OSX compatibility

Welcome to Community @David Meyer.

Let me help you and give you ideas about the system requirements in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. Currently, the supported operating system (OS) in this version of QuickBooks is Mac OS Mojave the one you use and Mac Os X v.10 10 (Yosemite). However, the Mac OS Catalina is not compatible with your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac application since it might cause data file corruption and data loss.

In case you'll want to manually update your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. You can follow these steps provided below. Here's how:

Uninstall your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac application

1. Close the QuickBooks application.
2. Go to the Finder menu, choose Go Applications.
3. Drag the QuickBooks icon to the Uninstall or Trash button.
4. Reinstall the latest version of it.

Reinstall your latest version

1. Go to this link QuickBooks Product Updates.
2. Select your county, product, and the QuickBooks version by clicking the dropdown arrow in the field.
3. Click Search.
4. Hit the Download button.
5. Double-click the downloaded .dmg file.
6. Drag the QuickBooks Desktop icon to the Application folder to install.

Once done installing the application, you can now restore your company file in the latest version of your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

Please know that I'll be around here in the Community in case you'll need further assistance. Take care and have a great day!

Thank you for your very helpful response. If I choose to "update" as you have directed, does that mean that I will be downloading an updated version of QB2016 (I have Version17.2.32R33), or will I be directed to download and purchase QB2020?

Thank you for getting back in here, @David Meyer.

Let me add some insights about updating QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. Updating means keeping your software up-to-date, so you always have the latest features.

My colleague provided the steps for updating your software. This way, you have a guide on how to uninstall and reinstall the application. 

Also, QuickBooks Desktop for Mac  2016 isn't compatible to Catalina Mac OS.

I've attached this article that can guide you more about updating your software: Update QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

Click the Reply button if you have further queries. I'll be around to help. Have a pleasant day.

I puzzled about the nuances in your response (I have the same question).  Will QB16 work, or not work with Catalina?  I have updated QB16 to the "latest version" (17.2.32.726 R33).  I am planning to upgrade my OS to Catalina, but I don't want to do that unless QB16 will work with it.  Will I have to "uninstall" and then "reinstall" QB16?  If so, why?

I'm puzzled about your response.  I have the same question - will QB16 work if I upgrade to Catalina?  I have the latest version of QB16 (17.2.32.726 R33) and want to upgrade to Catalina.  Will it work?  Why would I have to "uninstall and then reinstall" QB16?

Was this the incorrect sentence - Also, upgrading to macOS Catalina will be compatible with QuickBooks Mac 2016 for its currently an unsupported version. ?

Did you mean NOT compatible?

Hello there, Edge4417.

I’m here to help and provide clarification about using Mac OS Catalina with QuickBooks for Mac 2016.

For Mac 2016 R5 or earlier, it will run with Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan) and Mac OS 10.10.2 (Yosemite). While Mac 2016 R6 or later, supports the following: Mac OS X v10.14 (Mojave), 10.13 (High Sierra), Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan), and Mac OS X v10.12 (Sierra).

Using any of these browsers ensures the program is compatible with your setup. It also keeps you from experiencing any issues.

There’s no need to uninstall and reinstall your desktop program if you haven’t installed Mac OS Catalina. However, if you’re able to install it, perform the recommended steps in this article: Reinstall QuickBooks for Mac using clean install.

Check out this link for more details. These resource list all the minimum requirements needed to get you the best experience when using the desktop program: Desktop for Mac 2021 System Requirements.

Keep in touch if you still need help with QuickBooks. I’m more than happy to lend a helping hand. Have a good one.

I wish you would simply read my question and respond to it rather than giving me a "canned answer."  You still have not answered my question.

Thanks for coming back, Edge4417. 

The Mac OS Catalina is not compatible with your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac application since it might cause data file corruption and data loss. At this time, the supported operating system (OS) is Mac OS Mojave and Mac Os X v.10 10 (Yosemite).

Feel free to visit our Install, upgrade, and register  page for more insights about installing and registering QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

I'm just one post away if you need a hand with upgrading your software or any QucikBooks related. Just add the details to your reply and I'll be there to address them for you. You have a good one.

Thank you for reading and answering my very simple question.  I noticed that "someone with QB" edited the errant previous post to correct verbiage that QB16 is "not" compatible with Catalina.  It's odd that no one admitted to users that this was an incorrect post - particularly since I had to ask the question 3 times to get an answer.

