TurboTax keeps asking for activation after updates (same device, same network)

[Brian P2]

its on my local C drive

[MarilynG1]

Are you using any type of VPN?  If so, the TurboTax server may show you as being in different locations and asking for activation again.

Methods to Disable VPN:

• Via VPN Application (Windows/Mac/Mobile): Open your specific VPN app (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN) and click the "Disconnect" button.
• Windows Settings:
  1. Select the Windows icon and open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet.
  3. Select VPN.
  4. Choose the active VPN connection and select Disconnect.

@Brian P2 

[Brian P2]

No, I'm not using VPN and I removed bitdefender

[mymail94041]

After bitdefender uninstallation, reboot your PC.  Do you have any other antivirus/firewall software on your PC? 

Window 11 has its built-in Window Defender by default. You do not need others.

[Brian P2]

I checked and I only have windows defender

[umbrella]

I only have Windows Defender on my Windows 11 laptop—it’s built into Windows 11. TurboTax requires users to upgrade to Windows 11 for “security reasons.” Did TurboTax actually test their software before releasing it to the market? I don’t want to try those methods and risk wasting my limited TurboTax activation attempts. I plan to gather all my documents and complete my tax filing in one day.

[mymail94041]

You may give a try. Disable antivirus and firewall.

[andyb4]

I Agree, Intuit documentation recommends disabling anti-virus.  I think this is not correct; they should specify both anti-virus and firewall.  When I only disabled anti-virus it had no effect; out of exasperation I just uninstalled the entire security suite and that resolved my problem... 

[Brian P2]

Did you have to deactivate Windows defender as well?

[andyb4]

Hi, 

   No, did not need to deactivate Windows Defender.  Update worked fine with Defender active and running.

[Brian P2]

I removed my bit defender after the latest update and I still can’t get in. Do I have to wait for the next update in order to get in?

[andyb4]

Hi, 

  No, you shouldn't have to wait.   One thing that might be worth a try (and this would've been my next step but I never got to try this so I can't guarantee the results) is uninstalling then re-installing Turbo Tax.   

  I think (but dont' know for certain) that uninstalling will decrement the number of installs (you get 5 with the desktop software) you've used.  Reinstalling should grab the latest version and do a clean install.  I expect that it will ask for an activation code but hopefully the uninstall would've freed one up for re-use. 

[mymail94041]

You may try to install TurboTax on another PC to see how things going. Make sure there is not Bitdefender on that PC. It will consume one activation code, but you may get good luck.

[mymail94041]

No. Windows Defender doesn't hurt.