# TurboTax transfer to a new computer: files, license and reinstall

Source: https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/import-transfer/turbotax-transfer-to-new-computer
Publisher: Tax Software Desk (taxsoftwaredesk.com), independent editorial site
Topic: Imports, Files and Transfers
Last updated: 2026-09-19

> A TurboTax transfer to a new computer has two parts: reinstall the program from your Intuit account, and copy your tax data files from the old machine's Documents, TurboTax folder with a USB drive. You do not buy TurboTax again; Intuit's license for the 2025 edition covers installation on up to 5 computers you own.

## Key facts

- Computers per license (2025 edition): Up to 5 that you own
- Default file location: Documents, TurboTax
- File extension: .tax plus the year, such as .tax2024
- 2025 Windows requirement: Windows 11, 64-bit
- 2025 Mac requirement: macOS Sonoma 14 or later

## How do I move TurboTax to a new computer?

To complete a TurboTax transfer to a new computer, you cannot copy the program itself. Intuit says the software must be installed fresh from a download or CD, and only your tax data files and PDFs move across. The order that avoids problems is install first, then copy files, then open each file to test it.

Do this while the old computer still works. Once it is wiped, recycled or traded in, the only copies of Desktop returns may be gone, because TurboTax Desktop does not store returns in your online account.

## Find and copy your .tax files

By default TurboTax saves every tax data file and every PDF you create in the TurboTax folder inside Documents. Tax data files end in .tax followed by the tax year, so a tax year 2024 return is a .tax2024 file.

1. On the old computer, open Documents, then TurboTax.
2. Plug in a USB flash drive or external hard drive.
3. Copy the files to the drive. Intuit recommends copying rather than dragging, so the original stays in place.
4. Eject the drive and plug it into the new computer.
5. Copy the files to the new computer's Documents, TurboTax folder, or to the desktop.
6. Open TurboTax and open each file to confirm it is not corrupted.
7. Delete the copies from the USB drive once everything opens.

> **Do not email tax files to yourself:** Intuit's help article says email is not secure for this. A tax data file holds Social Security numbers and bank details for everyone on the return.

If the TurboTax folder is empty, the files were saved elsewhere. Search the drive for .tax2 to catch every year at once. Our [TurboTax tax file](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/import-transfer/turbotax-tax-file) page explains file names and other places they turn up.

## TurboTax install on new computer with your license

You do not need to buy TurboTax again for a new PC. Intuit states that the TurboTax 2025 End User License Agreement lets one user install, authenticate and activate the software on up to 5 computers that user owns. The license does not allow sharing one copy among different people.

When you created an Intuit Account, your license code was saved to it, so reinstalling does not depend on finding the original email or CD sleeve.

1. On the new computer, sign in to your Intuit Account.
2. Go to Products & billing and find the TurboTax edition you bought.
3. Download the installer for Windows or Mac.
4. Run the installer with an administrator account.
5. Sign in and activate when TurboTax asks.
6. Install the latest update before opening your return.

If activation refuses the code, see [TurboTax license code not working](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/turbotax-errors/turbotax-license-code-not-working). If installation stops with an error, [TurboTax installation problems](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/turbotax-desktop/turbotax-installation-problems) walks through the fixes.

## Transfer TurboTax files from PC to Mac

Tax data files and PDFs work in both the Windows and Mac versions of TurboTax, so to transfer TurboTax files from PC to Mac you copy them with a USB drive exactly as above. The program is different, though: you need the Mac edition installed on the Mac.

1. Copy last year's .tax file from the PC to a USB drive, then to the Mac desktop.
2. Download the Mac version through your Intuit Account's Products & billing page.
3. In TurboTax for Mac, choose File, then New Tax Return, select Begin and pick Use a tax return that's on my computer.
4. If the file is not listed, browse to the desktop and select it.

The TurboTax Desktop 2025 edition for Mac needs macOS Sonoma 14 or later, administrative rights, 4 GB of RAM recommended and 1 GB of disk space. Starting this year's return from last year's file is explained in more depth in [TurboTax import previous year](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/import-transfer/turbotax-import-previous-year).

