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

 
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9 Replies
MaryK4
Expert Alumni

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

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.

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

@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.

jrpretto
New Member

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

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.

DaraLO
Intuit Alumni

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

@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.

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**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
Jodo47
New Member

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

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

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


@Jodo47 wrote:

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


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

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

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!

sryan93
New Member

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

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

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


@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.

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