Why can't I get turbotax to connect to the internet to activate my turbotax desktop. I have internet and already set up exceptions etc with my virus/firewall software?

[ramerlsr]

Had the identical problem and the sameTT response. The only way I got it to activate and work on my new iMac was to open a “new User” on my computer. I completed my taxes and they are now efiled just waiting for my refunds. I told TT support they need to read the postings in the Community. They do not know anything and I haven’t not heard anything from them for over a month since I submitted a problem ticket to them. 

[ehanson1]

I just did my taxes with a different program and returned my Turbo Tax to Costco. Costco said it happened to many people I just took a picture of the screen that showed I couldn't get into Turbo Tax and they gave me my money back.  The  first lady was hesitant because it looked like I used the product, but once I got the manager and showed my picture, I got my money back. It just was not worth the struggle anymore.  Good luck!

[MarilynG1]

Make sure you have disabled all anti-virus software (including modem, Windows Defender, McAfee, etc.) when trying to activate TurboTax.

Otherwise, you can be blocked from reaching the Activation server.

Here's more info on Troubleshooting TurboTax Desktop Issues.

@aieadavid 

[aieadavid]

All suggestions did not work.

Disabled antivirus.

Reinstalled Turbo Tax

Tried to load at home on another windows 11 computer.

All my computers are running on windows 11 pro.

So S mode not available.

Seem pretty poor that Turbo Tax cannot get the software to download and run.

As a workaround, I was able to install it on a retired windows 10 pro desktop. Same anti virus and network as my windows 11 desktop. So it appears that turbotax does not want to play well with windows 11 or windows 11 pro. Hopefully turbotax can fix the problem si I can migrate the program to my windows 11 machine.

[Pam M58]

@aieadavid  I have the same issue as you, with activation on Windows 11 Pro.  And followed all the 'expert' suggestions without success.  Also called McAfee and had them completely uninstall my antivirus/firewall, download a fresh TT installation, and retry the installation.  Dell can't fix it, McAfee can't fix it, and TT certainly doesn't care to fix it.  Which is a shame, because TT had been a reliable product and I'd used it for many years. We were able to install it on my husband's computer (very inconvenient for him) and I'm going to purchase H&R Block for my computer.  We'll run them in parallel and if H&R Block works well on my machine then we will part ways with TT for next year's tax season.  Having to learn a new tax program bums me out, but so do the countless hours and stress that I've poured into trying to resolve this issue.  Hopefully you are well into your taxes on your Windows 10 machine by now, but sadly, later this year Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 - hopefully TT steps up it's game in time and makes this right for the 2025 tax year.  Best of luck-

[jconolly]

I notice many people with issues use setting up a new user as a work-around.

The link in your post for Troubleshooting TT Desktop Issues mentions making sure only one user on the PC is set up to use TT.

Perhaps the Install instructions with the software download instructions should include all these steps up front before your users get frustrated with the install?

Your post is the first I heard to temporarily turn off all anti-virus firewall or other protection software.

I am using Windows 11, it is not the issue.  I have the desktop TT ... not premier, just the $70 version.  I made mine work by setting up exceptions for TT in my protection software, Bittdefender.  It would have been way easier with upfront install/activate instructions to Temporarily turn off or pause my protection software.

 

[aieadavid]

I will finish 2025 before windows 10 support sunsets.

I assume that they will actually fix the issue within a month or so.

Unless turbotax is actually only interested in migrating customers to online or collecting fees from referrals to tax preparation services by people.

Just amazing that the program just loads on windows 10 but not windows 11.

[Hagen]

As of March 17 TT will not download on my computer, says the internet is not working.

Received error message 42001. My tech support could not assist and sad he spent so much time as I have to no avail.

I succumbed to Tax Act to prepare my corporate returns. Looks like I will use them for the personal returns also. 

[Baz3]

Hi remerlsr, Would you be able to explain what did you mean by creating a dummy user. Is it for windows 11 account or Turbo Tax account? Would you be able to explain steps that you did as I have the same issue with Windows 11 where I cannot activate TT. I have used TT for more then 15 years and this is the first time I cannot pass activation step. I downloaded it with no issues and login in, but on activation step I gam getting blank screen.  Tries everything from turning off firewall, antivirus, and spent 3 hours with TT support. 

Thanks a lot! 

[mthomtech]

I had the same issue (using a Mac) and had to create another user on my Mac and use TurboTax from that user to get it to activate.  I copied my tax file from last year to that user as well so that TT could import my old return information too.  I was never able to get the software to work on my normal user, so had to complete the return and file from the dummy user.  While I am on a Mac, I first saw this workaround from a Windows PC user, so I imagine it will work just the same.  To be clear, the dummy user is on your computer ... I used my existing TT account user with no problem.

Hope it works for you.

[MarilynG1]

Here's How to Turn Off Anti-Virus Programs.  Also info on How to Switch Out of 'S' Mode for Windows 11.

Be sure you're running as Administrator, and on the C drive.

@Baz3 

[SinginWillie]

I used Turbotax for over 10 years but activation forced me to switch to HRB. But this year I had to file 1040X because they don't let you check the forms till you pay and efile. Within a minute, I saw an error. I suspected that their efile of 1040X didn't correct the error,  so I filled out the form myself and mailed it. I would certainly like to return to Turbotax if they could get this common problem fixed.