Is anybody running QBD on a virtual machine (like Parallels)

Hi there, @gerdgoebel.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience in the Community. I understand the need to run QuickBooks on a virtual machine. 

There are various types of networks that can be run in QuickBooks. However, running on a local native installation of Windows or macOS like Virtual Servers/Virtual Machines aren't recommended.

You can visit this article for more insights about recommended networks for QuickBooks and check the lists of networks to help you decide which one to use.

The following articles below covers Bank Feeds in QuickBooks for Windows. Feel free to browse them all to get more information and guidelines on how connected online banking accounts works:

• Set up account for Bank Feeds
• Download Bank Feed transactions
• Add and match Bank Feed transactions

Let me know if you still have anything in mind about installing QuickBooks on hosted environment. I'm always around to be your guide.

@gerdgoebel 

I don't recommend to run any supported QBD version on Win 11 or Win 10 Pro for the time being. Can you use the same license key to install Win 10 Home instead? Last week we helped our client buy a $50 Win 10 Home license to run QBD 2021 on Parallels.

Thanks for the network link, katherinejoyceO,

when I read not "recommended" it means to me that I probably should not run it in a virtual machine. Recommendation is a suggestion, not a clear message that it does not run or it is not supported when running it on a VM. That would make it very clear that I run QB on my own risk, and there would be no support.

Why can't Intuit clear about it.

Further, with patch 15 Intuit introduced an "enhanced" bank feature that unfortunately I need for Capital One, where my CC transaction seem to be routed through Intuit. There is a new popup preparing the download of the CC transaction.

In previous QB version I never had something like this, all my CC worked just like the download of my bank transactions.

In any case, even though VMs are available for the longest time, are reliable and work with lots os apps, I wonder why Intuit still does not want QB to be run on a VM.

Hi Fiat Lux - ASIA,

can you substantiate why I should not use a Windows Pro version? I have not seen any "recommendations" from Intuit as to what Windows versions should be used.

And what's the problem with W11? Its out long enough, thus, I am no longer on the "bleeding edge".

I never had a Home version and as a business I always had Pro versions, and they worked for me without a problem with all my Windows apps.

When IE11 was discontinued earlier this year, I saw a lot of issues being reported in the community. Most of the problems are about running the supported QBD version on Win 10 Pro. Regarding Win 11, they are slow to patch QBD whenever a new operating system is released in the market. You can install the trial license for QBD 2021 to compare with your existing QBD 2020.

Thanks for your details.

I just ordered a Windows laptop with W11 Pro before posting my question here. But I still can go back to W10 with my existing Windows license as I don't use it anymore.

And I agree with Intuit being slow adopting new operating systems. For all other Windows apps I have you already get versions when the new OS is still in beta.

What I would expect from Intuit is, that they provide beta version of QBD for us as well when a new Windows OS is introduced. Some users want to upgrade to a new Windows sooner, thus, their apps need to be tested and run on the new OS as well. I know there are trial versions but I need a bit more time to test everything we use in QB.

I don't want to wait on Intuit to hold me back because of QB to go on the next Windows version.

Sometimes I feel "trapped" with QB as there is no other app on the market that has the functionality we use. And Intuit sure can take advantage of it.

And I do like QB and have used it since 2009.

Here is my frustrating experience with QB support.

First of all I already had done the DB rebuild, ran QB Tools Hub Fix my program and QB Program Diagnostics Tool, but no errors where found.

I called QB support and spoke to a tech. support person. He was friendly and tried to help, even did a screen share, we ran the above steps again. He did some internal research but did not come up with anything.

Then support contract was discussed, which I did not see I need one, as I think I called only twice for support in 2 years. Subsequently I had to pay for one time support.

Then it was suggested to have my IT guys check my PC (remember my R14 version was running just fine). Then it was suggested to get my company file checked. Next day I talk to the DB tech. support person, but they basically did not find anything either.

That took place over 3 days, but ultimately, no reason for my issue was found, no solution was provided and I really feel it was a waste of money.

I also want to point out that neither the regular nor the DB tech. support person saw a problem in running QB on a VM or on W11.

So for the last 3 weeks I did my Capital One transaction via download and import into QB.

Yesterday, I ran a program update again. It downloaded lots of updates, and to my surprise my issue was gone as well. So, obviously something change in all those updates fixed my issue as well.

I understand why there are lots of negative comments about support in the forum. It really depends on who you get on the phone when calling support. My first experience (long time ago) was very pleasant, the lady did screen share, helped with my issue and everything was resolved. No questions about needing a support contract, nor "did you consider using QBO", nor having your PC checked by IT. She just was helpful and wanted me to be satisfied with her support.

I've run quickbooks on vm's using Linux servers for years, many years, like 20 now.  Have had no issues what so ever.  Many different versions of Quickbooks, from simple to Enterprise.  I use Libvirt, and qemu.  I simply create a Windows vm, that runs on libvirt, then remote onto the server and install Quickbooks.  Once data is in place, shares created and that's it, users logon to network, map the drive, go to work.  Updates, windows or intuit, no issues.