topic I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep rotating. in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep rotating.

taxreformisneede — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 17:12:33 GMT

Re: I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep ...

MaryK4 — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 13:08:17 GMT

Please contact TurboTax Support. The best way to get through to the correct department is to go through TurboTax Support Contact Us Page – Get Help from TurboTax.

Re: I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep ...

mesquitebean — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 13:18:22 GMT

@taxreformisneede wrote: "I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep rotating."

You might not need to contact Customer Support. Try the steps below first and see if that resolves it.

Are you using the Windows version of the desktop product (CD/download?)

If so, a blank, non-functioning, incomplete, or buffering activation screen may be related to either a screen resolution or scaling problem in your Windows settings.

In Windows 10 to get to the scaling or resolution settings click the Windows start button in lower left corner, then choose Settings (gear icon), then System, then Display.

First try the scaling setting. In your Windows Settings do you have scaling set to a higher value than the normal 100%? If so, change it back to 100%. Once the license code is entered and activated, you can later change your scaling setting back like it was.

If lowering the scaling to 100% didn't help, then it may be screen resolution. Try a lower screen resolution such as 800x600. Once you get the license activated, you can revert your resolution setting back like it was.

NOTE: If you happen to encounter a similar issue with a popup screen later on in some section of the program, you may have to temporarily perform this maneuver again.

Re: I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep ...

jrpretto — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 12:59:00 GMT

I'm having the same issue with turbotax 2021. desktop version. installed, ran updates, but activation screen won't advance and keep staring at spinning blue dots. tried screen resolution changes, but never see any place appear to enter activation code.

Re: I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep ...

DaraLO — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 15:33:15 GMT

@jrpretto Please follow the advice listed in this Help Article: How do I fix blank screens during activation or in-product purchases in TurboTax Desktop for Windows?

If the issue continues, reply to this thread so we can further assist you.

Re: I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep ...

Jodo47 — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 18:30:49 GMT

Changing the scaling fixed the endless loop. Thanks, mequitebean!

Re: I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep ...

mesquitebean — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 08:38:05 GMT

@Jodo47 wrote:
Changing the scaling fixed the endless loop. Thanks, mequitebean!

Just saw this. I'm glad it worked for you. You're welcome.

Re: I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep ...

mmtallman — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 23:17:32 GMT

Same, worked for me as well! As stupid as it seems as we near the mid 2020's, yet we still have to adjust the resolution just to get something activate...come on, Intuit! It's 2024 ffs! And I've been a customer since 1994!

Re: I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep rotating.

sryan93 — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 19:22:10 GMT

Just wanted to comment that I had the same issue on 2024 desktop version and the scaling fix worked.

Re: I can't get my 2020 turbotax software to activate. In activation window, blue dots just keep rotating.

mesquitebean — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 23:27:34 GMT

@sryan93 wrote:
Just wanted to comment that I had the same issue on 2024 desktop version and the scaling fix worked.

Great! I'm glad it worked for you. Good luck.