It's nice to see you in this thread, @CheriD. Thanks for providing thorough details about upgrading your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) for Mac program to a newer release. I'll chime in to share additional insights on why you've encountered some issues and help you update the program seamlessly.

The reason why you're getting some issues while trying to upgrade your QBDT for Mac program is that the 2019 version of the program was already discontinued on May 31, 2022.

Furthermore, your access to QBDT Payroll Services, Live Support, Online Backup, Online Banking, and other services provided by the QBDT 2019 software will also be discontinued if you're using an unsupported version. This also means you won't receive critical security updates.

For more information, kindly refer to this article: QuickBooks Desktop service discontinuation policy.

Nonetheless, you'll want to upgrade your subscription to the supported versions to download the latest releases. Before you begin, be sure to make a backup copy of your company file. This will enable you to restore it and undo any changes that may occur during the process. Once done, follow these steps to download and install the program:

1. Download your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac version or use the CD installer (if purchased from a retailer).
   
   
2. Close all applications.
3. Open the installer or insert the disc into the Mac CD drive. The QuickBooks installation window opens automatically.
4. Drag the QuickBooks icon to the Applications folder. The Applications folder opens automatically.
5. Choose the QuickBooks icon to open the application.

After that, upgrade your company file by following step 4 of this article: Install and set up QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

I’m also adding this resource for your reference, where you can search for related articles whenever you have issues with QuickBooks: Help articles for QBDT Mac.

You should be able to download the supported version after following the steps above. Feel free to post again or comment if you have clarifications about upgrading your QBDT for Mac program. We'll always be around to assist you further.

Dear @fognomad, I can certainly relate to your frustrations and empathize.  I'm in your same boat.  I was reluctant to upgrade to the new Apple OS, but after having an unrelated issue with Safari I called AppleCare and they assured me that Sonoma had "no known issues with QB Mac2020 and I would be okay."

In addition, @Fiat Lux - ASIA told @LindseyAnneS to "Make sure to update your MacOS to Sonoma 14.1" and @4Gal also repeated with "Make sure to update your OS to Sonoma 14.1" so I was confident to move forward with the update.

After the OS update, I reconciled two months worth of bank checking & savings and credit card statements.  I was able to create and email my accountant a Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss, and General Ledger for their review.  After that all that I purposefully created a backup and then shut down QB.  The next day when I opened the program, everything that I did new after the update was gone!  That's when I came here to the community page looking for help.

Over the weekend I've become a little more hopeful.  I called Intuit at (XXX) XXX-XXXX and spoke with a Mac expert and explained my entire situation.  Although he was primarily trying to upsell me on the annual online subscription like @Erika_K and @JessT both mentioned, another option he also mentioned was to try the Mac2021 stand-alone version that is still "supported" by QB.  So, I downloaded that version and tried to "verify" and "restore" my data (under utilities tab), during the free 15 times trial.  But unfortunately no success.

Thankfully @Fiat Lux - ASIA reached out on this thread again, with better a better suggestion, and mentioned "the company file is corrupt."  So that's what made me think to go back and try re-opening my QB Mac2020 from a previous backup before the Sonoma upgrade and......  Taaa-daaaa!  So far so good.  I've been back up and running on Mac2020.  Fingers cross, it will continue to work without major glitches.

I'm sorry you have all your 2023 records stuck somewhere on your laptop @fognomad.  Spending $600+ year for Mac2024 is outrageous.  Perhaps AppleCare can help you downgrade your OS (or watch YouTube) and get back to Ventura and dislodge all that important info.   Good luck and please keep us all posted here and hopefully @CheriD will also be able to share some good news here too!

I just was writing a long detailed reply when the whole thing just disappeared. Par for the course. Who knows. I appreciate all your help. The 2020 download worked.  Thanks.

I have the same issue--QB Desktop for Mac 2020 stopped working after I upgraded to Sonoma. I tried to do what you did, DanLA, and open a previous copy of my QB file (before the upgrade to Sonoma) but the choise is greyed out. It is probably because before trying this, I downloaded QB Desktop for Mac 2021 as Intuit Customer Service suggested (Brian from Kentucky) and it seemed like it was working, converted my data file, but then crashed. Only the converted file is visible and available to open (but cannot be opened). Any suggestions? Thanks.

