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Laura1969
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

Will the information I am put on the second computer show up on the first computer

Carneil_C
QuickBooks Team

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hello, @Laura1969. I'll lend a hand to achieving your goal so you can manage your business seamlessly.

 

If you're currently using QuickBooks Online, it allows multiple users to work simultaneously at the same time with different workstations. That said, the system lets you add information on the second computer. Thus, it will show up on the first computer you've used.

 

You can check out this article to know more about the types of users you can add and what they can do in QuickBooks: User types and user permissions in QuickBooks.

 

Otherwise, it depends on the setup if you've installed and set up the QuickBooks Desktop. From there, computers on your network can access your company files.

 

Here's a guide you can read through to learn more about this setup: Install QuickBooks Desktop on a server.

 

Additionally, his resource helps you install your workstations in the future: Install QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Fill me in if you have more queries about doing your QBO or QBDT-related tasks. I'd be glad to assist you further. Take care always and best regards.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

how to install quick books on a second computer

@Laura1969 

QB Online or QB Desktop?

EdwardSchwantes
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

Re: how to install quick books on a second computer the computer crashed and need to load on a new computer

MaryLandT
Moderator

how to install quick books on a second computer

I know how to install QuickBooks on another computer, Edward.

 

Before we start, make sure to prepare your product and license info available. Then, perform the following steps I've outlined below.
 

  1. Uninstall the existing QuickBooks application before trying a reinstall.
  2. On the computer where you want QuickBooks Desktop installed, download the installation files or insert the CD.
  3. Install QuickBooks Desktop as you normally would.

 

If you don't have the CD, let's get the installer through the Download and Updates website. Here's how:

 

  1. Go to the Downloads & Updates page link.
  2. Choose a country, the QuickBooks product, and the version.
  3. Click Search once done.
  4. Hit Download.

 

Another way of moving QuickBooks to another computer is to use a special tool. This depends on the version you've used. Please refer to this article for the complete steps: Move QuickBooks Desktop using the Migrator Tool


After installing QuickBooks on the new computer, you can restore the company file. This lets you go back to one of your save points when the computer crashes or need to undo recent changes.

 

I'm still around to answer other questions you may have with the moving QuickBooks to another computer. Drop me a line below so I can help you right away.

nwhamlin
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

It stops installing after I have put in my license # and product code.  It asked for a validation ID or to skip.  I am not sure what ID was used so i skipped it.  It just sits there saying it is downloading files, but I have waited for hours and it never progresses.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

how to install quick books on a second computer

@nwhamlin 

Which year version? Pro or Premier?

DebSheenD
QuickBooks Team

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hey there, @nwhamlin

 

I can help you get through this to install and start using QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) on your new device in no time.

 

Before we proceed, ensure that your laptop meets the program's system requirements and has a stable internet connection when installing it. This way, you won't run into some issues after installing QBDT. 

 

Now to install, locate the version of QBDT you downloaded. I'll gladly input the steps below so you can proceed. To begin, here's how:

 

  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.

 

See this article for further guidelines: Install QuickBooks Desktop.

 

If the issue persists, check out this reference for more fixes: Resolve QuickBooks Desktop performance issues: Manage your computers.


In case you need tips and information on how to manage your account and business finances. We have available resources, webinars, and training videos on our Support page. It helps you understand our product features, functions, and benefits of QuickBooks.


Drop a comment below if you have any other questions or concerns with QuickBooks. I'd be glad to answer them for you.

Miha347
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

Can't I install Quickbooks on the 2nd computer using Quickbooks Data Protect.  I back-up all my files to the Cloud with Quickbooks Data Protect.  Also I am using Quickbooks Desktop 2021 on the first computer, but I want to upgrade to Quickbooks Desktop 2023 on the 2nd computer.  The 2nd computer will become my primary.

LollyNino_C
QuickBooks Team

how to install quick books on a second computer

Thank you for the details, @Miha347. I am happy to guide you in installing your QuickBooks on a new computer.

 

Before we begin, would you mind telling me more about it? Like, have you encountered any errors when trying to install QuickBooks on your second computer? Additional details will help me check the cause of this. A screenshot would be a great help too.

 

To move your QuickBooks to your second computer, you'll want to install it on your computer and restore a backup copy of your company file. Ensure that it meets the system requirements. See this article, System Requirements for QuickBooks Desktop 2022.

 

First, download QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) from the website. Here's how:

 

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

 

Then, proceed with installing QuickBooks. For your guide, check out this link: Install QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Once completed, you can restore your files to the newly installed QBDT.

 

  1. Go to the File menu, then tap Open or Restore Company.
  2. Choose Restore a backup copy and then Next.
  3. Select Local Backup and then Next.
  4. Browse your computer for your backup company file. It should look like this: [Your company name].qbb.
  5. Select a folder to decide where to save your restored company file. Then select Open.
  6. When you're ready, select Save.

 

If you run into problems restoring your backup file, here's how to fix them.

 

Refer to this article to get started with QuickBooks Desktop. This provides you with a detailed step-by-step on how you can set up your customers, vendors, items, and financial accounts: Get started with QuickBooks Desktop.

 

We're always here for you, so don't hesitate to click the Reply button if you have further questions about moving QuickBooks to another computer. As always, assistance is just one post away. Take care!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

how to install quick books on a second computer

@Miha347 

You can't upgrade your file via QB Data Protect. Open your file on QBD 2021 and secure the backup file locally. Then restore your backup file on QBD 2023.

ttolmanrph
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

I just purchased qb desktop on 5-23-23 and the computer I have it installed on crashed and I had to take to apple store to have it fix but I need qd for business how to I add to another computer

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

how to install quick books on a second computer

@ttolmanrph 

You purchased QB Desktop 2023 for Mac Plus, correct? Is your second machine also a Mac?

Archie_B
QuickBooks Team

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hello there, ttolmanrph.

 

I can add some details to make sure you install QuickBooks Desktop for Mac on the other computer.

 

QuickBooks Desktop for Mac can be installed on multiple Mac computers. All you have to do is download QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2023 and prepare a backup of your company file to be restored on that computer.

 

You also need to check the minimum system requirements for your Mac and find your license and product numbers to successfully install it on the other computer.

 

  • If you downloaded a digital copy:  The email confirmation should have the license and product number. If you can't find the email, check out how to locate your license number.
  • If you bought a physical copy: Look for the scratch-off label on the package. You can scratch off the label to find your license and product number.

 

I'm adding this article for more information: Install and set up QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

I've also included this link in case you need help setting up multiuser mode: Use multiuser mode in QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

Please return to this thread and leave a comment if you have any further questions or concerns. I'll be glad to help.

DWILL3
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

If I do this will the everything still remain in the old laptop?  I'm traveling for 4 months and I need to get this on my new laptop but when I come back I will want to continue using the other laptop in my office.  So if I do a back up (which I always do on a flash drive as well as in the computer), I can have access to the information in my personal laptop?  BTW....I know this is an old version but we don't use the payroll or the online services.  Just curious as I want info in both places.  THANK YOU!

 

Mich_S
QuickBooks Team

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hi there. I want to answer your follow-up questions about the installation process in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

You're correct. All your data remains stored on your previous laptop, allowing you to continue using QBDT from that device and also access your files on the second computer.

 

Additionally, could you please inform me about the specific year version of your QBDT? This will enable us to offer more specific recommendations on what actions to take based on that information.

 

Here's a fix you can browse in case you run into trouble when installing: Resolve Error 1603 when you install QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Keep in touch so I can answer and assist you further with your installation or QuickBooks concerns. Stay healthy always!

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