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Reinstall QuickBooks for Mac using clean install

by Intuit • Image Alt Text 2
Image Alt Text Updated 6/1/2026 09:23

Learn how to clean install or clean uninstall QuickBooks for Mac.

If reinstalling your QuickBooks doesn't fix the issue, you can do a clean install. This removes QuickBooks with the installation files that were left behind to reinstall the program from a clean slate.

Step 1: Uninstall QuickBooks Mac Desktop

Before you uninstall QuickBooks Desktop, have your QuickBooks Desktop download file (or installation CD) and license numbers ready.

  • Close QuickBooks.

  • Go to the Finder menu, then select Applications.

  • Drag the QuickBooks icon to the Trash.

Step 2: Remove QuickBooks PLIST files

Important: You need to remove both PLIST* files from the User and System folder. Once removed, all preferences will revert back to its default settings. This can cause your QuickBooks to be unregistered.

*Preference files that store registration and any preferences set within QuickBooks, shows .plist as file extension.

User PLIST

  • Go to the Finder menu.

  • Hold down the Option key, then select Library.

  • Open the Preferences folder.

  • Find PLIST files that contains com.intuit.QuickBooks20XX, then move them to the Trash.

    Note: XX is the QuickBooks version you’re using.

  • Empty the trash.

System PLIST

  • From a new Finder window, open the Macintosh HD.

  • Go to Library, then Preferences folder.

  • Find PLIST files that contains com.intuit.QuickBooks20XX, then move them to the Trash.
    Note: XX is the QuickBooks version you’re using.
    Tip: If you don't see the Macintosh HD icon in Finder,

    • Go to Finder, select Preferences then General Tab.

    • Select Hard disks is checkmarked.

  • Empty the trash.

Step 3: Restart your device

Step 4: Reinstall QuickBooks

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