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.
In this article, you'll learn how to:
- Prepare for the install
- Install QuickBooks Desktop
- Decide which install type is right for you
- Activate QuickBooks Desktop
Host 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.
Step 1: Prepare for the install
- Make sure your computer meets the system requirements.
- If you haven’t already, download your version of QuickBooks Desktop. Save the file somewhere you can find it (like your Windows desktop).
- Have your product and license number handy.
Need help finding product and license number?
|
Step 2: Install QuickBooks Desktop
- Open the file QuickBooks.exe.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. Accept the software license agreement and then select Next.
- Enter your product and license numbers. Then select Next.
Note: You will require an active internet connection to install the software.
Step 3: 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 express install if you’re:
- A first-time user.
- Reinstalling QuickBooks.
- Going to use QuickBooks on one computer (not as part of a network of computers).
- Select Express and then Next.
- Select Install.
- When it finishes, select Open QuickBooks.
Custom and Network install
We recommend a custom install if you:
- Install QuickBooks somewhere other than the default location (such as on a server).
- Host your company files on a server.
- Have a multi-user network.
- Select Custom and Network Options and then Next.
- Select the option that describes how you’ll use QuickBooks.
- On the next display, select Change the install location.
- Select Browse to decide where to put your QuickBooks folder. Most people put it in their Programs folder.
- Select Next to start the install.
- When it finishes, select Open QuickBooks.
If you see an error, please use the following troubleshooting articles:
- Fix activation, license, and product numbers issues
- Repair your QuickBooks Desktop for Windows
- Download the most recent version (1.6.0.3) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub. The QuickBooks Tool Hub helps fix common errors. You'll need to close QuickBooks to use the tool hub. For the best experience, we recommend you use Tool Hub on Windows 10, 64-bit.
- Or search our community for your specific error code.
Step 4: 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.