Downloading and Installing MAXQDA (PC) – GCU Technical Support

MAXQDA Code Renewal

If you are a Doctoral Student that needs to renew your MAXQDA program, you can go to the MAXQDA software page of the DC Network to access the newest activation code and renewal instructions!

MAXQDA is qualitative data analysis software available to doctoral students. This software allows you to transcribe audio and video files, import and analyze Twitter data, analyze focus groups, visualize results, conduct text analysis, generate reports, and create statistical frequency tables. This article provides download and installation steps for Mac computers. If you are on a PC, see Downloading and Installing MAXQDA (Mac).

NOTE On September 1st, 2020, MAXQDA 2020 became available for download. Students who had previously downloaded the 2018 version will need to uninstall the old version, and then install and license the new software. The 2018 license code will expire on October 1st.

Click here to start the download: PC Download

The MAXQDA2020_Setup.msi file will begin to download in your browser. This process typically takes about 10 minutes, but can take longer depending on your internet speed.

Once the download process is complete, click the downloaded file and a new screen will appear. Check the box indicating that you have read and accept the terms in the license agreement, then click Next.

In the next window, review the information, check the box to acknowledge the privacy policy, and then click Next.

Click Install.

A pop up message may appear that asks: Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device? If so, click Yes.

NOTE This message does not always pop up automatically. If it doesn’t appear and your installation seems to be at a stand-still, check the taskbar at the bottom of the screen for a flashing icon.

Wait for the installation to complete. This process may take a few minutes. Once the installation is complete, ensure that the Start MAXQDA 2020 box is checked, and then click Finish.

A new screen will appear with options of how to proceed. Click the option to Activate MAXQDA 2020.

You will be prompted to activate your MAXQDA program. In the screen that appears, enter the serial number including dashes (this can be located by clicking this link to the DC Network and logging in), your first and last name, and your GCU email; then click Activate.

NOTE The licensing code can also be found by logging into the DC Network, selecting Software, and then selecting Qualitative Software (MaxQDA).

In the activation screen that appears next, read the information and place a check in the I have read and understood this important information box. Then click OK.

Wait for the program to finish activating. This process may take a few minutes to complete.

You can now start using MAXQDA! For help using this program, check out Getting Started with MAXQDA.

Update Instructions

Open MAXQDA and click New Project. Choose a location to save your file.
A box will appear offering a new version of MAXQDA. Click Install update.
You may be prompted to update your software, but you may also manually search for updates by clicking the question mark in the upper right corner. Then select Search for Updates from the menu that appears.
The download process will begin. Once it has completed, click Install update.
The installation process will begin. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once the update is complete, MAXQDA will restart and the main menu will appear.