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JerriB
Level 1

Transferring QB from windows laptop to iMac

I have a desktop version of QB on a Windows laptop. The laptop has died and I have a backup of our QB as of approximately 2 weeks ago saved on a USB drive. Rather than purchase another laptop, I'd really prefer to install QB on my iMac. Here are my questions : 

1. How do I install QB on the iMac? Do I have to re-purchase QB for Mac? Can it be Desktop version or must I do online version?

 

2. Can I use the backup from a Windows based laptop (and Windows based QB) to transfer info to my "new" QB program on the iMac?

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks!

2 Comments 2
Heide DC
QuickBooks Team

Transferring QB from windows laptop to iMac

Thank you for providing the details about converting QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) data from Windows, JerriB. I will offer some constructive options to help you smoothly transition and get your business back on track.

 

Please know that QBDT for Windows is incompatible with iMac. Thus, we're unable to install this program or restore its data directly to your new machine. Furthermore, we no longer offer QBDT for Mac. The desktop available on our website is QBDT Enterprise for Windows.

 

However, if you have an existing QBDT for Mac subscription or program installed on your new machine, you can convert a QuickBooks Desktop for Windows file to QuickBooks Desktop for Mac. There are also several viable pathways you can consider for transferring your data:

 

  • Parallel Hosting: Parallels Desktop is a powerful virtual desktop Mac application that enables users to run Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems and applications on their Mac with Intel or Apple silicon chips. You can coordinate with your IT for more guidance in setting this up. After that, you can download and install your QBDT for Windows. Then, restore your company file.
  • Migrating to QuickBooks Online (QBO): Another productive approach is to explore converting your QuickBooks Desktop files to QuickBooks Online. This option can enhance flexibility and accessibility for your business operations. You can move your books from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online with an online tool.

 

To learn the product basics in QBO and know more about the conversion limitations, check out these articles:

 

 

If you have any further questions about the transition from QuickBooks Desktop for Windows to Mac, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We will support you every step of the way.

Chrea
Level 8

Transferring QB from windows laptop to iMac

@JerriB 

Which QB Desktop year version did you use?

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