topic Switching from Mac to Windows 11 in After you file

Switching from Mac to Windows 11

joecal1952 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:30:28 GMT

Hello,

I want to switch from a Mac to Windows 11 next year due to poor response from Mac.

I tried to follow instructions and put Mac turbo tax files on an external hard drive, but when I try to open them on Windows 11, they aren't named right and won't open.

I use Turbo Tax for windows or mac so how do I get my tax data files from Mac to windows so I don't have to enter everything manually?

What am I doing wrong?

Thank you

Joe C.

Re: Switching from Mac to Windows 11

Critter-3 — Sun, 14 May 2023 13:03:00 GMT

Save the returns as a .taxfile which can be opened or transfered to either MAC or PC.

It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your tax data file, in case your original gets lost or corrupted. Here's how:

From the File menu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).
Browse to where you want to save your backup.
- Tip: If you're saving to a portable device, save it to your computer first to prevent data corruption. Then, after completing Step 4, copy or move the backup file to your device.
In the File name field, enter a name that will distinguish it from the original tax file (for example, add "Backup" or "Copy" to the file name)
Click Save and then close TurboTax.
Restart TurboTax and open the backup copy to make sure it's not corrupted. If you get an error, delete the backup and repeat these steps.

If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.

Related Information:

AND save it as a PDF so you have access to a copy even if you don’t have the program still installed and operational :

AND protect the files :

How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

Re: Switching from Mac to Windows 11

VolvoGirl — Sun, 14 May 2023 15:35:52 GMT

You only need the tax return data file ending in .tax2022 to transfer into 2023. You don't need to install older programs unless you need to amend or you didn't save the pdf file. 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 the .taxyyyy and pdf files 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 other computer copy the folder (or files) from the flash drive to your Documents folder, make a Turbo Tax subfolder under Documents.

Find tax files on Mac. You might need to show extensions. I think Mac doesn't show the .tax2022 at the end.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/find-your-tax-data-file-in-mac/00/26206

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-computer/00/26128

If you want to move the prior year programs you need to install them on the Windows computer. Like if you need to amend a return or open the .taxyyyy file. The CD has both the Windows and Mac programs on it. If you installed from a download you need to call in and ask for the Windows download.