topic Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network) in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

user17693867347 — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:24:13 GMT

I’m running into an issue with TurboTax activations.

Whenever there’s a minor update, TurboTax asks me to activate the product again—even though I’m using the same computer. When I checked my account, I now see 3 out of 5 activations used on the same device, which doesn’t make sense. I’ve seen some articles mention this might be related to a network change, but I’m on the same home network the entire time—no VPN, no new router, no changes.

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

andyb4 — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:05:12 GMT

Thank you for posting this...I also am up to 3 activations used even though I only have 1 install on 1 machine. Latest prompt for activation code was this morning 01/29/2026 after a downloaded update.

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

andyb4 — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:00:21 GMT

Not sure if this is the article you referred to in your post, but I found this which may/may not related to your software activation experience:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/install-products/turbotax-2019-turbotax-2020-requests-license-every/L77v5robh_US_en_US

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

umbrella — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 03:09:51 GMT

I have the same issue. I intentionally bought the TurboTax download version from Costco to avoid the online product, yet the software demands activation every single time it is launched. None of the “solutions” in the linked article work. This is an obvious defect in TurboTax’s software and should be fixed properly, instead of pushing frustrated customers to flood an already overwhelmed call center.

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

mymail94041 — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:51 GMT

I had exactly the same issue today. Did you call customer service? Did your issue get fixed? Please let me know.

Thanks.

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

andyb4 — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 07:56:12 GMT

Hi,

I didn't need to call customer service. I uninstalled Bitdefender Internet Security (my PC then defaulted to Windows Defender) the Turbo Tax update processed without asking for an activation code.

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

mymail94041 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:48:04 GMT

Yes. Completely uninstall Bitdefender on Window 11 is the most efficient solution. Only disabling antivirus feature on Bitdefender will not work!!!

Do not follow https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/install-products/turbotax-2019-turbotax-2020-requests-license-every/L77v5robh_US_en_US

It is a waste of the time.

Thank you very much for your advice.

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

mymail94041 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:49:37 GMT

Completely uninstall Bitdefender on Window 11 is the most efficient solution. The issue gets fixed. Only disabling antivirus feature on Bitdefender will not work!!!

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

mymail94041 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:55:17 GMT

The solution is to completely uninstall Bitdefender on Window 11. The issue get fixed.

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

mymail94041 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:56:44 GMT

Those steps on this article did not work for me.

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

mymail94041 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:58:36 GMT

The quick solution is to completely uninstall Bitdefender on Window 11. The issue get fixed.

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

umbrella — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:26:46 GMT

I don’t have Bitdefender installed on my computer. Do I still need to disable my antivirus?

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

MarilynG1 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:36:24 GMT

Yes, disable any anti-virus you have if you're having issues with TurboTax Desktop.

Here's more info on Troubleshooting TurboTax Desktop Issues.

@umbrella

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

Brian P2 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:37:55 GMT

I uninstalled bitdefender after the trubotax update, and I'm still being prompted to activate again. Any suggestions?

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

CatinaT1 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:56:18 GMT

When you originally installed your software, did you have a thumb drive in one of your USB drives? Or do you have your software installed in OneDrive instead of a local drive?

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

Brian P2 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:03:04 GMT

its on my local C drive

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

MarilynG1 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:05:19 GMT

Are you using any type of VPN? If so, the TurboTax server may show you as being in different locations and asking for activation again.

Methods to Disable VPN:

Via VPN Application (Windows/Mac/Mobile): Open your specific VPN app (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN) and click the "Disconnect" button.
Windows Settings:
1. Select the Windows icon and open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet.
3. Select VPN.
4. Choose the active VPN connection and select Disconnect.

@Brian P2

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

Brian P2 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:16:01 GMT

No, I'm not using VPN and I removed bitdefender

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

mymail94041 — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:11:51 GMT

After bitdefender uninstallation, reboot your PC. Do you have any other antivirus/firewall software on your PC?

Window 11 has its built-in Window Defender by default. You do not need others.

Re: TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

Brian P2 — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:46:54 GMT

I checked and I only have windows defender