topic How to install 2024 app onto my old computer lower than 4GB RAM? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

How to install 2024 app onto my old computer lower than 4GB RAM?

MythSaraLee — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:43:38 GMT

After the documents organized, I found a problem. My old computer is lower than 4GB memory.

Is that a new requirement for this year 2024-2025? I was using my 2GB device for filing in the past years.

Usually could we exchange the 2024 deluxe bought at Costco, into an online version?

Now the desktop version requires 4GB and Win10.

But I do not have a new computer at hand.

In the “task manager”, it shows RAM 1.2/1.9 GB, and CPU 2% in use.

I already completed factory-reset to my old computer.

But I still could not install the 2024 app.

Please help to solve this problem.

Thanks a lot.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

Opus 17 — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 01:27:18 GMT

Your question is a bit odd. There are two ways of using Turbotax, Online and Desktop. Desktop is the program installed on your Mac or PC from a CD or download. Online is online, and can be accessed from any computer with an up to date web browser. The iOS app is just a different portal to the Online version, there is no separate iOS app that runs on the device itself.

If you are unable to install the desktop version on your Windows 10 PC, you can create an account (or log into your regular account) with Turbotax Online and use any web browser on any Mac, PC or mobile device. If you buy the desktop version, there is a 60 day money back guarantee which will give you time to switch if you need to.

I don't know if the 4GB of RAM is a hard limit that will stop Turbotax from working, or is a guideline for best performance.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

VolvoGirl — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 01:38:00 GMT

And you never could exchange the Costco Desktop program for the mobile ios Online version. You would have to get a refund for the Desktop CD/Download program and then use and pay for the Online web version. For the Desktop installed program you needed to use Windows 10 starting with the 2022 program. I had to get a new laptop back then.

Oh wait! A couple years ago I think they did sell the Online version in the stores like Costco. But they only tried that for 1 year, not before or after. Sorry that is not available now. Check your package or invoice. It says how to install it or how to download the program.

2024 Turbo Tax Desktop Download System Requirements
Windows 10 or later or Mac OS Ventura 13 or later (newer).
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/tta-system-requirements

Or are you in Canada? Canada has different products.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

VolvoGirl — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 02:13:44 GMT

@MythSaraLee I see you have a lot of questions posted. Did you get the 2024 program installed? Or did you end up using the Online browser version? The System Requirements for both 2024 and next year's 2025 Desktop program say 4 GB is recommended, but I guess it could work on less.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 02:58:55 GMT

Thank you for your fast response. @VolvoGirl

Yes, I assume that it might be 4GB of RAM “recommended” and 2GB is also OK for basic running.

Last year I did use TurboTax on my old computer.

Now I am trying to contact the CS team for any possible options.

It is difficult to buy a new mem stick into my old laptop.

Do I have to buy a new computer for my tax filing?

Maybe I could exchange the price into our credits to pay for a web-based version or IOS version.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 02:55:55 GMT

Yes, thanks. @VolvoGirl

Thanks for the information about 2022 version.

I also have an unused IOS 2023 version.

Could I exchange my old and unused version into TurboTax credits?

Do I have to go through Costco to get the refund and pay for the next product?

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

VolvoGirl — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 02:58:05 GMT

I didn't understand some of your post. So were you able to install and run last year's program for 2024? Or do you need to install 2024 now? Also for 2025 next year you will need Windows 11.

As I said above you can't exchange the Desktop purchase for the Online version. You would have to get a refund for it then pay for Online separately.

If you can't install the Desktop program or find another computer to install it on, you can use the Online version on Windows 10. You can transfer from this year’s Desktop tax return into the Online version next year. So be sure to have the .tax2024 file on your computer.

Then next year….You will notice several differences and may not like the Online version. It has less features and no Forms Mode. And you may need to use a higher version to enter certain things. You can only do 1 return per account. Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2025 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

VolvoGirl — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 02:59:57 GMT

Oh I didn't see your last post about 2022. I am lost. You can call in. How to contact Turbo Tax
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-contact-turbotax/00/26991

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:17:27 GMT

@VolvoGirl

No, I can’t install and run it now.

It repeatedly shows “4GB required” and then click “OK” to stop.

——————-

I didn't understand some of your post. So were you able to install and run…

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 03:05:05 GMT

@VolvoGirl

Thanks for the link.

My 2022 version went through.

My 2023 online and desktop version are still there with some tech problems.

My 2024 version could go through.

