Dropping support for WIndows 10 for Turbotax 2025

[UncleSamPayer]

This might be good news for some, but for me, the whole reason I don't want Windows 11 on my machine is that I don't want my information on the cloud.  I have the option to  "Enroll in Extended Security Updates..." but they will force you to make a Microsoft account.  It is still unresolved whether TurboTax will work on Windows 10 even with Extended updates.

[M-MTax]

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@UncleSamPayer wrote:

..the whole reason I don't want Windows 11 on my machine is that I don't want my information on the cloud....

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What information? Files on your machine get synced, or uploaded, to the cloud via OneDrive and you can turn off OneDrive or even uninstall it. 

I have Windows 11 on 3 machines and none of them have uploaded files (e.g., Word docs, Excel spreadsheets, et al) to the cloud.

[VolvoGirl]

@UncleSamPayer   In June 2025 I upgraded my Notebook from Windows 10 to Windows 11.   It went well.   All my Turbo Tax programs back to 2019 were still there and run fine.  I didn’t need to reinstall them.   It didn’t ask or tell me I needed to use Cloud or OneDrive or sign into anything online.   I’ve never set up a Microsoft account.   

[greyman1952]

So far everything I've heard is that a Microsoft Account *IS* *REQUIRED* for extended support. Cost is not the issue Microsoft having *ANY* access, without my knowledge, to my computer and files is not happening if there is any way I can prevent it.

The "Cloud" is too susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks and other forms of hacking. It's not this piece of data it's the aggregate of the data available, if you're afraid of AI you should be afraid of 'The Cloud'.
IMHO Windows 11 on a local account is safer than Windows 10 with extended support and a Microsoft account.

But, with all the data collection that has gone on in the past, I simply no longer trust Microsoft. Your data personal or otherwise is VALUABLE whether it is used for you or against you, whether it is compromised by hackers or shared with with the financial graders, (Equifax) etc.

Too many 'professionals', who should know better, are drinking the Microsoft poisoned Kool-Aid. And, far too many of my peers are, too.

[cloroxmartini]

After years of using TurboTax I am ditching it because I have to buy a new machine.

[cloroxmartini]

Me, too, going to use a different software now.

[cloroxmartini]

I have to buy a new machine as well so will be looking for new tax software 

[p5browne1]

Why don't you guys listen to me ?

Install Windows 11 with the "sources\setupprep.exe /product server"  before using Turbo Tax 2025. Once finished your taxes, you have up to 10 days to revert back to 10. NO buying a new computer. I'm making a ton of money either doing the Extended 10, or upping with the hack to Windows 11 24H2, and then onto the new 25H2 with my clients. (One client even took back his new, just bought computer, after seeing the new computers are just a laptop in a box with very little you can do with them! Happy with the Windows 11 hack on his old computer - and he's an accountant who depends on his computer, and the newest Tax Program requiring 11. Needless to say, he will not be reverting back. Also felt good when he got his money back from the new computer purchase.)  Note, if buying a new computer - MAKE SURE it has the old style power supply !!

[p5browne1]

I've been requested to repost the Windows 11 install for non compliant computers.

You need to download the Windows 11 ISO for 23H2 (Much older computers), 24H2 more current computers and 25H2. Create the DVD or Flash drive for the Windows 11 Install. Then under the Sources folder find setupprep.exe for the 24H2. Run Sources\setupprep.exe /product server. Install to upgrade your Windows 10. (If the install fails, you'll then have to do the same install from 23H2 - this will NOT upgrade to any of the newer installs. It will only allow updates that your hardware will support.) Once 24H2 is installed, do the updates. Once done now run the same install on the 25H2. Note: currently Windows 11 25H2 has issues with any computers formerly having previous OSs prior to 10. Do NOT install until MS gets a future fix for this.

[JHMiller3]

Because some of us do not have a computer that can be upgraded to Win 11! While there are some that can be, even if they fail the check, there others, like mine, that, because the processor is too old, it is unwise to try to upgrade. 

So...maybe YOU should listen!

[p5browne1]

I have a 2009 Laptop that upgraded with the 23H2 - working fine. (Also upgraded to SSD) Just won't go any 11 higher, but does still update on every second Tuesday of the month, with updates compariable to it's hardware. I've seen some of these new computers under $1000 - essentially, a laptop in a box with an very useless power supply. Sata Power connector on motherboard with a proprietory connection that is next to impossible to find an adapter for. Have told several Brands if they're going to do that BS, then at least include the power connectors with the computer !  If the old computer is just working fine and it's in good condition, why not extend it's life with Windows 11 and  a new SSD. (Or leave on 10 if 11 not required)

[M-MTax]

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@p5browne1 wrote:

I have a 2009 Laptop that upgraded with the 23H2 - working fine....

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Yep, and I believe that's about the cutoff date for the Rufus upgrade (i.e., 2009 or later Intel CPU).

If the previous poster has a computer with an intel CPU prior to 2009, it's time for a new one anyway; these things don't last forever.

[Mike9241]

@p5browne1 supposedly Turbotax 2025 will not work on W10. a new SSD does nothing.  trying to install W11 will fail because it requires TPM 2.0, secure boot and a more modern processor. 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications?ocid=smc_marvel_ups_support_win11&... 

also, even if possible, creating a new drive with W11 it would require reinstallation of every app that was on your W10. it is likely some will not install 

a workaround would be to create a virtual machine by using an app that modifies W11 before it's installed so it thinks the minimum requirements are met,

[p5browne1]

Instead of listing W11 requirements, the Sources\product server bypasses the requirements and installs the Windows 11. I have non compliant computers all over my shop having no issues with Windows 11 updates on them. Have you actually even tried ? The SSD suggestion was for those with old, slow standard hard drives. It's like giving them a newer, faster life. Nothing to do with Windows 11. Before making comments, at least try the upgrade to 11. (Make sure you have a backup - Ghost your current drive to another drive and do the upgrade on it.) We DON"T need 720 Million computers to be scrapped when there's no need unless they're really old!  This is a fix to save countless computers that are operating just fine, just won't upgrade to 11 the way Microsoft wants you to do - they're in the business to make money selling new computers and operating systems. After seeing the vile computers they're selling these days (Laptop in a box !!) it more than encourages me to get people with useful computers to keep them being useful - not being sent to the Electronic scrap heap !!

[M-MTax]

@Mike9241, you should do a Google search using the terms "rufus windows 11 upgrade".