Have you ever found yourself in that frustrating position where you just want to open your TurboTax desktop software, perhaps to review a prior year's return, make a quick amendment, or simply get a head start on your taxes, only to be insistently prompted to update? It can be a real headache, especially if you have slow internet, are on a limited data plan, or simply don't want the hassle of a lengthy download and installation right now. You're not alone! Many users seek ways to bypass these automatic updates.
While updates often contain crucial tax law changes and program improvements, there are valid reasons why you might want to postpone them. Maybe you're working on a return from a previous tax year that doesn't require the latest updates, or perhaps you've already filed and just need to access the program. Whatever your reason, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods to run TurboTax without immediately updating.
How to Run TurboTax Without Updating: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's dive into the practical steps to regain control over your TurboTax experience.
Step 1: The Immediate Disconnect – Your First Line of Defense
Alright, let's get hands-on right away! Before you even launch TurboTax, this is often the most effective and straightforward method to prevent an immediate update prompt.
Sub-heading 1.1: Disconnect from the Internet
This might sound overly simple, but it's remarkably effective for preventing the software from reaching out for updates upon launch.
For Wi-Fi users:
Locate the Wi-Fi icon in your system tray (usually at the bottom right of your screen on Windows, or top right on macOS).
Click on it and then disable your Wi-Fi connection. You might see an option like "Disconnect" or "Turn Wi-Fi Off."
For Ethernet users:
Simply unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer's port. This physically cuts off the internet connection.
For both: Consider temporarily disabling your router's internet connection if you're comfortable with it, especially if you have multiple devices connected and want to ensure no background updates occur.
Sub-heading 1.2: Launch TurboTax and Handle the Prompt
Now that your internet is down, proceed to open your TurboTax desktop application.
Launch TurboTax: Double-click the TurboTax icon on your desktop or find it in your Start Menu/Applications folder.
Observe the update prompt: Since you're disconnected, TurboTax will likely still try to check for updates, but it won't be able to connect. You'll often see a message like "To get software updates, you need to connect to the Internet" or "Unable to connect for updates."
Click "Cancel" or "Skip": Crucially, when this message appears, look for an option to "Cancel," "Skip Update," or "Continue without updating." Select this option. TurboTax should then proceed to open without downloading or installing any new updates.
Keep in mind: While this works for immediate access, TurboTax might prompt you again in subsequent sessions unless you adjust its internal update preferences (see Step 2).
Step 2: Adjusting TurboTax Updater Preferences (Windows Only)
For Windows users, TurboTax offers built-in preferences that allow you to control how and when it checks for updates. This is a more permanent solution than simply disconnecting from the internet each time.
Sub-heading 2.1: Accessing Updater Preferences
Launch TurboTax: Open your TurboTax desktop software. If it forces an update, you might need to use the internet disconnection trick from Step 1 first to get into the program.
Navigate to "Online" Tab: Look at the top menu bar within the TurboTax application. You should see a tab labeled "Online". Click on it.
Select "Updater Preferences": From the "Online" dropdown menu, choose "Updater Preferences".
Sub-heading 2.2: Choosing Your Update Settings
A new window will appear with options for managing updates. You'll typically find choices like:
Ask me before getting updates: This is often the best balance for most users. It will notify you when updates are available and ask if you want to download them, giving you control. You can then choose to skip.
I do not have an internet connection. I want to get updates on my own: This option effectively tells TurboTax to never automatically check for updates. You'd have to manually initiate an update check if you ever wanted to.
Automatically get updates: This is the default and what causes the constant update prompts. Make sure this is not selected.
Select the option that best suits your needs, preferably "Ask me before getting updates" or "I do not have an internet connection." Click "Save" or "OK" to apply the changes.
Note for Mac Users: Unfortunately, TurboTax for Mac generally doesn't have the same granular "Updater Preferences" as the Windows version. Your primary method will likely remain the internet disconnect trick, or you might need to manage updates through system-level network settings or firewall rules (which are more advanced and outside the scope of a general guide).
Step 3: Managing Cached Updates (If Applicable)
Sometimes, even after disconnecting from the internet, TurboTax might still claim it has updates to install. This can happen if updates were cached (downloaded in the background) previously but not yet installed.
Sub-heading 3.1: Cancelling Cached Updates
If you've disconnected from the internet and launched TurboTax, and it still insists on installing updates, it's likely working with cached files.
Allow the update to begin briefly: When prompted, initiate the update process.
Immediately look for a "Cancel" option: As soon as the update progress bar appears or the download starts, look for a "Cancel" button. Click it.
Confirm cancellation: You might receive a message asking to confirm if you want to cancel the updates. Confirm your choice.
Important: Cancelling an update this way typically allows the program to open without installing the (now cancelled) cached updates. Your TurboTax data should remain intact.
Step 4: Advanced Maneuvers – Firewall and Network Settings
If the above methods aren't working, or you need a more robust way to block TurboTax's access to update servers, you can use your computer's firewall. This is a more advanced step and should only be attempted if you're comfortable with network settings.