My 2024-25 current version needs to be exchanged into an online version or credits for the next year. It seems that the 4GB RAM is a hard limit.

———————-

Oh I didn't see your last post about 2022. I am lost.….

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:23:47 GMT

@Opus 17

Thanks for your information.

I guess that “4GB of RAM“ might be a hard limit for my computer.

I used my old laptop for my TurboTax filing last year.

—————————-

I don't know if the 4GB of RAM is a hard limit that will stop…

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

Mike9241 — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:02:02 GMT

Turbotax recommends 4GB for desktop. however, consider that you may be running other apps that are using up available memory.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/product-system-requirements/minimum-system-requirements-turbotax-mac-software/L5ar0Busw_US_en_US

check task manager. start typing task into the windows 10 search box to see what using your memory. you can stop unwanted tasks.

your other options are online or to upgrade memory (not always possible)

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:13:12 GMT

@Mike9241 Thanks a lot for the link.

Yes, “4GB or more recommended”.

Now I am only running my IE 11.

I will clean the tasks and install again.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:08:54 GMT

@Mike9241

Hello Mike, now I closed all the tasks.

The task manager is empty.

It shows 1.8-1.9 GB free of 2GB full.

But it still shows “4GB” and “click OK” to close.

What other methods could I try? Thank you so much for your help.

PS, in the background tap, there are Windows security and some IE apps running for around 20 MB. Do I need to force to close some system tasks?

Or may I reset into the factory setup?

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

Mike9241 — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:20:50 GMT

I do not know if your computer's memory problem is solvable 2GB is like an absolute minimum for even older computers.

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the steps below are to see if your issue is solvable. it may not be. on my computer with just the basics along with Turbotax running, I'm using almost 5GB of the 16GB installed.

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Evidently you trying to use the desktop version or install it. what are you trying to do and what error message do you get?

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do not reset the computer you may lose important data and apps. resetting puts in back to the state it was originally in when shipped from the factory.

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what operating system because IE 11 is no longer supported in windows 10. the default browser is Edge which can use a lot of memory. Turbotax 2024 requires windows 10 64 bit?

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shut down your computer wait a few seconds and then restart (use shutdown not restart). do not open Turbotax. This will clear memory of unnecessary programs that stay there even when you end them

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reopen task manager and go to the performance tab, there are two numbers under memory with a %

like xx/xx GB %

what are these numbers?

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go to the processes tab

what % is showing in memory column?

******************************************************

click on the memory column until the highest number appears (this sorts the column into either the highest number or lowest numbers)

what are the first 3 apps with the highest number of memory usage and what are their names and what is the memory usage?

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Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:59:10 GMT

Thank you so much! @Mike9241

The error message is “You need 4GB”…

****************

Now I removed all apps including Edge.

Now I only have an IE logo.

Yes, the 2024 version needs 64bit Win10.

****************

The mem shows 1.2/1.9 GB.

CPU shows 2% in use.

But I did not have any apps running.

****************

The top three are

Antimalware 131MB

Host Service 13MB

Task manager 10MB

****************

Sorry for the late response.

I am still trying to solve it.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 23:59:49 GMT

@Mike9241

Then I closed the Antimalware real-protection.

I used the cleanup tool and then restarted.

The mem could drop from 131MB to 80MB.

But it still shows “insufficient space” and “4GB or more” needed.

Which friend knows the solution?

Thanks a lot.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

Mike9241 — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 02:25:40 GMT

not really sure what's going on with your computer. This forum is primarily for help with Turbotax issues. Computer issues like insufficient memory are generally beyond the scope of help that this forum can provide because every computer is different and no one knows anything about yours except that it apparently has only 2GB of RAM. This may not be a solvable issue with the desktop version. It would take a computer tech with hands on to see if anything can be done.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:41:36 GMT

@VolvoGirl @Mike9241

Is the CS number 8848 for the desktop-version is often down or busy?

Is the live chat in app good to use?
I could not reach a real person.

I already did factory-reset to my computer. Now the RAM is use could be 1GB.

But I still can not install the app.

Re: My old computer is lower than 4GB mem

MythSaraLee — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 02:58:34 GMT

@VolvoGirl @Mike9241

I called in to ask the TurboTax CS team for help in the afternoon. I was told to call back again and there might be “no info/issues” on my case.

Do we have some other options?

Now do I have to buy a new computer for my tax filing 2024-2025?

Thanks a lot.