You still have to "buy" the program even if the price you are paying is zero.

https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tax/software/prior-year-taxes#tax-year-2017

https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tax/software/prior-year-taxes#tax-year-2018

No it really didn’t because I’m still not sure I did the program that was like 40 but for free at 0 , so if I download and pay for the other program is it going to give me the installation key or will it be a issue like the free versions for 2017 , 2018 I just downloaded and can’t access the installation key for 

You will not have to pay for the free products, but no key will be generated for you unless you click the Buy button under the product and go through the order process. The same thing goes for TurboTax Online - even if you are doing a free return, you have to go through the payment steps, just to "confirm" your order. 

I have downloaded the 2018 program...found the instillation key but now can't activate the program as i have to call customer service to get the activation key.  Funny the Customer service line isn't operating at 7pm EST and that's not helpful as people work during the day. for something that's supposed to be easy y'all are making it pretty hard to accomplish little things.  Even had a hard time trying to search on this site for the activation key

@srmball Unfortunately, if you need a new code, you will need to contact our phone team at 1-888-829-8608.

They are available Monday through Friday 9 AM to 6 PM ET until tax season starts in February.  Then extended hours start.

I went through all of this, called the number and all I got was a recorded message that would send out info either via text or email. The email provided little to no help on the activiation code only on where it MAY be found.

No code, no activation, frustrating. 

TurboTax only keeps records for 7 tax years, so 2017 will no longer be available. Here is the link to the TurboTax prior years taxes, which are available.

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

I am in need of an activation code for the 2018 tax that I "purchased" online. I did not receive one, the [phone number removed] number is useless recording as it sent me an email with  info about the license number without an activation code. I cannot activate the account.

That link only opens for 2018 to 2023.