer? Like 2018-2021 from an old computer.. From your post it sounds like just the 2018 would possibly not have updates online but the others could be reloaded (and updates downloaded) the regular way because they're still "current' enough. Is that correct?

CarissaM

Level 15

You can go to a computer engineer and they should be able to transfer your entire hard drive over. It does cost a small fee. I know locally a small mom and pop store does it for $50. So you would have to pay a little to have it done. @Loneamigo

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