Using a iMac desktop and a Mac laptop

thefivecjs

I am using Quicken Classic at v8.5

If I move the quicken data file from a local drive to an iCloud Drive, can the two computers use that same file. I do not wish to use them simultaneously but I want to be able to use the laptop when I am away.

Quicken Anja

Hello @thefivecjs,

Thanks for reaching out!

Storing your active Quicken data file on a cloud-based drive (such as iCloud Drive) is strongly advised against, as it can lead to data file damage and/or corruption.

Cloud services can sync files while they are in use or only partially written, which can cause inconsistencies—even if you are not using the file on both computers at the same time.

While the article below specifically references Dropbox, the same guidance applies to all cloud-based storage services, including iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive, and others:
https://www.quicken.com/support/can-i-share-my-quicken-file-between-multiple-computers-using-dropbox/

Key points from that guidance:

• Opening the same file on multiple machines (even unintentionally via syncing) can cause corruption
• Files should not be opened directly from a cloud drive
• Cloud services are best used for storing backups—not active data files

If you want to use Quicken across two computers, the safest method is to keep the file stored locally and transfer a backup copy between machines (for example, via USB or another manual method), ensuring only one active version is in use at a time.

I hope this helps clarify!