- MAXQDA 24 – Windows
Operating System: Windows 11, Windows 10 (64 bit)
Processor: 2 cores with 1,6 GHz each recommended: 4 or more cores, 2 GHz each.
Windows ARM computers or tablet computers with ARM processors are not supported.RAM: min. 4 GB. Recommended: 8 GB or more
Display: min. 1.280 x 720. Recommended: 1.920 x 1.080 or more
License Activation: Internet connection necessary once for activation
Microsoft Office: The import of .doc or .odt documents require Microsoft Word 2003 or newer and .NET 3.5 or newer. (.NET is automatically installed if missing and might require a system restart).
Additional Comments: If you are working with challenging projects and/or large media files adequate computer hardware is recommended.
- MAXQDA 24 – Mac
Operating System: macOS 15.x (Sequoia), macOS 14.x (Sonoma), macOS 13.x (Ventura), macOS 12.x (Monterey), macOS 11.x (Big Sur), macOS 10.15 (Catalina), macOS 10.14 (Mojave)
Processor: 2 cores with 1,6 GHz each recommended: 4 or more cores, 2 GHz each. ARM processors are supported only for Apple desktop and laptop computers. ARM processors in Apple tablet computers are not supported.
RAM: min. 4 GB. Recommended: 8 GB or more
Display: min. 1.280 x 720. Recommended: 1.920 x 1.080 or more
License Activation: Internet connection necessary once for activation
Additional Comments: If you are working with challenging projects and/or large media files adequate computer hardware is recommended.
- MAXQDA 24 – Network/University
Server PC Requirements
Network and University licenses are set up and managed with the MAXQDA Netlic Service and MAXQDA Netlic Manager in a Windows environment. The MAXQDA Netlic Manager gives you on demand access to all the information concerning your MAXQDA Netlic License and allows you to easily activate or extend your license(s).
Operating System: Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2012, Windows 11 (64 bit), Windows 10 (64 bit), 8.1 (64 bit), 8 (64 bit)
RAM: min. 2 GB.
Environment: Network licenses must be installed in a client-server environment.
Client Computer Requirements
Users can access a MAXQDA network license with both Windows and Mac computers. When MAXQDA is started, the client PC logs on to the MAXQDA Netlic Service and occupies a “Seat”.
Client computers must be logged on in the same domain as the server.
Client computer need to have a permanent connection to the server in order to use MAXQDA.
The system requirements for client PCs are the same as for “MAXQDA 24” (top left).
- Older MAXQDA Versions
MAXQDA 2022 (Windows/Mac)
MAXQDA 2022 – Windows
MAXQDA 2022 – Mac
Operating System Windows 11
Windows 10 (64 bit)macOS 13.0 (Ventura)
macOS 12.0 (Monterey)
macOS 11.0 (Big Sur)
macOS 10.15 (Catalina)
macOS 10.14 (Mojave)Processor 2 cores with 1,6 GHz each
recommended: 4 or more cores, 2 GHz each
- Windows ARM computers or tablet computers with ARM processors are not supported.
2 cores with 1,6 GHz each
recommended: 4 or more cores, 2 GHz each
- ARM processors are supported only for Apple desktop and laptop computers.
- ARM processors in Apple tablet computers are not supported.
RAM 4 GB; recommended: 8 GB or more 4 GB; recommended: 8 GB or more Display 1.280 x 720; recommended: 1.920 x 1.080 or more 1.280 x 720; recommended: 1.920 x 1.080 or more License
ActivationInternet connection necessary once for activation Internet connection necessary once for activation Microsoft Office /
Microsoft .NETThe import of .doc or .odt documents require Microsoft Word 2003 or newer and .NET 3.5 or newer. (.NET is automatically installed if missing and might require a system restart). No special requirements Additional Comments If you are working with challenging projects and/or large media files adequate computer hardware is recommended. MAXQDA 2022 Network Licence – Server PC
Operating System Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2012
Windows 10 (64 bit), 8.1 (64 bit), 8 (64 bit)RAM 2 GB or more Environment Network licenses must be installed in a user-server environment. MAXQDA 2022 Network Licence – Client PC
Users can access a MAXQDA network license with both Windows and Mac computers. When MAXQDA is started, the client PC logs on to the MAXQDA Netlic Service and occupies a “Seat”.
