I want to file for free but it keeps defaulting to deluxe version

To go back to a lower version or the Free Edition you can try to clear and start over https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-clear-and-start-over-in-turbotax-online/00/26444

If you started your tax return in TurboTax Free Edition (Form 1040 with limited credits; roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify), you won't need to clear and start over. You can select Switch to Free Edition instead.

In the Turbo Tax Free Edition, information that you can enter is limited now.  Why do I have to upgrade from the Free Edition?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/why-do-i-have-to-upgrade-from-free-edition/00/26379

Or try the IRS Free File program
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

Please clarify your question.

The free version covers a limited number of topics.

I can tell you what the free version covers.  If you have other requirements on your return, it will require an upgrade.

 

Situations covered (assuming no added tax complexity):

• W-2 income
• Interest or dividends (1099-INT/1099-DIV) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
• IRS standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC)
• Student loan interest deduction

Situations not covered:

• Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A
• Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
• Business or 1099-NEC income
• Stock sales (including crypto investments)
• Rental property income
• Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules

Please contact us again with any questions, and provide some additional details.

They made it difficult to do that this year.  Clear and start over and then get to the screen where it will give you three choices, Deluxe, Live Deluxe, and Live Assisted Deluxe.  At the bottom of that page there is a link to other TurboTax products.   Click that link and it will take you to screen where you can select Free Edition.  Do not upgrade to Deluxe if you do not need it. 

At the end of my return it says that I have to upgrade because I have an HSA. I specifically answered no when it asked me if I had one but it still says I do and wont let me continue without upgrading. I have cleared and done this over 3 times and each time I put no. How do I get past this?

Search for HSA and then jump to HSA.  

Uncheck the box for HSA.

That should clear the issue, but if not the go to Tax Tools, Delete a Form, and find and remove the form 1099-SA.

Check you W-2 box 12, see if there is an amount with a code W Employer contributions (including amounts the employee elected to contribute using a section 125 (cafeteria plan) to your health savings account (HSA)