TurboTax Desktop 2025 will not be compatible with Windows 10

[wrshirleytaxes101]

My current Workstation is Windows 10 and will not run Windows 11 as is.  I'm NOT excited about TPM 2.0 which must be present when MS checks your computer for eligibility to install Windows 11!  I CAN'T run "Online" since I have Section 1256 options contracts, which are not supported online.  I must use Desktop.  I received an email dated 10/23/2025, stating that TT2025 WILL run on Windows 10!  I'm very confused and unhappy, since TurboTax has already hit my credit card for the download and it will not install!

[Biohacker1945]

I will not use Windows 11 and I'll move to Linux before I do. I will search for an alternative to preparing taxes for my clients.

[VolvoGirl]

@Biohacker1945   Clients?  Then you can't use Turbo Tax at all.  You would have to buy a professional program like Intuit Lacerte or ProSeries to prepare returns for clients.  

And to prepare more than five e-files, you will need to sign up with the IRS as an ERO - an Electronic Returns Originator.

[wkunihiro_Intuit]

I've been with TT since they were Parsons... I agree, this policy change makes zero sense and speaks zero of backward compatibility. Some the changes I've seen Intuit do to this tax software forced a migration to H&R Block and some of H&R Block's non-features forced a migration back to TT. but this latest with no backward compatibility is necessitating another move to H&R Block. Yes, sadly, this year i will be a blockhead

[NCperson]

@wkunihiro_Intuit I think you are missing the broader issue..... TT makes a lot more money on a Online User than a Desktop user.  They have no incentive to encourage Desktop usage.

Example: I do 4 family tax returns on one $70 Desktop liscense.  The same 4 tax returns on Online would be $500-$600.  

Case in point: when launching Desktop this year, there is a marketing blurb encouraging migration to Online

Though this lense, Intuit's decison makes 100% sense. 

[jsaint23]

To all Upset Former Users of TurboTax:

TurboTax still continues their BS policy of requiring an upgrade to MS 11;  Further, Not once has TurboTax responded back to me or any other responses in any way about this BS policy.  Thus, confirming TurboTax's terrible customer service.

In reviewing other options that will work with MS 10, for both personal and business applications, they are:

TaxAct

H&R Block Premier & Business

However, as with any software change there are a couple of negatives.   In that, only the personal Form 1040 information (in PDF format) can be imported into their programs.

Additionally, all previous year business tax information has to be input manually, as neither apparently is smart enough to come up with the software code to allow the importing of a PDF file.

I did notice that TaxAct software upload for business and personal even though they are both separate programs seem to only want to upload into the same program folder;  and further the personal side is not going to be available in full until the end of Dec as IRS has not approved everything yet.

Lastly, I am hearing rumors that the MS 11 OS requirement is coming from the IRS not the software companies.    IF SO, THIS IS FURTHER BS and the IRS has no business being involved in this aspect of software.

Write your congressional people to complain about this as soon as you can.

Good By TurboTax ... a 30+ year relationship down the tubes for some BS software requirement policy.

[baldietax]

IRS involvement makes no sense - unless you have sourcing on that other than "I'm hearing rumors" - otherwise you wouldn't be able to use TaxAct or HRB on Win 10 either.

[Mark_G1]

This is an update to my September post on TT not being compatible with Windows 10.

I made the switch to H&R Block desktop version tax software. It is compatible with Windows 10 and I had no problem installing on my W 10 pc. Cost very reasonable at $64. Can do up to 5 federal returns and includes 1 state.

There is also an option to upload a previous return done in TT using the .tax file. This option is very useful for pulling in all basic information.

Final software updates will become available in January as there is still flux in the new tax laws.

I still feel Intuit made a mistake with not be compatible with W 10. Intuit lost a long time customer because of that decision.

[user17653221284]

I disagree with the response in that Microsoft has now extended support for Win 10 through 2026. Also, many of the current Win 10 users can't upgrade to 11 due to system limitations and/or incompatibility issues. In my case my CPU has 3 times the required speed but is was excluded from the Win 11 compatibility list. So although technically I exceed all of their listed requirements for speed, RAM, and space I can't upgrade to 11. 

Although I have been using TT for over 20 years, I see no point in spending money on a new computer "again" just for the privilege of buying and using the TT software (already caved a few years ago when we were forced to upgrade Win 10)! And no, as a Certified Fraud Examiner and knowing the inherent risks involved, I will not use the online version.  

[baldietax]

ESU is critical/important security fixes only - many regard that as sufficient "support" which is fine but technical "Windows 10 support has ended" - see https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/extended-security-updates

At this point tho the technical details are a bit moot as it's clear Intuit's decision wasn't entirely for technical reasons, they waffled about security but also indicated they didn't project enough users left on Win 10; and whether their projections are right or wrong doesn't matter much either, as desktop is only 1% of their revenue and in decline, and they are clearly strategically pushing towards online with 3 different offers now for discounts for desktop/ItsDeductible users to try online, the most recent offer email apparently entitled "The future of tax filing is Online"

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/articles/community-news-announcements/turbotax-windows-10-desktop-...

The combination of ending support for Win 10, ItsDeductible, MAC OS 13, Basic edition, plus the gammit of online offers will probably put a significant dent in desktop user base from 4mil to closer to 3mil I would guess, we'll see next year how it all shakes out (this is compared to 35-40mil online/live "units" with 20x revenue).

The H/W issue won't go away in 10 months (unless MS extends ESU) - but there are workarounds to allow Win 11 to install on "incompatible" but otherwise viable H/W.  The other option is a Win 11 VM and run Turbotax there.  Not sure the technical details of these options but they are presumably widely documented elsewhere.

Otherwise if online is not an option (agree) then it's off to HRB or TaxAct.

Good luck.

[Biohacker1945]

How does online tax preparation work for someone like me who prepares returns for a half-dozen family members and friends?

[DoninGA]

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@Biohacker1945 wrote:

How does online tax preparation work for someone like me who prepares returns for a half-dozen family members and friends?

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If you use TurboTax Online, you can file one federal return with up to five state returns per Intuit Account.

To start another federal tax return you would have to create a new TurboTax online account with a new User ID.

There are no e-file fees when using the TurboTax online editions.  You are charged for the online edition used and for each state tax return.  The charges are the same whether the tax return(s) are either e-filed or printed for mailing.

TurboTax online editions - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

[jimbo515x]

Why limit use to the online service? There is still not a good answer to this? The only reason given is related to Microsoft support for Windows 10. Microsoft has announced the ability to continue support for Windows10 for at least a year through the ESU. Instead of an outright ban on Windows 10, Turbo Tax should align with Microsoft and allow use on devices which are enrolled to continue receiving updates. 

Please Intuit, change your position. Otherwise, after using Turbo Tax since the 1990's, you are forcing me to use another product. You have decided to support Windows10 in Canada, so why not in the US?

[jimbo515x]

You should be able to return the copy purchased.

[M-MTax]

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@jimbo515x wrote:

You should be able to return the copy purchased.

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Are you implying that you can't? You should call Support if you want a refund.