## Transfer TurboTax to a new PC running Windows 11

Most people who transfer TurboTax to a new PC are moving to Windows 11, and that suits current editions. TurboTax Desktop 2025 for Windows requires 64-bit Windows 11 with administrative rights, and Intuit says it cannot be used on Windows 10. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.

| Item | Windows | Mac |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Operating system | Windows 11, 64-bit | macOS Sonoma 14 or later |
| RAM | 4 GB or more recommended | 4 GB recommended |
| Disk space | 1 GB, plus up to 4.5 GB for .NET 4.8 if missing | 1 GB |
| Rights | Administrator | Administrator |

TurboTax Desktop 2025 system requirements (Intuit)

Requirements for the tax year 2026 edition used in the 2027 season are not yet announced; Intuit usually updates its requirements page in the fall before release. More detail is on [the TurboTax Windows 11 requirement](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/turbotax-desktop/turbotax-windows-11-requirement).

## Old editions on a new computer

Each tax data file opens only in the TurboTax edition for its own year. You only need an older edition installed if you have to amend, reprint or re-save one of those years. For simply keeping records, a saved PDF of each year is enough and opens anywhere.

- Before retiring the old computer, open each past return there and save a PDF of it.
- Copy the .tax files as well, in case you later need to amend a year.
- If you must reinstall an older edition, check that year's system requirements first, because older editions were built for older operating systems.
- If a file opens with error 190, it needs state forms that are not installed on the new computer; see [TurboTax error 190](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/turbotax-errors/turbotax-error-190).

Leaving TurboTax altogether with the new computer? Save PDFs first, then read [importing a TurboTax return into H&R Block](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/import-transfer/import-turbotax-to-hr-block). The [TurboTax import guide](https://taxsoftwaredesk.com/import-transfer) covers every other import route.

> **Independence:** Tax Software Desk is independent and is not affiliated with Intuit, H&R Block, TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer, Block Inc. (Cash App Taxes), Wealthsimple, UFile or any other software company.

## Step by step

1. **Copy your files.** Copy the Documents, TurboTax folder from the old computer to a USB drive.
2. **Install TurboTax.** Download the installer from Products & billing in your Intuit Account and install it on the new computer.
3. **Sign in and activate.** Sign in and activate when asked, then install the latest update.
4. **Open your files.** Copy the files to the new computer and open each one in TurboTax to confirm it works.

## Common questions

### Do I need to buy TurboTax again for a new computer?

No. Intuit says the 2025 edition can be installed, authenticated and activated on up to 5 computers you own. Download it again from Products & billing in your Intuit Account.

### Where are my TurboTax files on my old computer?

By default in Documents, then TurboTax. Tax data files end in .tax followed by the year, and PDFs you saved are in the same folder.

### Can I open a Windows TurboTax file on a Mac?

Yes. The tax data files work in both versions. Copy the file to the Mac and open or transfer it in the Mac edition of TurboTax.

### Can I just copy the TurboTax program folder to my new PC?

No. Intuit says the program must be installed from a download or CD. Only your tax data files and PDFs should be copied.

### How do I get my TurboTax license code again?

Sign in to your Intuit Account. The license code is saved there when the account is linked to your purchase, and Products & billing offers the download.

## Sources

- [How do I move my tax data file to another computer?](https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/data-systems/move-tax-data-file-another-computer/L5fFkMkhr_US_en_US)
- [Can I install TurboTax on more than one computer?](https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/product-delivery/install-turbotax-one-computer/L5L0aFm8k_US_en_US)
- [How do I transfer last year's return into the TurboTax software for Mac?](https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/data-systems/transfer-last-year-return-2021-turbotax-software/L0SKCGkzn_US_en_US)
- [TurboTax Desktop system requirements](https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/tta-system-requirements/)
- [How do I get started with TurboTax Desktop?](https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/license-information/install-turbotax-cd-download-software-license-code/L1wFOSXur_US_en_US)