If I have quickbooks desktop for windows but I bought a mac pro laptop how do I move it to the mac?

HI, KSB233.

If you wanted to move your data over to desktop its a very simple process. The only other thing is you'll have to order a new QB for Mac subscription. Check out the links below:

• Purchase QuickBooks for Mac.
• Export QuickBooks Desktop to Mac.

I'm here and feel free to check back with me if you have any questions.

I have a less expensive proposal for you. Purchase Windows for Mac, install it under parallels or other PC emulation which is free on a mac - then download and install your licensed version of QBDT for PC onto your mac, restore your company file from a backup from old PC and you are good to go.

You will be disappointed in the mac version of QB, so to stick with what you know this is the better bet, and less expensive - your only cost is for Windows

@ksb233 

I am agreed to john-pero. You may install the trial license of Mac 2020 and explore the features. You may purchase the license of QB Mac 1 user directly or <$200 thru a partner. 

Otherwise, purchase the license of Parallels and Windows OS for your Mac.

What about using Apple's  Boot Camp Assistant, rather than parallels, then downloading Quickbooks destop?

What about using Apple's Boot Camp Assistant rather than parallel?

Thanks for joining in this thread, KelleyPark.

I'm here to share some details about accessing QuickBooks for Windows on a Mac laptop or computer.

QuickBooks have a specific version that is designed solely for Mac, QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. If you'll want to use the Windows version of QuickBooks, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Support Team to ensure the setup we're correct.

1. Open this link: https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com/en_US/contact.
2. Choose QuickBooks Mac Desktop.
3. Click on the Company File menu.
4. Scroll down and click either Get Phone Number.

Additionally, I've added an article that'll help you move QuickBooks Desktop from Windows to Mac: Convert your Company File to Mac.

Feel free to click the Reply button if you have other questions about the performance of QuickBooks when integrated with a third-party app. I’d be happy to answer all your inquiries. 

@KelleyPark 

I am not sure you are able to working on Windows and Mac seamlessly at the same time with it. But if you don't mind to restart your Mac every time to switch between OS, you can use it. 

If I'm transferring from Windows to Mac, and if I no longer plan to use QB for Windows, do I still need to but QB for Mac? Or could I just transfer my Windows account to Mac?

Thanks for joining this thread, @RSB43.

You have the option to run Parallels Desktop on your Mac. This way, you can maximize some of the QB for Windows' features not offered on the Mac version. You may install the trial license of Mac 2021 and explore its features.

On the other hand, if you decide to get the Mac version, you'll have to purchase a new subscription for QB for Mac and install it on your computer.  Before you start, be sure that you're familiar with what data is and isn't converted from QuickBooks for Windows to QuickBooks Desktop Mac. Refer to this article for more info: Convert a QuickBooks for Windows file to QuickBooks for Mac.

Step 1: On your Windows computer

1. Update QuickBooks for Desktop for Windows to the latest release.
2. Open the file as the administrator.
3. Go to the File menu, then select Utilities.
4.  Select Copy Company File for QuickBooks Mac, then follow the onscreen instructions. QuickBooks creates a MAC.qbb (backup) file.
   
5. Copy the .qbb file to a CD or USB drive or some other media. You can also use a network or file sharing service, such as Dropbox, to transfer the file.

Step 2: Restore the MAC.qbb backup on your Mac

1. Update QuickBooks Desktop for Mac to the latest release.
2. Close QuickBooks.
3. Copy the .qbb file to your Documents folder.
4. Reopen QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, then select File, then select Open Company.
5. Select the MAC.qbb file, and then click Open.
6. Click OK on when asked if you want to restore a QuickBooks for Windows file.
7. Enter a name for the restored file, and then click Save.

The conversion process can take up to ten minutes depending on the size of your data file. When the conversion is complete, QuickBooks opens the file.

Lastly, you can visit our Community Help website for more awesome resources that help you get started with QuickBooks for Mac.

Should you need any further assistance with converting your file, let me know in the comments. I'd be happy to help you in any way that I can. Have a great day!

@glennlois 

Any concern?

Using Parallels with QB Contractor Edition.  Love it, however Intuit Data Protect isn't working. Do you have any suggestions?

Yes, you're right that Intuit Data Protect I(IDP) won't work in the Mac version, mmclerici.

You can look for a third-party application that can backup your data through Parallels. Just visit our marketplace for the list of applications you can use: https://desktop.apps.com/home.

In addition to this, you can use this link to get answers to frequently asked questions with IDP: Common questions about Intuit Data Protect.

You can also contact Parallels to know what application to use in backing up your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

Don't hesitate to post again if there are other QuickBooks concerns you're having with. I'm always around to provide the information that you need.

My question is a little different. I'm wanting to use quickbooks non profit on a PC and a Mac. Can they exchange data?

Allow me to share some information regarding exchanging data from PC to Mac, Pastor EM.

Yes, you can exchange between your PC and Mac. Round-tripping is a process where you need to convert your QuickBooks Desktop for Windows file to a QuickBooks Desktop for Mac file or vice versa.

