Move QuickBooks for Mac file to QuickBooks for Windows

Learn how to change your company file from QuickBooks for Mac to QuickBooks for Windows.

If you switch from QuickBooks for Mac to Windows, you don’t have to start over. Convert your Mac company file to Windows and you’re good to go.

Step 1: Update QuickBooks for Mac

Follow the steps to update QuickBooks to the latest release.

Step 2: Get your QuickBooks for Mac company file ready

Remove any memos longer than 50 characters or contain special characters like !@#$%^&*

Search for memos with special characters in them

1. Select the Reports menu and then Custom Transaction Detail Report.
2. From the Dates drop-down menu, select All Dates.
3. Double-click a transaction with a memo to open it.
4. Delete the special characters from the memo field and select Save.
5. Close the transaction.
6. Repeat the steps for all other transactions.
7. Re-sort your lists.
8. Go to File and select Utilities then Verify Data.

Step 3: Move your company file to QuickBooks for Windows

1. Sign in to QuickBooks Mac as the admin.
2. Go to File menu and select Export. Select To QuickBooks for Windows.
   If you get a prompt to verify before you back up, select Verify.
3. Name the file and choose the folder to save it in. Then, select Save.
   Note: Make sure you don't add special characters in the file name.
4. Enter and confirm your password, then select OK. Select OK again.
5. Move the file to your Windows computer. Most people do this with a USB flash drive, online storage, or email if the file is small enough.
6. Restore the file in QuickBooks for Windows.

Move your data from QuickBooks for Mac to Windows and back

Do you send your Mac file to an accountant who has Windows and they send it back to you? This is known as round-tripping.

Tips:

• Hold off on installing any QuickBooks updates until you get your file back.
• Avoid entering anything new while your accountant has your file. This way you don't lose any records when you get your file back.