Okay, now another simple question.  If I were to upgrade to Mac OS Big Sur, which version of QB will I need?  Can I upgrade my QB16 to "that" version?

Hi Edge4417,

I also like to provide simple answers to my busy customers, so here’s what you’re looking for. Versions of QuickBooks compatible with Mac OS Big Sur.

• QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2021 R3 and later versions
• QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2020 R6 and later versions

About the upgrade, yes, you can upgrade your QB Mac 2016 company file to any of the versions above. Just create a backup file in version 2016 and restore it in the new QB Mac after installation.

Feel free to reach back out if you have other questions about QB Mac.

I'm wondering if you (Edge4417) were able to upgrade QB on your Mac? I am currently using QB 16.1.14.1580 R15 on my Mac running on Catalina (OS 10.15.7) and would like to upgrade my Mac OS without losing the ability to run Quick Books without having to purchase their Cloud version of their software.
How did you address this? And what was your fix?

My resolution was to stop using QB since none of them are compatible - unless you get a price gouging subscription.  This is a massive failing of QB since they have obviously become money hungry - even after we were exclusive to them for over a decade.  There is no loyalty to longtime customers, so why keep funding them?

Instead, we use "Manager" which is free and suits our purposes just fine

https://www.manager.io/

It's not flawless, but it is at least as good as QB - and there is no charge for it.

Thank you so much for your help. I'm looking into your advice on Manager now.

You've been great help! And appreciate your quick response...

@macpubs 

If you work alone and only need limited features, you can take advantage of it for free. I learned that this program is quite popular outside the US (e.g Asia and Europe). I would say they built it with a "Linux" mentality years ago. You can also utilize another free app to pay your bills for free.

https://melio.grsm.io/pricing

Thanks you, but can you be a little more specific... when you say "it" does that mean Manager or QB? "you can take advantage of it for free"

Manager on Desktop platform.

Unfotunately I can't find my original Quickbooks 2016 disc anywhere download a new version and have lost all my date starting with 2003. Everything is gone!!! The Quickbooks version has disappeared along with all the data. Any suggestions? It means inputting every from paper backup

So sorry to hear about this.  I do not know of a solution.  We have become far too dependent upon technology and your tragic story is a prime example.  Here's another one.  This past weekend, my wife and I were visiting the Southeast that was devastated by the Hurricane and floods.  We did not know our way around the town, so we relied on our cell phones & GPS to give us directions.  The only problem was that our cell phones did NOT work!  So we were basically blind since we did not have any paper "maps" with us.  Lesson learned!

Your efforts in finding a way to recover your QuickBooks 2016 data are commendable, cj85. I understand how incredibly challenging it can be to lose such critical information, especially when it dates back to 2003. The thought of starting over can feel overwhelming, but I want you to know that you’re not alone in this process, and I’m here to provide you with support and guidance.
 

To begin with, you can log in to the CAMPS using your Intuit credentials to retrieve your product and license information, specifically if you have misplaced the installation disc. This step is crucial as it allows you to access the details required for downloading QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT). 

Once you have your product information, proceed with the download process. In this situation, I recommend contacting our live support team directly. They can assist and confirm whether a physical disc is still available. Otherwise, you can download the QBDT through Intuit's official website.

After successfully downloading the software, it’s important to note that since your version of QBDT is discontinued, you'll also need to contact our live support team again to obtain your activation code. This code is essential for activating your software and ensuring it functions correctly. Once everything is in place, the next step involves restoring a backup copy of your company file into the newly downloaded QBDT. This process will be straightforward if you have backup files saved digitally. 

On the other hand, if you only have paper copies of your financial data as backups, you'll need to enter all financial information into the system manually. While the possibility of re-entering all your financial data is daunting, there are some strategies to make this process more manageable. For instance, organizing your paper backups by date or category can help you systematically input information into the new system. 

Losing years of financial records, especially dating back to 2003, is undoubtedly a significant challenge, cj85. I understand the extensive value of your data and the time it represents. While the option of re-entering everything from paper backups is challenging, please know I'm here to support you through this process. Our team is committed to exploring every possible alternatives to help recover your data or, if necessary, to make the data re-entry process as efficient as possible. Remember, you're not alone in this challenge. I'm dedicated to finding the best solution for your situation and minimizing the impact on your business operations. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance as we work through this together.

@cj85 

Do you have any QB data files? e.g *.qb2016. *.qbb

What macOS do you run? You can install the trial version of QB Desktop 2016 as the first step.