I have no idea why but I upgraded my Sonoma to 14.1.2 and a few days later decided to try and open my QuickBooks 2020 and for whatever reason it decided it was time to come back to life.  Hope it decides to stay at least until the end of the year.  We will see. 

@GracieSF 

I downloaded QB Desktop for Mac 2021 as Intuit Customer Service suggested

Which trial version of QBD 2021 did you use? 15 times opening or 30 days?

Contact me in private and we can help to use one of those trial versions to isolate your problem.

That's great news @fognomad!!  I hope @CheriD  and @GracieSF also have the same luck we've had.  It's still a mystery how/why, but I'll take it and continue rolling with my Mac2020.   My bookkeeper said that maybe it was because of the big OS update, perhaps certain things needed to settle in place for the QB software in the background over the course of a few days.   Perhaps that makes sense, I dunno.  Fingers crossed this continues to work.

I would like to update this thread and let everyone know that I still am currently using QuickBooks Desktop Mac 2020 Version V19.1.16 R17.3 with macOS Sonoma Version 14.4.1 (23E224) for a couple months now, and everything still appears to be working perfectly.   I hope you're all in the same boat.  Good luck and i hope it continues!

Hi Dan thanks for the update. I am using Sonoma 14.2.1 and my Quickbooks Desktop Mac 2020 is still working fine too! I'm exporting my financial statements regularly just in case...that was a scare last year.

Dear @GracieSF, @fognomad, @CheriD, @4Gal, @LindseyAnneS, @Fiat Lux - ASIA, @Erika_K @Kevin_C, @ShyMae and @DTMacTeam_Ben,

can anyone please confirm if we're able to successfully continue using Mac 2020 Desktop version with the new macOS Sequoia 15.0.1 ?

Thanks in advance, @DanLA 

I'm glad you've joined this thread, @DanLA. QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) for MAC 2020 isn't compatible with the latest macOS, Sequoia 15.0.1.

Based on the latest release of QBDT for Mac, the versions that are compatible with this operating system are:

• QuickBooks Mac 2024 R5.1.
• QuickBooks Mac 2023 R7.2.
• QuickBooks Mac 2022 R12.1.

Feel free to read this article if you want to learn how to restore your company file: Back up your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac company file.

Additionally, QBDT for Mac 2020 was officially discontinued in May 2023. As a result, it no longer receives updates, including those for the latest operating system releases. For more information, you can read this article: QuickBooks Desktop service discontinuation policy.

Check out this article for guidance on which report to create based on the data you wish to view: Create reports in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

Please stay in touch with us if you have additional questions about your QBDT for Mac account versions and system compatibility. We'll ensure you get answers as soon as possible. Keep safe, and have a good day.

Hey @Bryan_M, thanks for your reply.

I would prefer not upgrading to the monthly fee version and will just continue to use my current desktop version which is working fine, and for free, with macOS Sonoma version 14.5.

Do you know if QB Desktop Mac 2020 Version V19.1.16 R17.3 is compatible with the next Sonoma 14.7 update?

Thanks again, @DanLA 

QuickBooks Mac 2020 isn't compatible with MacOS Sonoma, DanLA. Allow me to discuss this further for clarification.

Please know that we only have specific versions of QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, which are compatible with MacOS Sonoma. You can refer to the following:

• QuickBooks Mac Plus 2024 R1.1
• QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023 R5.2
• QuickBooks Mac Plus 2022 R10.2
• QuickBooks Mac 2021 R13.3

Since QuickBooks Mac 2020 is no longer supported, you'll no longer receive critical security updates protecting your data. Hence, you're more likely to encounter compatibility issues without access to our live support if you continue using it. This is also why upgrading your QuickBooks to the latest/supported version is recommended.

Moreover, you might want to scan these materials to ensure your system meets the minimum requirements of QuickBooks Desktop to avoid related issues onward:

• System requirements for QuickBooks Mac Plus 2022
• System requirements for QuickBooks Desktop 2023
• System Requirements for QuickBooks Desktop 2024

Stay in touch for inquiries regarding the compatible operating system for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. We'll be around, willing to offer guidance to keep you back to business as soon as possible.

