Unlike the 'other guy' we will not try to give you an in-depth examination or explanation of our testing of Windows 10 with both QuickBooks 2015, and preliminary (early release) copies of QuickBooks 2016, desktop products. Based upon our tests we found only minor (easily resolved) issues with QuickBooks 2015 and 2016, unlike issues we identified with QuickBooks 2014 and Windows 10 (previously discussed in a 2 part mini-series).
Probably the most common difficulties encountered involve improper Windows 10 configurations in terms of both Microsoft .NET Framework and Microsoft Internet Explorer. You should insure that both of these QuickBooks essential 3rd Party Add-on Programs are actively configured in Windows 10 if you intend to run either QuickBooks 2015 or QuickBooks 2016..
.
Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
.
Even though QuickBooks 2015 and 2016 are supposed to run under Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0, they apparently also perform some functions better when Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is also enabled. (Who knows why, but even Intuit Technical Support admits as much.) By default this 'Windows feature' is turned off in Windows 10, even though .NET Framework 4.0 is enabled. To turn on Microsoft .NET 3.5 follow these steps:
1) Open the Windows 10 Start Menu
2) Type Turn Windows features On or Off
3) Click on Turn Windows features On or Off when it appears in the Start menu list.
4) At the top you should see an option for .NET Framework 3.5, ensure it is enabled.
5) If it is NOT enabled:
- Click in the white check box to enable it.
- Click OK
- Reboot your computer.
6) If .NET Framework 3.5 is already enabled, click Cancel (no additional action is required).
.
Internet Explorer 11 Browser
.
Many QuickBooks features require Internet Explorer. By default the new Microsoft Edge browser is active and selected as the default browser in Windows 10. To configure Internet Explorer 11 Browser follow these steps:
1) Open the Windows 10 Start Menu
2) Type Default Browser
3) Click the link that says Choose a default web browser when it appears in the Start menu list.
4) When the Settings window appears, click the Default apps heading on the left (it should already be highlighted).
5) On the right of the scree, look for the heading Web browser and click the icon.
6) A new Choose an app window will appear, select Internet Explorer 11 as your default browser, then click OK.
7) Check to see if Internet Explorer 11 is accessible by clicking on Start:
- Type Internet Explorer
- When it appears in the list, right click it and select either Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar.
Once you resolve these Windows 10 configuration issues you probably won't have any other significant issues with QuickBooks 2015 or QuickBooks 2016. If on the other hand YOU have experienced other issues when attempting to install, run or use QuickBooks 2015 or QuickBooks 2016 under Windows 10, please post your experiences in the comments to this article. We are absolutely certain that our readers will love to hear what you can contribute to this topic.