Client computers must be logged on in the same domain as the server.
Please note that a permanent connection to the server is required to use MAXQDA.
The system requirements for client PCs are the same as for “MAXQDA 2022”.
.MAXQDA 2020 (Windows/Mac)
MAXQDA 2020
for WindowsMAXQDA 2020
for MacOperating System Windows 11 (64 bit)
Windows 10 (64 bit)
Windows 8.1 (64 bit)
Windows 8 (64 bit)
macOS 11.0 (Big Sur)
macOS 10.15 (Catalina)
macOS 10.14 (Mojave)
macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)
macOS 10.12 (Sierra)
Processor 2 cores with 1,6 GHz each
recommended: 4 or more cores, 2 GHz each
ARM processors in tablet computers are not supported.2 cores with 1,6 GHz each
recommended: 4 or more cores, 2 GHz each
ARM processors in tablet computers are not supported.RAM 4 GB
recommended: 8 GB or more4 GB
recommended: 8 GB or moreDisplay 1.024 x 768 or more 1.024 x 768 or more License
ActivationInternet connection necessary once for activation Internet connection necessary once for activation Microsoft Office /
Microsoft .NETThe import of .doc or .odt documents require Microsoft Word 2003 or newer and .NET 3.5 or newer. (.NET is automatically installed if missing and might require a system restart). No special requirements Additional Comments If you are working with challenging projects and/or large media files adequate computer hardware is recommended. MAXQDA 2020 Portable
for WindowsMAXQDA 2020 Portable
for MacSize min. 900 MB of free space. min. 900 MB of free space. Format FAT / FAT32 FAT / FAT32 / Mac OS Extend (Journaled) / HFS+
For macOS Catalina: Mac OS Extend (Journaled) / HFS+USB 3.0 For better performance use USB 3.0 (or higher) flash drive which your computer recognizes as a “Removable Disk“ and a USB 3.0 (or higher) port. For better performance use USB 3.0 (or higher) flash drive which your computer recognizes as a “Removable Disk“ and a USB 3.0 (or higher) port. No Encryption USB flash drives that are encrypted or have other protective mechanisms may not be recognized correctly. USB flash drives that are encrypted or have other protective mechanisms may not be recognized correctly. No Write protection No write protection must be activated for the use of MAXQDA 2020. No write protection must be activated for the use of MAXQDA 2020. Docking Stations / Adapters USB flash drives connected to USB-C adapters or a docking stations may not be recognized. USB flash drives connected to USB-C adapters or a docking stations may not be recognized. Network Licence – System Requirements for the Server PC
Operating System Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2012
Windows 10 (64 bit), 8.1 (64 bit), 8 (64 bit)RAM 2 GB or more Environment Network licenses must be installed in a user-server environment. Network Licence – System Requirements for the Client Computer
Users can access a MAXQDA network license with both Windows and Mac computers. When MAXQDA is started, the client PC logs on to the MAXQDA Netlic Service and occupies a “Seat”. Client computers must be logged on in the same domain as the server. Please note that a permanent connection to the server is required to use MAXQDA. The system requirements for client PCs are the same as for “MAXQDA 2020” (top left). MAXQDA 2018 (Windows/Mac)
MAXQDA 2018
for WindowsMAXQDA 2018
for MacOperating System Windows 10
Windows 8
Windows 7macOS 10.14 (Mojave)
macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)
macOS 10.12 (Sierra)
Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)
Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks)Processor 2 cores with 1.3 GHz each
recommended: 2 or more cores, with 2 GHz each (or more)
ARM processors in tablet computers are not supported.1,3 GHz with 2 cores
recommended: 2 or more cores, with 2 GHz each (or more)
ARM processors in tablet computers are not supported.RAM 2 GB
recommended: 4 GB or more2 GB
recommended: 4 GB or moreDisplay 1.024 x 768 or more 1.024 x 768 or more License
ActivationInternet connection necessary once for activation Internet connection necessary once for activation Microsoft Office /
Microsoft .NETThese features requir Microsoft Word 2003 or newer and .NET 3.5 or newer. (.NET is automatically installed if missing and might require a system restart):
- Import .doc/x or .odt-documents
- Export with Smart Publisher
- Import of web pages from MAXQDA Web Collector
No special requirements Additional Comments If you are working with challenging projects and/or large media files adequate computer hardware is recommended. MAXQDA 2018 Portable Licenses
Windows & MacGeneral We strongly recommend using a common USB 3.0 (or higher) flash drive which your computer recognizes as a “Removable Disk“ and a USB 3.0 (or higher) port. A portable license can NOT be installed directly on a computer, laptop or on an external hard drive (“Local Disk”).
