Windows Version Requirements Going Forward

[juham2013]

Hi "VolvoGirl"!

Sure value the quick response.  

Now, from some of your other responses to other people, I am assuming that you have actually done this already and thus can unequivocally state that I won't have a problem, correct?

Indeed, under "Documents\TurboTax", I do see filing documents (PDFs as I save filings - by fault - as PDF every year) from prior years.   That said, there is no need to worry about the incompatibility between TT SOFTWARE versions (Windows 10/Windows11) and TT2025 would be able to import DATA from those PDF files, correct?

I was a little confused by "to view your return" that you wrote as, I am not necessarily needing to VIEW but rather need to have TT2025 IMPORT all the DATA automatically.

Cheers!

JJ

[juham2013]

I have never used TT online versions, to be exact, and will NOT, going forward.  I download TT software to my laptop each year.

Cheers!

JJ

[juham2013]

"By default" I meant to write, when talking about saving filings as PDF

[sawdustguy]

I am in a similar situation as both my Windows and my Mac are no longer supported by TT 2025. I researched H&R Block and their 2025 Deluxe download is still compatible with Windows 10 and my current Mac OS Ventura so after over 20 plus years I will be switching to H& R Block in 2025. H&R will collect TT2024 data transfer to their 2025 Deluxe version 

[VolvoGirl]

@juham2013   I haven't bought my 2025 program yet but I have installed prior  years on different computers when I need to get a new computer.    I had to go from Windows 8 to Windows 10 a couple years ago to install Turbo Tax.   I was able to transfer everything from the Windows 8 computer and able to install the prior years programs too.  

Yes all you need to transfer into 2025 is the file ending in .tax2024 from the old computer.  So make sure you have that file and know where it is.  It should be in your Documents in a Turbo Tax folder.  Copy the .tax2024 file to a flash drive so you can copy it into the new computer.    And actually you can transfer the .tax2024 file into Windows or Mac desktop programs.  Mac uses the same data file.  

Regarding viewing your return  I say that so if you need to print or look at a prior year without installing that program you can get a copy of the pdf, like to give to someone like a lender etc.  You should be saving each year as the .taxyyyy data file and also as a PDF file when you are done filing.  

[user17634017183]

You are probably correct, as 'most people' believe Microsoft, Intuit really are looking out for them. But then again 'most people' pay MSRP for a car, believe their Congress reps, and are sure their are unicorns. They will get WIN11, find that their maalox bill will go up and eventually recognize their life is no better, nore their computer more secure than WIN 10. BUT, they have some really cool, zero value features and gee it will only be a few more years and they will be privedged to upgrade to WIN 12. Oh Boy!

[Mike9241]

an earlier thread by MS says there will be no W12 they will just use the generic term Windows. but then, in 100 years, will a w11 computer be compatible. oh well in 100 years i would give a hoot.  

[leafnose]

@VolvoGirl 

Interesting.

And just how different is the environment in this TT Business set up compared to Deluxe?

Do you know?

[VolvoGirl]

@leafnose   I'm sorry I don't understand your question.  This is a long thread with different questions and answers.  Please refresh me.  Are you asking about Deluxe vs Home&Business or the separate Business program?   

[leafnose]

Making an official disgruntled post about this topic

Intuit has unwisely decided to migrate to the Win11 OS prior to many folks embracing the new platform

I might be among the oldest users of TT 

Some versions of Windows were absolute disasters, or short lived, or both.

There's still time for this Giant corporation to relent and build a Win10 version. Clearly, the 2026 build will have to be for Win11 but I've been using the new OS (only on a notebook) and it's far from perfected. 

In this thread, there's a noted ability for the DIY version to run 10.

It's a short stretch for Intuit to provide Win 10 support before the sunsetting by MS.

[leafnose]

@VolvoGirl 

You're right 

The thread is extensive

There's some sort supported platform for TT Bus DIY customers.

Just wondered if this a interface you've seen or used for some reason. The poster mentioned that the DIY version will still support Win 10

[VolvoGirl]

@leafnose   Oh,  yes.  You can install the separate Turbo Tax Business program on Windows 10.  This says Business will run on Windows 10 for 1 more year.
Turbo Tax Windows 10 Desktop Software End of Life. Posted Oct 20, 2025 (updated Oct 27, 2025).
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/articles/community-news-announcements/turbotax-windows-10-desktop-... 

[M-MTax]

@VolvoGirl 

I think what @leafnose wanted to know was whether the business program's UI and "guts" were similar to the desktop personal editions. In other words, if the business edition will run on Windows 10, why can't Intuit simply "allow" (or alter) the desktop personal editions to run on Window10?

Personally, I don't have to answer but I do know that the programs are distinct and separate (i.e., you can install the business edition and a desktop personal edition on the same computer). Further, the virtually infinite number of changes that will be involved in the personal editions, as a result of the recent legislation enacted, is not going greatly affect the business editions modules (1041, 1065, 1120/S).

[Toby821]

I have to wonder whether or not Intuit's decision to only support the desktop version on Windows 11 is somehow rooted in Window 11's forced use of AI (i.e. co-pilot) and the increased use of tracking when compared to Windows 10.  I can't think of any technical reason why a program written for Windows 11 wouldn't run in Windows 10 (or Windows 8 for that matter).  Microsoft has always gone out of their way to make newer versions of Windows backward compatible (within reason) with older software.   Occasionally  there may be problems with Visual C++ runtimes but for the most part anything that runs on Windows 10 can run on Windows 11 and vice versa.  I also believe that Intuit really wants to push everyone to online/cloud and discontinue desktop versions, as they have really pushed hard on with their Quickbooks program.  If TurboTax goes online only, I will not be a customer any more.  There were always be alternatives, other companies will always fill the void.  I will not use a subscription or online product if I can avoid it.  

[M-MTax]

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@Toby821 wrote:

If TurboTax goes online only, I will not be a customer any more.  There were always be alternatives, other companies will always fill the void. 

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Really? Which ones (DIY)? 

FreeTaxUSA and TaxSlayer are online only, which leaves only Intuit (TurboTax), H&R Block, and TaxAct who develop installed DIY tax preparation software.

I doubt it will be next year or maybe even the next several years, but there WILL come a day when DIY tax prep will be online only; there won't be any company that will fill that (installed base) void because it will be cost prohibitive to do so (in terms of ROI).