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David Meyer
Level 1

OSX compatibility

I am currently using QB2016 (Desktop) for Mac, running with macOS Mojave (10.14.6). I am considering upgrading to macOS Catalina. Will QB 2016 continue to work in the upgraded OS?

17 Comments 17
Rejeil_O
QuickBooks Team

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!

David Meyer
Level 1

OSX compatibility

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?

Rubielyn_J
QuickBooks Team

OSX compatibility

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.

Edge4417
Level 2

OSX compatibility

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?

Edge4417
Level 2

OSX compatibility

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?

Edge4417
Level 2

OSX compatibility

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?

Rasa-LilaM
QuickBooks Team

OSX compatibility

 

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.

Edge4417
Level 2

OSX compatibility

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.

RCV
QuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team

OSX compatibility

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.

Edge4417
Level 2

OSX compatibility

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?

JessT
Moderator

OSX compatibility

 

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.

macpubs
Level 2

OSX compatibility

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?

Edge4417
Level 2

OSX compatibility

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.

macpubs
Level 2

OSX compatibility

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...

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

OSX compatibility

@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

 

 

macpubs
Level 2

OSX compatibility

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"

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

OSX compatibility

Manager on Desktop platform.

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