Install QuickBooks Desktop

Learn how to install QuickBooks Desktop.

Once you download QuickBooks Desktop, follow these steps to install it.

In this article, you'll learn how to:

• Host QuickBooks on a network
• Prepare for the installation
• Install QuickBooks Desktop
• Decide which install path 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 installation

• 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.

Find the product and license numbers

• 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 lost your license or product number, we can help you recover them.

Step 2: Install QuickBooks Desktop

1. Open the file QuickBooks.exe.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions. Accept the software license agreement when prompted, then select Next.
3. Enter your product and license numbers, then select Next.

Step 3: Decide which install path is right for you

You have two options when you install QuickBooks: an express install or a custom and network install.

Express install option

We recommend an 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)

1. Select Express, then Next.
2. Select Install.
3. When it finishes, select Open QuickBooks.

Custom and network install option

We recommend a custom and network 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

1. Select Custom and Network Options, then Next.
2. Select the option that describes how you’ll use QuickBooks.
3. On the next display, 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.

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.