System Requirements

Recommended System Configuration

  • Windows XP (SP2), Vista or 7
  • 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor (2.4 GHz recommended)
  • 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended) for a single user, 1 GB of RAM for multiple, concurrent users
  • 1 GB of available disk space (additional space required for data files)
  • 232 MB for Microsoft .NET 3.5 Runtime, provided on the QuickBooks CD
  • Monitor display resolution of 1024 X 768 at 16-bit color (Supports 800x600 with small fonts)
  • 4x speed CD-ROM drive
  • All online features/services require Internet access
  • Internet Explorer 6 or later must be installed on every computer running QuickBooks.

Software Integration and Compatibility

  • Microsoft Word and Excel 2002, 2003 and 2007
  • Contact synchronization requires Microsoft Outlook, 2002, 2003, and 2007 (synch tool downloadable for free at: http://www.quickbooks.com/contact_sync
  • Compatible with QuickBooks Point of Sale version 6.0 and later

Multi-User Networking Requirements

  • Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 2003 Server, and Windows 2008 Server
  • Linux is supported for Enterprise Solutions only (Fedora 10)

Download Requirements

You must have all three of the following to download QuickBooks:
  • A high-speed Internet connection (DSL, cable modem, or higher)
  • Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
  • 2.5 GB free disk space
After installing QuickBooks, you can delete the installations program from your computer to free up disk space. The QuickBooks Pro and Premier installers give you the option to auto-delete those files. Choose that option to free up disk space immediately.

Important: Customers with dial-up connections cannot download QuickBooks, due to the large file size.

Download File Sizes and Download Times

File sizes and typical download times for cable and DSL modems are listed below. Actual download times will vary depending upon modem speed, Internet traffic, time of day, and other factors.
Product Download File Size Estimated Download Time (cable modem) Estimated Download Time (DSL)
QuickBooks Simple Start 470 MB 45 min 90 min - 2 hr
QuickBooks Pro, or Premier 470 MB 45 min 90 min - 2 hr
For more details on downloading QuickBooks, see our download faqs 1
Important disclaimers, disclosures and System Requirements Notes
1 QuickBooks Reinstall CD-ROM. As part of your QuickBooks purchase & download, we will mail you a reinstall CD-ROM. If your computer crashes or you buy a new computer, you're covered - you can use the CD-ROM to install your QuickBooks software again.