Please be reminded that the round-tripping procedure is only applicable to the same year version of QuickBooks.

Step 1: On your Windows computer:

1. Update QuickBooks for Desktop for Windows to the latest release.
2. Open the file as the administrator.
3. Click the File menu, then select Utilities. Select Copy Company File for QuickBooks Mac, then follow the onscreen instructions. QuickBooks will create a MAC.qbb (backup) file.
4. You’ll see a message that says "It looks like ‘QuickBooks for Windows’ might be a better fit for your company," Make sure to check what data isn’t converted from Windows. If you want to continue, select Yes.
5. Go to the folder you want to save the file in. Name the file, and select Save. Make sure to not use special characters in the file name.
6. Move the file to your Mac by using any storage device such as a USB flash drive, etc.

Step 2: Restore the MAC.qbb backup on your Mac:

1. Update QuickBooks Desktop for Mac to the latest release.
2. Close QuickBooks.
3. Copy the backup to the Documents folder on your Mac.
4. Reopen QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, then select File, then select Open Company.
5. Select the MAC.qbb file, then select Open.
6. Hit OK when asked if you want to restore a QuickBooks for Windows file.
7. Enter a name for the restored file, and then select Save.

To know more about this process, check out the following resources below. These will provide you list of data that'll be converted to mac as well as types of unsupported reports:

Convert a QuickBooks for Mac file to QuickBooks for Windows.

Convert a QuickBooks for Windows file to QuickBooks for Mac.

You can always get to me if you have any other concerns. I'd be more than willing to lend you a hand. Have a good one.

@Pastor EM 

Do you need the PC user and the Mac user access the same file on QB Desktop (Windows) at the same time? You may have 2 ways with extra cost to do so.

I have been using QB on a windows 10 machine and backing up the files. The windows computer is bricked and I now need to use a mac computer. Can I restore the windows QB backed up files on a mac using QB for mac? The files were backed up on a windows machine, but I can't convert the file to mac file since the PC computer is no longer working. Thanks for you rhelp!

@smartears 

You have to restore the backup file on QB Desktop Windows version and convert the data for QBD Mac. You should get help to do so with someone else or contact us in private.

can we use an external hard drive to back up quickbooks, since the online back up wont work?: 

@sapphomes 

Secure your backup file (QBB) and you can store it on any media (e.g flash drive, external HD, GDrive) 

I typed in "quickbooks desktop" in google search, clicked on it, bought the $350 subscription, no where did it say it was only compatible for windows ..... i have a MAC. Please help. 

@mleekauai7 

Cancel and ask the refund for your license.

https:// quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/help-article/intuit-refunds/request-refund-quickbooks-product/L4BOVrmUn_US_en_US

Then you can purchase a new QBD 2022 for Mac license

https:// quickbooks.intuit.com/desktop/mac/

Another option, you can still purchase a new one time QBD 2021 for Mac license from a few partners. Contact us in private for details.

Thanks for reaching out to the QuickBooks Community, @mleekauai7.

We want to help resolve whatever issues you're getting. QuickBooks Desktop has Windows and Mac versions. You can follow Fiat Lux - ASIA's recommendation to contact the support provider where you bought the license.

If you purchased it from the QuickBooks website, you need to contact our customer service to request for a cancelation. As much as we would love to handle this issue here, we're unable to do so for security reasons. Account-related concerns are handled by our customer service team. This is because they involve personal information which we can't share here in this public page.

For purchases made to Intuit QuickBooks website, contact us using the steps below:

1. Open QuickBooks and click the Help menu.
2. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
3. On the pop-up screen select Contact us.
   
4. Click the Search for Something else button then type your concern in the Ask us anything box.
5. Hit Search then scroll down to get your contact options.

Refer to this article to learn more about our contact options and support availability: Contact QuickBooks Desktop support

Thanks for visiting us today, come back to this page if you have other concerns with QuickBooks Desktop. I'll be right here to help you, just mention me anytime.

I purchased a Desktop Pro Plus for PC but need for a Mac

What can I do

Office Max will not take it back

I've got you covered, @Karla151.

I can see that you've mistakenly purchased your QuickBooks Desktop software, and Office Max won't accept the product anymore. In this case, you can request a refund for the purchase. Please make sure the product was purchased within 60 days of the purchase date. To request a refund, you'll need to provide the following:

• All physical components, including manual and CD if applicable
• A copy of the retail purchase receipt
• Your name or the payee's name (for the refund check)
• Mailing address to send the refund
• Phone number
• Email address (optional, in case there are questions)

Intuit recommends returning your product using a traceable method. If shipping via USPS, consider using registered or certified mail, or a return receipt. Intuit is not responsible for lost mail or products damaged during shipment. Shipping fees for the initial order and product return won't be reimbursed.

I'm adding this article for more guidance: Request a refund for your QuickBooks product.

Once you received the refund, you can purchase QuickBooks Desktop for Mac using this link when you're ready.

Our doors are always open to help you again if you have any other concerns or follow-up questions. It’s nice to work with you, @Karla151.