Error: MAXQDA cannot be started on the USB stick

If there are errors when starting MAXQDA and you are using a portable license on a USB stick, it may be due to the USB stick not being connected directly to the computer, but instead, being connected through a docking station, for example.

We recommend connecting USB sticks with portable licenses directly to the desired computer, as connecting through a docking station or a multi-port adapter may cause issues.

Please note that we no longer distribute portable licenses but only support existing licenses from MAXQDA 2022 onwards.

When using on a Mac, there may be another cause:

The issue may be related to the operating system and Apple Gatekeeper.

With macOS Ventura, there was a change in Apple's Gatekeeper function, which now performs checks not only during the installation of an application but at every startup. Particularly with software not downloaded from the App Store, this means that the software may be blocked initially despite existing Apple developer verification or successful notarization, and the user may need to manually allow it at each startup.

Please open "System Preferences" > "Privacy & Security," scroll down to the "Security" section, and check if the option to open MAXQDA despite it being downloaded from the internet is displayed. If this option is not shown, please start MAXQDA with a right-click and select "Open." You should then see a similar message.