MacBook Compatibility

Hi Bjersey,

I'm here to share some information when moving your QuickBooks file.

You're unable to use your QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise on a MacBook. Though, you can convert the file to QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. Before doing so, ensure that you update QuickBooks for Desktop for Windows to the latest release. 

Then, you're good to convert the program. Let me guide you how:

1. Open the file as the administrator.
2. Go to the File menu, then select Utilities.
3. Tap 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 USB flash drive, etc.

Once done, the system will create a MAC.qbb file copy of a QuickBooks Desktop company file that you can restore in QuickBooks for Mac. Here’s how:

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. Select OK when asked if you want to restore a QuickBooks for Windows file.
7. Enter a name for the restored file, and then press Save.

For the steps and details, check out the Convert a QuickBooks for Windows file to QuickBooks for Mac article.

You can also visit our  Help Articles page for more insight s about managing your business in your software.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us again whenever you need help in converting the data. Have a good one!

You may have 2 ways to access your company file on the Windows server.

1. Install Parallels + Windows OS on your Mac.

2. Setup a simple private cloud solution. Your Mac users will access the file over the internet connection. You can also utilize the solution to let other Windows users to  access the file remotely in multiuser mode.

Thanks Adrian this is great info!