Desktop software not compatible with Windows high contrast mode

[kdrewniak]

This is a report of a bug/deficiency in TurboTax desktop that renders it effectively unusable for me due to to the software's failure to account for settings I use to address my visual impairments.

Software: TurboTax Desktop 2025 Deluxe

Platform: Windows 11, 64-bit

Steps to reproduce:

1. In Windows, open "Contrast Theme Settings" from the Start menu

2. Select a high contrast theme (such as "Dusk") that uses a dark background

3. If needed, activate high contrast mode by pressing Alt + Shift + Print Screen (aka PrtScr)  and clicking "Yes" in the relevant dialog box (the same shortcut key disables the setting)

4. Open the 2025 TurboTax desktop software (in my case, the Deluxe version)

5. Attempt to begin a tax return

Expected behavior: Text in the software is in a light color on a dark background (or, if the theme is ignored entirely, dark text on a white background)

Actual behavior: The software renders dark text on a dark background, rendering the user interface unreadable

[TurboTaxAniqua]

I hear your concern. You have reached TurboTax Canada, and I believe you are attempting to report this issue for the TurboTax US product. You can contact them through the TurboTax US Community or by calling them at 1 (800) 823-0083.

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

[kdrewniak]

Yes, I was trying to reach the US forums.

Also, in case other people stumble onto this, a workaround is to add --disable-features=ForcedColors to the launch options (the "Target" you get if you right click a shortcut and select properties, with a space between that and the .exe name)