How do I transfer Quickbooks 2016 for Mac on old Mac Book Pro to a new 2023 Mac Book Pro laptop?

You can't run QB Desktop 2016 on Sonoma. You can purchase a new QB Desktop 2024 Mac Plus license to run on your new machine. I don't recommend to purchase the license via that link. It is better to call Intuit Sales team by phone to purchase it. Another option, you can contact @Fiat Lux - ASIA to purchase a new legit license + you can get $100 cashback. They will also offer a cheaper option if you don't need to run any add-ons (e.g QB Payroll, QB Payment).

Let me guide you on what steps you must undertake to accomplish this, lanikita.

When using QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023, there is a specific minimum system requirement so it works on the 2023 MacBook Pro. Check the specifications below:
 

• An operating system of at least Mac OS X v12.0 (Monterey).
• iOS 12.0 or later for iPhone-related features.
• Supports either Intel or Apple CPU hardware.
• Internet connection required.

To start transferring files, ensure to create a backup copy of your current QuickBooks 2016 company file. Then, open your QuickBooks from your PC and create a MAC.qbb file. This is a copy of the QuickBooks Desktop company file that you can restore in QuickBooks for Mac. 

After that, if you can still open your QuickBooks on your PC, update QuickBooks to its latest release. Then search QuickBooks on your computer and Run as Administrator. Next, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Go to 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.
2. 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. then select Yes.
3. Go to the folder where you want to save the file. Make sure you don't use special characters in the file name.
4. Move the file to your Mac by using any storage device such as a USB flash drive, etc.

Once done, restore the backup copy on your Mac. To do so, I've outlined the steps in numbers:

1. If you haven't downloaded QuickBooks, visit our website page to install it: Downloads & Updates.
2. Make sure to update QuickBooks Desktop for Mac to the latest release.
3. Close and reopen QuickBooks. Then, copy the backup to the Documents folder on your Mac.
4. Go to the File menu. Then, select Open Company.
5. Select the MAC.qbb file, then select Open.
6. Click OK to restore the file
7. Enter a name for the restored file. Then, Save.

You can also download our 30-day trial to restore the backup copy of your QuickBooks file (2016) if you can't open the backup copy from your new computer: Download a trial of QuickBooks Desktop.

After you've successfully converted your data to your new computer, learn what features help you automate and streamline your daily accounting tasks. I've added this article for reference: What's New in QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023.

Reach out to us anytime if you have any further questions about transferring your data to your new 2023 Mac Book Pro. We're always here to assist you. 

Hi-

Thank you for the information.

The directions you provided were for Migrating from PC (Windows) to Mac.   I will actually be migrating from a 2016 Macbook Pro using Quickbooks 2016 for Mac to a 2023 Macbook Pro.

Can you tell me how to migrate from a 2016 Macbook Pro using Quickbooks 2016 for Mac to a 2023 Macbook Pro?

How do I "Run as Administrator" on a Mac?

It appears that the 2023 MacBook Pro meets the specifications you mentioned to work with QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023. 

How / Where can I purchase QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023? I would ideally prefer a version that is not subscription based and just need accounting features to keep costs down.

Thank you.

@lanikita 

How / Where can I purchase QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023? I would ideally prefer a version that is not subscription based and just need accounting features to keep costs down.

As of QB Desktop 2022, Intuit only offers the subscription license. Only scammers offer QB Desktop 2022-2024 with non subscription licenses. You should contact @Fiat Lux - ASIA for advise. You can purchase a new legit license of QB Desktop 2024 Pro Plus for single user = $650 + you can get $100 cashback. They will also share you another option to use QB Desktop with a non subscription license.

Hi, @lanikita.

I'll add information about the migration in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac and route you in the right direction for support to get around this issue.

I'd agree with what Deighty Alpha said in this thread. Intuit offers subscription-based licenses. Thus, I recommend contacting our Sales Customer Care Team to help you with the best process.

Here's how:

1. Go to this link: Contact Us.
2. Choose QuickBooks for Mac as the product. 
3. In the box, enter something like "Purchase QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023." 
4. Click Continue. 
5. Select a way to connect with us.

Moreover, I'm adding this article again to learn more about what's new in QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023: What's new in QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023.

In addition, you can get updated on what's improved in the latest updates by checking out this resource: Release Notes for QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023.

I'll be around if you need further assistance managing your files and subscriptions. I'm very eager to help. Take care.

How did your QuickBooks migration go to the new mac? I'm facing a similar scenario and would love to hear how things ultimately went for you.

Thank you,

-b.

@carrisco 

Which QB Desktop year version?

Which macOS do you run?

Same as the OP:

QuickBooks Desktop Mac 2016 to 2024 Plus (or 2019+ if I decide to go the cheaper route, as 2019+ is compatible with MacOS 14...)

I only use invoicing, so I don't care about payroll, etc., but I don't want to get stuck in the same scenario a year from now, which is why I wonder if 2024 is a better idea than 2019 or 2020.

-b.

Which macOS do you run?

The new machine will run the latest MacOS (version 14), but I'm also wanting to think ahead and not have to be stuck with old OS versions every time Apple releases a new MacOS just because of QuickBooks.

Is there any reason to think that 2024 Plus will support future MacOS versions longer than 2019/2020/2021? All versions currently run fine on the latest MacOS 14.

-b.

They will support QB Desktop 2024 until 2027. At least you are guaranteed to upgrade your OS until 2026.

Yes, it's probably prudent to get the newest then.

And based on 2019 still working with Sonoma, I'd guess that 2024 will live on a bit longer than 2027, even without active support.

Thank you for the assistance!

-b.