How to Move QuickBooks for Mac File to QuickBooks for Windows

The process to change your company file from QuickBooks for Mac file to QuickBooks for Windows is fairly simple. The tools for conversion are provided within the accounting software. Since starting over isn’t a practical option, you can rely on this article for all the required information about the conversion process. Learn how to move QuickBooks for Mac file to QuickBooks for Windows.

Steps to transfer QuickBooks for Mac File to QuickBooks for Windows

To move a QuickBooks for Mac file to QuickBooks for Windows, first, update QuickBooks for Mac. Then, clean up memos by removing special characters and re-sorting lists. Export the file to QuickBooks for Windows, transfer it to your Windows computer, and restore it in QuickBooks for Windows.

Step 1: Update QuickBooks Mac

Before starting the conversion process of QuickBooks company files from Mac to PC, it is better to install the latest updates offered by Intuit for both versions of the accounting software.

Here are the steps to update QuickBooks for Mac:

• Click on the QuickBooks dropdown
• Click on Check for QuickBooks Updates.
• If an update is available, click on Install Update.
• Once the installation files for the update are downloaded, click on Install and Relaunch.

Read More: Update Company File to the Newer Versions of QuickBooks Desktop

The update will be installed, and QuickBooks will launch automatically. If you encounter any problems while installing the updates from within the software, then you can install the update manually. Manual update files are available for free on Intuit’s website.

Step 2: Prepare Your QuickBooks for Mac Company File

Before converting, ensure your company file is clean and compatible by following these steps:

1. Remove Special Characters from Memos

QuickBooks for Mac doesn’t support memos with more than 50 characters or those containing special characters like !@#$%^&*.

To find and fix them:

• Go to the Reports menu and select Custom Transaction Detail Report.
• Set the Dates dropdown to All Dates.
• Double-click each transaction to open it.
• Review the Memo field, remove any special characters, and click Save.
• Close the transaction and repeat for all other affected entries.

2. Re-sort Your Lists

• Go to the File menu, choose Utilities, and then select Verify Data to ensure your file is error-free.

Verifying and rebuilding the data will ensure that the transactions are properly recorded. This will facilitate you during the conversion process. If any error is found, the same will be reported.

Step 3: Transfer Your Company File to QuickBooks for Windows

Now comes the part where we convert the company file. To convert a QuickBooks company file from Mac to PC, follow the steps provided below:

1. Log in as Admin

• Open QuickBooks for Mac and sign in as the admin user.

2. Export the File

• Go to the File menu and select Export → To QuickBooks for Windows.
• If prompted, run a Verify process before backing up—click Verify to proceed.

3. Save the Export File

• Enter a name for the file and choose a location to save it.
• Important: Avoid using special characters in the file name.
• Click Save.

4. Secure the File

• Enter and confirm your password when prompted, then click OK twice.

5. Transfer to Windows

• Move the file to your Windows PC using a USB drive, cloud storage, or email (if the file size permits).

6. Restore in QuickBooks for Windows

• Open QuickBooks for Windows and restore the file using the standard restore process.

Note: Don’t enter any special characters in the name of the converted company file.

Similar Topic: Convert a QuickBooks for Windows File to QuickBooks for Mac

Assistance Switching From QuickBooks Mac To Windows

Easily move your QuickBooks for Mac file to QuickBooks for Windows by following these simple steps to update, prepare, export, and restore your company file seamlessly. After this, we recommend that you create reports like balance sheets and profit and loss statements to assess the accuracy of the converted data. If the final balance in the balance sheet in both QuickBooks Mac and Desktop is the same, then the conversion process was successful.

Otherwise, you must contact us to the QuickBooks Desktop Support team to seamlessly move your QuickBooks for Mac file to QuickBooks for Windows with expert guidance and support every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions