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JessT
Moderator

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Hi ahmeto!

 

In a network environment, the company file or QuickBooks should be stored on a server. Then, it will be accessed by different computers.

 

You got two points on your question that I'd like to answer.

 

First. Being able to access the same company file at the same time.

 

In your case, this is already possible since you said you have a tool to use it. Therefore, I presume that one of your computers stores the company file and acts as a server.

 

Second. Being able to edit the same transaction at the same time. Example: Entering or editing purchase orders, as you mentioned.

 

We're unable to do this. The user who started creating the PO (or any transaction) should save it first, then the other user can see and edit it. This applies to a network setup as well.

 

On the other hand, cloud hosting was also mentioned in the previous replies. This works by storing QuickBooks and company files on a cloud server, and all users can access the company at the same time. But still, they can't work on the same transaction at the same time. We partnered with different cloud hosting providers to achieve this.

 

If you have additional questions, please let me now.

ahmeto
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Hi @JessT ,

 

Thanks for your reply.  I have a question about that. We have a single user. Can we access the Quickbooks file using the same user with my partner in the cloud hosting solution?

 

Thanks,

 

 

LieraMarie_A
QuickBooks Team

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

 

Hi there, @ahmeto.

 

Yes, you can access your file using the same login in a cloud hosting solution.

 

To help give you a better idea about the feature, click on the links below:

 

 

Please let me know if you have additional questions. Have a great day.

notsavyy
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Do I need to set multi-user access to the both computers from which I will be accessing my company quick books account?

JamesDuanT
Moderator

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Hello notsavyy,

 

Yes, you'll need to set the multi-user on both computers so they can access your company file. You can use these links to know more about the multi-user environment:

If you're using or planning to use a hosting provider, you can ask the hosting provider's support to set up the multi-user environment. Here are the authorized hosting providers by Intuit:

We'll be right here if you have more queries about the setup.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

@notsavyy 

Should you wish to run multi user mode on 2 machines or more, you may have 2 options:

1. Assign one of the computers to become the Host and deploy a private cloud.

2. Put your license and data files on any authorized QB cloud hosting. Should you prefer this option, they only accept to host a supporting QB version (2017-2020).

http://www. apps4rent.com/#a_aid=quickbooks

 

 

SuziMac
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

I have Quickbooks set up on my two computers and I have a multi user license.  My problem is the information is not syncing between the two.  They are on the same network.

SuziMac
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

I have Quickbooks multi user on two computers.  They are on the same network.  I am able to work on both but can't figure out how to get them to sync to each other.

JamesDuanT
Moderator

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Hello SuziMac,

 

Since you've already in a multi-user environment, you just need to make sure that you're accessing the exact company file on the other computer. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open the company file in computer A.
  2. Create a backup copy of the company file.
    Make sure you take note of the company file and the location.
  3. Save the backup copy.
  4. Open QuickBooks in computer B.
    Make sure you're in the No Company Open window.
  5. Click Open or restore an existing company.
  6. Look for the backup copy you crated earlier.
  7. Complete the restoration process.

That should allow the changes to flow from one computer to the other.

 

Also, you'll want to review the folder sharing setup on your computer so you can access the company file. You can view the details in this article: Set up folder and Windows access permissions to share company files.

 

You can always get back to us if you need additional assistance. Have a great day!

dd110
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Give me detail instructions

IamjuViel
QuickBooks Team

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Hello, @dd110.

 

You can set up your computer into multi-user mode if these computers are in the same office and networked (not wirelessly). I can walk you through on the process.

 

Let's first make sure that both computers meet the system requirements for the QuickBooks version you want to use. This way, we can avoid compatibility issues when installing the program and enabling the multi-user network. Also, determine which computer will you store your company files. 

 

Here's how:

  1. Download the software to your through this link: Download QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Complete the download information and click Search.
  3. Click the Download button.
  4. Once the download is complete, the installation will automatically start. If it doesn't, double click the installer file to proceed.
  5. Select Yes to All then hit Next.
  6. Mark the Software License Agreement then click Next.
  7. Enter the License and Product numbers, then hit Next.
  8. Pick the type of installation you want and where you want to save QuickBooks:
    • I'll be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer, AND I'll be storing
    • I will NOT be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer
  9. Pick a new install location or select Next to install to the default directory.
  10. Click Install.

Once completed, you can set up folder permissions on your server computer. You can visit this article for the step-by-step instructions: Set up and install a multi-user network for QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Lastly, you can now map your network drive depending on your computer's operating system. This allows access to your company file even without an internet connection. Here's how:

  1. Go to This PC.
  2. Under Computer, select Map a network drive.
  3. Choose one from your unused drive.
  4. Select Browse.
  5. Go to the location of your QuickBooks company file.
  6. Click OK and then Finish.

You can map a network drive for your company file. In addition, I've included our detailed guide in mapping a network drive for your company file. Also, here's an article you can read to learn more about activating multi-user mode: Host your Company Data File in Multi-User Mode.

 

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any other questions about multi-user mode. It'll be always my pleasure to lend a hand.

mo20
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Can you please explain more or help with the steps how it’s done. Thank you 

AlcaeusF
Moderator

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

I appreciate you for getting back to us here in the Community, @mo20.

 

Let me share additional information about setting up a multi-user in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

You need to choose one computer to host your company files for multiple team members to access. It will be your server computer where others connect to your network, which is called work stations.

 

To host a computer, please follow these steps:

 

  1. If you haven't already, follow the steps to download and then install QuickBooks Desktop on your server computer.
  2. Set up folder permissions.
  3. Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager.
  4. Configure your Firewall and Internet security settings so QuickBooks and Database Server Manager can run freely on your network.
  5. Make sure the user account you use to sign in to your server computer has Windows admin rights.
  6. After you install the Database Server Manager, follow the steps and use it to scan the folder holding your company files.
  7. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to the File menu and hover over Utilities.
  8. Select Host Multi-User Access. Then select Yes to confirm.

It would be best to keep your company files on your server computer's local hard drive. This way, it would be easier to share them over your network.

 

If you need further help with the process, you can also reach out to our QuickBooks Technical Support Team. One of them will be able to take over and do a screen sharing session if necessary.

 

Here's how you can reach them:

 

  1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
  2. Click the Help tab at the top menu bar.
  3. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
  4. Hit Contact Us

Additionally, here are some helpful references that you can check out about setting up a multi-user network for QuickBooks:

 

Thank you for your patience. Please know that I'm just a comment away if you need further assistance. Have a great day ahead.

Fontainekb
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Help, How do I sync quickbooks ?  Don't want to have to save and use flash drive everytime

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

@Fontainekb 

As I mentioned earlier, consider deploying a private cloud or put your license and file(s) on a QB cloud hosting.

IntuitBrooks
Level 9

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Just notice this question. If both machines are on the same iCloud account you can sync them via iCloud. Its built in to QB Mac 2019 and above I believe. You just use the company file as you normally would. Its best to quit QuickBooks when you are done.  When you get to your 2nd machine iCloud will update the file automatically.

 

If you work on both at the same time (or very close in time to each other) you'll get a conflict warning which forces you to choose which file to use. You want to pick the one on the machine you last worked on.

KarenMaria
Level 1

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Hello,

Can you set this up for me remotely for a fee? I’m too nervous to do this myself. 
Thank you. 

MirriamM
Moderator

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

There's no need to be nervous, @KarenMaria.

 

We have our Customer Care Team to guide you. They can initiate a screen-sharing (remote access) session so they can walk you through when performing the steps.

 

To reach them, here's how:

  1. On your QuickBooks account, go to the Help menu.
  2. Select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
  3. On the pop-up screen, select Contact us.
  4. Click the Search for Something else button.
  5. Type your concern in the Ask us anything box.
  6. Hit Search, then scroll down to get your contact options.

To know more about our contact options and support availability, check out this article: Contact QuickBooks Desktop support.

 

Keep me posted if there's anything else that you need in QuickBooks, I'll be around to provide further assistance. Have a great day.

AllSeasonsCleaning
Level 3

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

I have the same isue

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

@AllSeasonsCleaning 

Any specific concern?

AllSeasonsCleaning
Level 3

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Yes.  So I have QB Pro 2020 desktop.  I added the software to my laptop. I switched the option to multiuser on my desktop. But I would like to know how I can sync info I add on my laptop with the desktop and vice versa. I usually do online backups.  What do I do?

Thanks for the help

katherinejoyceO
QuickBooks Team

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Thanks for coming back, @AllSeasonsCleaning

 

A mentioned by my peer @IamjuViel in her post above, you'll need to ensure that both computer and laptop meet the system requirements for the QuickBooks version to avoid compatibility issues when installing the program and enabling the multi-user network. 

 

Then, determine which computer will you store your company files on. Once completed, follow the steps to set up folder permissions on your server computer. 

 

You can also visit this article for more in-depth instructions: Set up and install a multi-user network for QuickBooks Desktop.

 

It'll always be my pleasure to help you more if you have additional questions. Have a good day!

 

 

AllSeasonsCleaning
Level 3

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Thanks for the reply. I have done everything. I have the file on the laptop which it would be the workstation and I tried to enter some info and see if it would pop up on the desktop, and it did not. What do I need to do in order for that to sync? Do I need to back up locally every time and restore from backup in whichever computer i work next? I tried the online back and it does not do. Maybe I missing other steps in between.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

@AllSeasonsCleaning 

Do you have a LAN or Wireless LAN environment for your machines?

Adrian_A
Moderator

Want to use QB on two computers. How do I synchronize the two computers?

Yes. You're correct, AllSeasonsCleaning.

 

You'll have to create a back up file. From there, the data will be synced to the other device. Here's how:

 

  1. From the File menu, select Switch to Single-user Mode.
  2. Go to the File menu again and hover over Back up Company
  3. Select Create Local Backup.
  4. Select Local Backup and then Next.
  5. Click Browse and then select where you want to save the data.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Select Save it now and Next.

 

I've added this article for more information: Back up your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

 

I'm just a post-away if ever my assistance is in need. Take care!

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