Please note: Using a lower USB standard than 3.0 may cause performance problems and the compatibility of MAXQDA Portable with all off-the-shelf USB sticks cannot be guaranteed. In individual cases it may be necessary to obtain an alternative USB flash drive in order to successfully activate the license.
Depending on how you would like to use your license you can install the Windows version, the Mac version or both versions on your USB flash drive. If you install both versions on one USB flash drive, it is sufficient to activate only one of them to be able to use both. Please note that the flash drive must be connected with a Windows computer in order to install the Windows version and with a Mac computer to install the Mac version.
Size At least 600 MB of free space on USB stick. If you are using both the portable Windows and Mac installation on the same USB stick, you will need the double amount of free storage space. Format FAT32 Encryption Using an USB stick that is encrypted or has other protective mechanisms could lead to the portable license not working correctly. MAXQDA 2018 Netzwerk / Universität For the Server PC Network and University licenses are set up and managed with the MAXQDA License Service and MAXQDA License Manager in a Windows environment. The MAXQDA License Manager gives you on demand access to all the information concerning your MAXQDA Network License and allows you to easily activate or extend your license(s).
System Requirements for the Server PC
Operating System Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Server 2016, Server 2012 R2, Server 2012, Server 2008 R2 RAM 2 GB or more Environment Network licenses must be installed in a user-server environment. For the client computer Users can access a MAXQDA network license with both Windows and Mac computers. When MAXQDA is started, the client PC logs on to the MAXQDA License Service and occupies a “Seat”. Server admins are able to monitor which clients are currently working with MAXQDA.
Please note that a permanent connection to the server is required to use MAXQDA.
The system requirements for client PCs are the same as for “MAXQDA 2018” (top left).MAXQDA 2012 (Windows/Mac)
MAXQDA 12
for WindowsMAXQDA 12
for MacOperating System Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 10Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks)
Mac OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)
Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
macOS 10.12 (Sierra)Processor 1,3 GHz with 2 cores
recommended: 2 GHz or more
2 cores or more
ARM processors in tablet computers are not supported.1,3 GHz with 2 cores
recommended: 2 GHz or more
2 cores or more
ARM processors in tablet computers are not supported.RAM 2 GB or more 2 GB or more Display 1.024 x 768 or more 1.024 x 768 or more License
ActivationInternet connection necessary once for activation Internet connection necessary once for activation Microsoft Office /
Microsoft .NETThese features require Microsoft Word 2003 or newer and .NET 3.5 or newer. (.NET is automatically installed if missing and might require a system restart):
- Import .doc/x or .odt-documents
- Export with Smart Publisher
- Import of web pages from MAXQDA Web Collector
No special requirements Additional Comments If you are working with challenging projects and/or large media files adequate computer hardware is recommended. MAXQDA 12 Portable Licenses
Windows & MacGeneral We strongly recommend using a common USB 3.0 (or higher) flash drive which your computer recognizes as a “Removable Disk“ and a USB 3.0 (or higher) port. A portable license can NOT be installed directly on a computer, laptop or on an external hard drive (“Local Disk”).
Please note: Using a lower USB standard than 3.0 may cause performance problems and the compatibility of MAXQDA Portable with all off-the-shelf USB sticks cannot be guaranteed. In individual cases it may be necessary to obtain an alternative USB flash drive in order to successfully activate the license.Size Please use a common USB flash (Removable Disk) with a minimum of 200 MB of free space. If you are using the Windows and the Mac version on one USB flash drive, a minimum of 400 MB of free space. Format FAT / FAT32. Speed A write speed of at least 10 MB per second is recommended if you wish to save and edit your project files directly on the flash drive. If your project file is located on the host computer, the speed is irrelevant. Encryption Using an USB stick that is encrypted or has other protective mechanisms could lead to the portable license not working correctly.