Sub-heading 4.1: Blocking TurboTax with your Firewall
A firewall controls which applications can access the internet. By blocking TurboTax, you can prevent it from connecting to its update servers.
For Windows Firewall:
Go to Start Menu and search for "Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security" or "Windows Firewall."
Click on "Outbound Rules" in the left pane.
Click "New Rule" in the right pane.
Choose "Program" and click "Next".
Browse to the TurboTax executable file (usually found in
C:\Program Files (x86)\TurboTax\[Year]\32bitorC:\Program Files\TurboTax\[Year]\). SelectTurboTax[Year].exe(e.g.,TurboTax2024.exe). Click "Next".Select "Block the connection" and click "Next".
Ensure all three profiles (Domain, Private, Public) are checked, then click "Next".
Give the rule a name (e.g., "Block TurboTax Updates") and an optional description. Click "Finish".
For Third-Party Firewalls/Antivirus Software:
If you use an antivirus program with a built-in firewall (like Norton, McAfee, Avast, etc.), consult its documentation for instructions on how to block specific applications from accessing the internet. The process will vary by software.
Remember to re-enable internet access for TurboTax or disable the firewall rule when you do want to update or e-file your return, as e-filing requires an internet connection.
Step 5: Using Older Versions and Data Files
If you're dealing with a prior year's return, you might be tempted to just open the old year's TurboTax software.
Sub-heading 5.1: Opening Prior Year Returns
Dedicated Software: TurboTax typically requires a specific software version for each tax year. For example, your 2023 TurboTax software cannot prepare a 2024 tax return. If you're trying to access a 2023 return, ensure you're opening the 2023 TurboTax program.
Data File Portability: While the program versions are year-specific, your tax data files (
.tax[year]files) are designed to be opened by their respective year's software. If you have the correct year's software installed, you can open your.taxfile.
Caution: If you open a prior year's return in an updated version of that year's software, and there were significant tax law changes or program corrections, it could potentially alter your return data. It's always a good practice to make a backup copy of your .tax file before opening it, especially if you intend to bypass updates. Name it something like "2023return_backup.tax2023".
Important Considerations:
Accuracy and Tax Laws: Be acutely aware that tax laws can change frequently. Running TurboTax without updates means you might not have the latest forms, calculations, or tax law interpretations. If you intend to file your taxes, it is highly recommended to update your software to ensure accuracy and compliance. This guide is primarily for accessing the software for review or data entry purposes without immediate update.
E-filing Requirements: E-filing your tax return always requires an internet connection and often the latest software updates to ensure a smooth and successful transmission to the IRS/state tax authorities.
Security: Updates also often include security patches. Running outdated software might expose you to potential vulnerabilities, though this is less critical for a standalone tax program compared to, say, a web browser.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my TurboTax software is up to date?
You can check for updates within the TurboTax desktop software by going to the "Online" menu and selecting "Check for Updates" (or similar phrasing).
How to manually update TurboTax if I've disabled automatic updates?
If you've disabled automatic updates, you can usually manually check for and apply updates by going to the "Online" menu within TurboTax and selecting "Check for Updates." TurboTax also provides manual update downloads on its official website.
How to find my TurboTax license code?
Your TurboTax license code is typically found on the CD sleeve (if you bought a physical copy) or in your purchase confirmation email (if you downloaded it). You can also usually retrieve it from your Intuit account online.
How to backup my TurboTax tax file?
To back up your TurboTax tax file, open your return in TurboTax, then go to "File" > "Save As" and save a copy of your .tax file to a different location (e.g., a USB drive, cloud storage) or with a new name.
How to uninstall TurboTax completely?
For Windows, go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select TurboTax for the specific year, and click "Uninstall." For Mac, drag the TurboTax application from your Applications folder to the Trash. You may also need to delete associated preference and support files for a complete uninstall.
How to get a prior year's TurboTax software?
You can usually purchase and download prior year TurboTax desktop software directly from the TurboTax website (Intuit's "Past Years Products" section) or from authorized retailers.
How to open a TurboTax .tax file without the software installed?
You cannot directly open a .tax file without the corresponding TurboTax desktop software installed. These files are proprietary and require the program to interpret them. You would need to install the correct year's TurboTax software.
How to convert a TurboTax file to PDF?
Once you have completed your return in TurboTax, you can print it to a PDF. Look for a "Print" option, and then select a "Microsoft Print to PDF" or similar PDF printer option instead of a physical printer.
How to avoid TurboTax asking for updates upon initial installation?
Upon initial installation, TurboTax will almost always attempt to check for and install critical updates. The best way to manage this is to disconnect from the internet before running the installer and then immediately adjusting Updater Preferences (Step 2) once the program is open.
How to contact TurboTax customer support for update issues?
You can typically find TurboTax customer support contact information (phone numbers, chat options) on the official TurboTax website under their "Support" or "Contact Us" sections. Be prepared with your product details and a clear description of your issue.
