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Returning Member
posted Oct 10, 2025 5:14:03 AM

Windows 11 upgrade / back up question

I need to back up my computer before I upgrade from Windows 10 to 11. I have always bought the CD/download version at Costco. What program/file do I need to look for in my computer and to be sure to back up to my external hard drive so that in 2026, Turbo Tax will automatically import/remember my 2025 taxes like it always does? I have all of my past years saved as pdf "copies" onto my desktop so I will save those to my external hard drive too just in case. Thank you

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Level 15
Oct 10, 2025 7:56:38 AM

You only need the tax return data file ending in .tax2023 to transfer into 2024 or .tax2024 to transfer into next year.


To backup your tax return data files. What I would do is copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents. That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored. Copy that folder to a flash drive or external drive, etc.


I bought Turbo Tax from Costco.   Before I upgraded my Windows 10 to 11 I backed up my data files just in case. When I upgraded all my programs (back to 2019) were still there and worked.  And all my tax return files were there and opened.