@DanLA 

As I know, you can run QBD 2019-2021 on Sequoia with random minor issues. You can check the following reference. If you experience any problems after upgrading OS, you should contact Fiat Lux for advice.

www.fiatlux.co.id/single-post/quickbooks-desktop-after-september-2024-what-next

Hey @KimberlyS , thanks for your reply.

I would prefer not upgrading to the monthly fee version and will just continue to use my current desktop version which is working fine, and for free, with macOS Sonoma version 14.5.

Do you know if QB Desktop Mac 2020 Version V19.1.16 R17.3 is compatible with the next Sonoma 14.7 update?

Thanks again, @DanLA 

Dear @Chrea, thanks for the link to @Fiat Lux - ASIA's website.  According to that webpage, it appears that Mac 2020 would likely work on the new Sequoia iOS without any issues.  However, before I take that plunge where could I can find a Mac 2024 Desktop version for sale?  It's nice to know that Intuit has recently released patches for it and "will support QuickBooks Desktop 2024 until May 2027."

Thanks again, @DanLA 

Technology is advancing at a swift pace, bringing forth new features, security protocols, and system architectures. I'd like to reiterate that QuickBooks for Mac 2020 will not be compatible with the 14.7 version of Sonoma or any subsequent updates, DanLA.

As you may already be aware, versions of the software that are no longer supported do not receive updates, including compatibility fixes for newer operating systems released after a particular version of QuickBooks. The 2020 version was officially discontinued in May 2023.

You can read more details about the discontinuation policy here: QuickBooks Desktop Service Discontinuation Policy.

Whenever a new operating system is launched, Intuit requires time to test and develop any necessary updates to ensure that the supported versions of QuickBooks are fully compatible. That being said, our engineers have already released a patch to update the supported versions of QuickBooks for Mac, ensuring compatibility with the Sequoia operating system.

This is why we recommend upgrading to a supported version to ensure continued compatibility with the latest Mac OS updates and to receive ongoing software support and security patches.

Feel free to check out these articles to get more information about the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop for Mac:

• What's New In QuickBooks Mac Plus 2024
• Release Notes For QuickBooks Mac Plus 2024

   

Dear @jenop2, where did you find that information?  It's not accurate.

My mac 2020 is compatible with Sonoma.  I would like to reiterate that I'm currently using Mac2020 (V19.1.16 R17.3) with macOS Sonoma 14.5 and everything works perfectly fine.

Although I'm hesitant to download the newer Sequoia OS 15.0.1 (although according to https://www.fiatlux.co.id/single-post/quickbooks-desktop-after-september-2024-what-next, it should be fine), I would like to know if mac OS Sonoma 14.7 should also be fine.

Please advise.

@DanLA 

Before upgrading your OS to Sequoia, we recommend that you install the trial version of QB Desktop 2024 to be sure. If you have problems running QB Desktop 2020, you can use the trial version to keep your files safe. You should contact Fiat Lux for details.

How much is Mac Desktop 2024 if I choose to move forward with that and Sequoia?

I'll discuss the option to purchase the QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Mac 2024, @DanLA.

As of September 30, 2024, we have discontinued sales of QBDT Mac Plus across all channels. However, this change doesn't impact existing subscribers. They can continue to renew their subscriptions and receive updates.

Refer to this article to learn more: Can't buy QuickBooks Desktop as a new US subscriber.

In the meantime, you can install a trial version of QBDT Mac. Before doing so, ensure to create a backup of your company file, as this will allow you to restore it in case any issues arise. It's also important to know that you're unable to restore a 2020 company file in a QBDT 2024. You'll need to update the file as well so it works in newer versions of the software.

Furthermore, you can enable multiuser mode in QBDT Mac so multiple users can work on your company file simultaneously.

Please keep me updated if you have additional questions about purchasing a QBDT Mac. The Community team is always available around the clock to continue assisting you. Stay safe, and have a good one.

@DanLA 

Have you contacted Fiat Lux? They may have a canceled QB Desktop 2024 license that you can use to resubscribe.

I can’t but a mac2024 disc somewhere @JaeAnnC and install it?

Thanks Chrea for the suggestion.  Maybe @Fiat Lux - ASIA has a license I can use for the download?