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To install TurboTax Desktop on Windows, check the requirements for your tax-year edition, download its installer from InstallTurboTax.com, run the setup file, accept the license agreement, then sign in to an Intuit Account and enter your license code to activate. For tax years 2025 and 2026, Intuit requires 64-bit Windows 11; those editions will not install or run on Windows 10.
Check that your Windows PC supports your tax year
TurboTax Desktop requirements vary by tax year. Intuit’s requirements page, updated September 16, 2026, lists these Windows versions:
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| TurboTax tax year | Windows requirement |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| 2025 | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| 2024 | Windows 10 (64-bit) or later |
| 2023 | Windows 10 (64-bit) or later |
Intuit explicitly says TurboTax Desktop tax year 2025 or later cannot be installed or used on Windows 10. If you need the 2025 edition and have Windows 10, Intuit lists upgrading to Windows 11 or using TurboTax Online as alternatives. Check the current requirements for the exact edition you own at Intuit’s TurboTax Desktop system requirements.
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- Administrator rights: required to install and run TurboTax Desktop on Windows.
- Storage: Intuit lists 1 GB for TurboTax, plus up to 4.5 GB for Microsoft .NET 4.8 if it is not already installed.
- Memory: 4 GB or more of RAM is recommended.
- Internet: required for downloading, installing, activating, updates, and optional online features. Intuit lists a 1 Mbps modem and recommends broadband.
- Components: Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 Redistributable is included with the TurboTax installer; Microsoft .NET 4.8 is also required.
- Printer: only needed if you want to print a return or forms.
These storage, memory, and connection figures are Intuit’s published requirements and recommendations, not independent performance-test results.
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- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you own a home, have charitable donations, high medical expenses and need to file both Federal & State Tax Returns
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
Install and activate TurboTax Desktop
- Go to InstallTurboTax.com. Select the TurboTax Desktop product you purchased, then choose Windows.
- Download the installer. When the download finishes, locate the setup file and open it. If Windows requests administrator approval, provide it.
- Follow the setup prompts and accept the TurboTax License Agreement. Intuit says the product should install automatically after you accept.
- When prompted, sign in to your Intuit Account or create one.
- Enter the license code to activate the installed product.
Intuit says downloading, installing, and activating TurboTax Desktop require an Intuit Account and an internet connection. For tax year 2025, Desktop is download-only; do not look for a CD installation option. Intuit also says a license code can be connected to one Intuit Account, so use the account you intend to keep associated with the license. See Intuit’s Desktop download instructions.
If you still need to buy a license
Use Intuit or a seller on Intuit’s authorized-retailer list. Intuit lists Amazon, Best Buy, BJ’s Wholesale, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Staples as authorized Desktop retailers. On Amazon, Intuit advises checking that the item is “Shipped and Sold by Amazon or Amazon.com”; it cannot guarantee the authenticity of products sold by unauthorized Amazon sellers. Retailer authorization does not confirm that a particular listing is available or current. Details are on Intuit’s Desktop purchase and download page.
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- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you are self-employed, an independent contractor, freelancer, small business owner, sole proprietor, or consultant
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary)
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
Fix common installation problems
If setup fails, work through the checks below before changing security settings:
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Verify compatibility: confirm that your Windows version meets the requirement for the tax year you bought.
- Check permissions: make sure you have administrator rights on the PC.
- Download the installer again: delete a potentially corrupted downloaded file and get a fresh copy from InstallTurboTax.com.
- Update Windows: install available Windows updates, then try setup again.
- Check Windows system files if needed: Intuit lists Windows System File Checker as a troubleshooting step for missing or corrupted system files.
- Wait on a stalled update: if an update appears stuck at 0% or 100%, Intuit advises waiting up to 15 minutes before taking further action.
Intuit’s troubleshooting guidance also mentions turning off antivirus software or Windows Defender. Do not treat that as a routine first step. If you have reason to believe security software is blocking setup, make any change temporary, follow your security software’s guidance, and restore protection promptly. Consult Intuit’s installation troubleshooting instructions for the steps relevant to your error.
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![[OLD VERSION] TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software, Federal & State Tax Return [PC/MAC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41by2O4Eq5L._SL160_.jpg)
- Recommended if you own a home, have charitable donations, high medical expenses and need to file both Federal & State Tax Returns
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
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![TurboTax Deluxe Desktop Edition 2025, Federal Tax Return [Win11/Mac14 Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41X+uAjUbdL._SL160_.jpg)
- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you own a home, have charitable donations, high medical expenses, or only need to file a Federal Tax Return
- Includes 5 federal e-files. State download and e-file additional. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
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- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you sold stock, bonds or mutual funds, sold employee stock, own rental property or are a trust beneficiary.
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
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