Drake Tax – System Requirements
Article #: 11776
Last Updated: November 06, 2024
Note This article comprises former KB articles 10798, 11445, and 11776. It is herein referred to as KB 11776.
The following information refers to the requirements for the desktop version of Drake Tax. If using Hosting on Rightworks, see Rightworks – Frequently Asked Questions for requirements, as they may differ.
Supported Operating Systems
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Windows 10
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Windows 11
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Windows Server 2012
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Windows Server 2016
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Windows Server 2019
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Windows Server 2022
All operating systems are expected to have the latest updates installed.
Important Windows XP and Vista are no longer supported. Windows Server 2008, R2 and Windows 7 are no longer supported after Drake Tax 2018. Windows 8.1 is no longer supported after Drake Tax 2021.
Windows 10 or Windows 11 running in S mode is not compatible. You can switch out of S mode, however, this process cannot be reversed. You may want to contact and IT professional for assistance after reviewing the Microsoft instructions.
Installation of Drake Tax to a Network-attached storage (NAS) drive or device is not supported.
System Requirements
The following minimum system requirements will support Drake Tax on most systems. For superior performance, we recommend system upgrades above the stated minimums. Actual requirements will vary based on your system configuration and the features and other programs you install.
Requirement | Details |
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Operating system | Windows 10 |
Processor | 1.0 GHz processor (Intel Core i3 or equivalent) |
RAM | 1 GB of RAM for 32-bit OS and 2 GB of RAM for 64-bit OS
IMPORTANT: ARM Processors are not supported. |
Hard drive | 2 GB of available hard drive space (actual space requirements will vary based on the number of clients you serve) |
Monitor | Capable of 1024 x 768 screen resolution |
Internet connection | Internet access is required for certain features, such as e-file, software updates, online help, and PPR purchases |
Printer | Windows GDI (Graphical Device Interface) or HP-compatible laser printer |
Browser | Edge browser must be installed (other browsers such as Chrome and Firefox can be installed and used as the default). (Web1040 and Drake Zero do not support IE.) |
Microsoft .NET Framework | Version 4.7 or higher |
Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime | Version 8.0.0 or higher |
Microsoft ASP.NET Core Runtime | Version 8.0.0 or higher |
Optical drive | CD drive (only required for CD service) CD service is not available after Drake Tax 2023. |
WebView2 Runtime | (Required for Drake Portals integration with Drake Documents). If you need to install WebView2, go to Drake Documents > Help menu > Get Webview2. |
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After installing Drake Tax, if any of the required peripheral Microsoft programs are missing, the Drake Tax Prerequisites Setup Wizard is opened automatically. Follow the steps to install the needed programs.
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Some program features and functions, including Drake Documents and GruntWorx integration, are available only if using a supported operating system with the appropriate .NET Framework and Runtime versions installed.
System Recommendations
Recommendation | Details |
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Operating system | Windows 10 or 11 Professional, 64-bit |
Processor | 2.5 GHz or faster multi-core processor (Intel Core i5 or equivalent) |
RAM | 4 GB or more |
Hard drive | Solid-state (SSD) hard drives can enhance system performance. |
Monitor | Capable of 1920 x 1080 resolution |
Internet Connection | High Speed Internet |
Scanner | TWAIN-compliant scanner (for Drake Documents and GruntWorx) |
Additional Programs | Microsoft Excel and Adobe Reader |
Network Capabilities
Whether you are an office of 1 or 100, it’s easy to network Drake Software with a dedicated server (recommended) or peer-to-peer network.
Windows 11 and prior years
Windows 11 is compatible with Drake Tax 2022 and later versions of Drake Tax.
Windows 10 and prior years
Windows 10 is compatible with Drake Tax 2015 and later versions of Drake Tax.
Drake Software has tested Windows 10 against the basic functions of earlier software with the following results:
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Drake Tax 2012 to Drake Tax 2014 - These Drake Software products are compatible with the following limitations:
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Some printers may require new drivers from the printer manufacturer.
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Some screens and views in Drake Software show minor differences when displayed in Windows 10.
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Drake Tax 2003 to Drake Tax 2011
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may not run as expected under Windows 10, particularly those containing a DOS component (Drake Tax 2004 and before).
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Drake Tax 2002 and prior
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will not run.
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Note In some cases, an OS that is released after the software's release may not produce the needed workstation desktop icon for an NW Client installation. See Drake Tax - Lost Desktop Icons for Drake Tax and Network Setup for details.
Mac and Linux Operating Systems
Currently there is no version of Drake Tax that is written for installation directly on a Mac or Linux operating system. Some users have been able to successfully run Drake Tax on a Virtual Windows environment installed on a Mac or Linux operating system, however, this configuration is not officially supported. Troubleshooting for this setup is not available with the assistance of Drake Support.
Even when running a Virtual Windows environment, on the newest Mac products running the M1 family of chipsets, Drake Tax will not function as expected due to those chips being ARM-based processors.
A Mac computer can be used if accessing Drake through the Hosting on Rightworks product; see Rightworks - Accessing the Rightworks Desktop (Mac) for details.