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Install QuickBooks Desktop

Learn how to install QuickBooks Desktop.

Once you download QuickBooks Desktop, follow these steps to install it. These are the same steps no matter how many times you need to install it

Hosting QuickBooks on a network? If this is your first time, set up a multi-user network and install QuickBooks Database Server Manager before you continue.

Note: If you need to install or move QuickBooks Desktop to another computer, we'll show you how you can do it with the migrator tool.

If you get an error while you install, we’re here to help. Here’s how to fix QuickBooks Desktop install errors.

Step 1: Prepare for the install

  1. Make sure your computer meets the system requirements.
  2. If you haven’t already, download your version of QuickBooks Desktop. Save the file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Windows desktop).
  3. Have your product and license number handy.
Need help finding product and license number?
  • If you bought QuickBooks from our website, you can find this info in the original purchase email.
  • If you bought it from a retail store, look for the label in the original package.
  • If you're reinstalling, you can find this info from your Customer Account Management Portal.
  • If you lost your license or product number, we can help you recover them.

Step 2: Install QuickBooks Desktop

To watch more how-to videos, visit our video section.

  1. Open the file QuickBooks.exe.
  2. Follow the onscreen instructions. Accept the software license agreement and then select Next.
  3. Enter your Product and License numbers. Then select Next.

Decide which install type is right for you

You have two options when you install QuickBooks, You can do the express install, or custom and network.

Express install

We recommend an express if you’re:

  • A first-time user
  • Reinstalling QuickBooks.
  • Going to use QuickBooks on one computer (not as part of a network of computers).
  1. Select Express and then Next.
  2. Select Install.
  3. When it finishes, select Open QuickBooks.

Custom and Network install

We recommend a custom install if you're:

  • Installing QuickBooks somewhere other than the default location (such as on a server).
  • Hosting your company files on a server.
  • Setting up a multi-user network.
  1. Select Custom and Network Options and then Next.
  2. Select the option that describes how you’ll use QuickBooks.
  3. On the next screen, select Change the install location.
  4. Select Browse to decide where to put your QuickBooks folder. Most people put it in their Programs folder.
  5. Select Next to start the install.
  6. When it finishes, select Open QuickBooks.

If you see an error, we’re here to help. Here’s how to Fix QuickBooks Desktop install errors.

Step 3: Activate QuickBooks Desktop

After you install, QuickBooks will ask you to activate and update it. If you need help, here's how to activate QuickBooks Desktop.

Learn more about QuickBooks Desktop

Check out our getting started guides.

We also invite you to join our community of experts and ask your questions. We'll see you there!