Skip to main content

Get 50% OFF QuickBooks for 3 months*

Buy now
Switch to QuickBooks and 70% off for 3 Months
Talk to Sales: 877-683-3280
Hours
Mon - Fri, 5am - 6pm PST
Sat - Sun, 7am - 4pm PST
Product support & help
Need help signing in?
N
npreble
November 26, 2021
Solved

Importing QuickBooks desktop to new computer

  • November 26, 2021
  • 4 replies
  • 41 views

I've had to upgrade to a new computer just a few months after I purchased QB Desktop Pro Plus 2021. I installed QB on my original computer with a disk. My new computer doesn't have a disk drive. How do I move it over? Thanks!

Best answer by Mich_S

Hello there, @npreble.

 

I can help you move or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer.

 

To access the Migration Tool, you'll have to be the Company Admin. You can use the Migrator Tool to migrate QuickBooks Desktop and up to three company files to another computer if you're running a single-user edition of QuickBooks Desktop 2018 or newer in the United States.

 

 

Here's how you can do it: from the old computer:

  1. Open QuickBooks, access the File menu, click on Utilities, and then hit Move QuickBooks to another computer.
  2. Choose I'm Ready, then create a one-time password.
  3. Follow the instructions to choose the USB flash drive you’ll use. Then wait for the files to be copied.

 

To the new computer:

  1. Insert the USB flash drive. The Migrator Tool won’t automatically open due to Windows security restrictions.
  2. Access the flash drive to view its files and double-click the file Move_QuickBooks.bat to launch the migrator.
  3. Fill in the password you created, then hit Let's go.
  4. Wait for the Migrator Tool to finish. 

 

 

For more information about the migration process and on what to do next, check out this guide:

 

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have other concerns with QuickBooks or migration. I'm always willing to help. Ta

 

 

4 replies

M
Mich_SAnswer
Level 5
November 26, 2021

Hello there, @npreble.

 

I can help you move or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer.

 

To access the Migration Tool, you'll have to be the Company Admin. You can use the Migrator Tool to migrate QuickBooks Desktop and up to three company files to another computer if you're running a single-user edition of QuickBooks Desktop 2018 or newer in the United States.

 

 

Here's how you can do it: from the old computer:

  1. Open QuickBooks, access the File menu, click on Utilities, and then hit Move QuickBooks to another computer.
  2. Choose I'm Ready, then create a one-time password.
  3. Follow the instructions to choose the USB flash drive you’ll use. Then wait for the files to be copied.

 

To the new computer:

  1. Insert the USB flash drive. The Migrator Tool won’t automatically open due to Windows security restrictions.
  2. Access the flash drive to view its files and double-click the file Move_QuickBooks.bat to launch the migrator.
  3. Fill in the password you created, then hit Let's go.
  4. Wait for the Migrator Tool to finish. 

 

 

For more information about the migration process and on what to do next, check out this guide:

 

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have other concerns with QuickBooks or migration. I'm always willing to help. Ta

 

 

    R
    Robin1968
    November 27, 2021

    i just followed your directions to move files to a new pc and i got this msg : quickbooks migration failed unexpectedly.  what that means?  

      Rose-A
      Rose-A
      Level 10
      November 28, 2021

      Good day, Robin1968.

       

      Allow me to grab this opportunity to help and share some insights on how to get around this issue. Let's start by updating your Windows 10 version to the latest release to isolate this. Also, ensure your new computer meets the system requirements of the migration to work.

       

      Once done, perform the migration process again. If the issue persists, I'd suggest moving the QuickBooks manually by following the steps below.

       

      1. Install your QBDT software to the new computer. 
      2. Create a backup company file from your company.
      3. Restore it to the new one.
      4. Then download the latest tax table after moving your company file.

       

      You can also utilize this link for more details about the process: Move your company files to another computer. However, if you continue to get the same result, I'd recommend reaching out to our QuickBooks Support.

       

      Unlike in this public forum, they have the tools required to perform any escalations or bypass the system whenever necessary on your behalf. To ensure we address your concern on time, check out our support hours. Here's how to get in touch or chat with us:

       

      1. Go to https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/contact.
      2. Choose your QuickBooks Product.
      3. Select your QuickBooks version.
      4. Give a brief description of your issue and click Continue.
      5. Then choose a way to connect.

       

      Furthermore, I’m adding this link that can guide you on how to handle the situation in case you’d encounter some errors while installing QBDT to your new computer: Fix Error 1603 when you install QuickBooks Desktop.

       

      Please let me know how else I can help you with QuickBooks. I've got your back and am always happy to help. Thanks for coming, wishing you and your business all the best.

      B
      Bentoff
      November 29, 2022

      I tried this. When I download QB on the old computer to move it, I am told to create a new one-time password. But the new computer won't accept the one-time password. I have tried this twice, creating a new password each time. It didn't work either time. Why won't the passwords I create work?

      J
      JamesAndrewMModerator
      Moderator
      November 29, 2022

      Hello there, @Bentoff.

       

      It seems you posted a relevant question that my colleague 
      @Ethel_A answered. She already shared additional information regarding your concern. You can refer to this link for her response: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/account-management/re-why-won-t-the-second-computer-recognize-the-password-from-the/01/1171989/highlight/true#M65865

       

      Know that the Community is always here to back you up. Have a good one!

      D
      DC2023
      January 9, 2023

      Hi there. I followed the instructions to move QB Desktop 2018 to my new computer Migrator Tool. Once I plugged in the USB in the new computer, it said it Failed. What do I do? Thanks.

      Nicole_N
      Nicole_NQuickBooks Team
      QuickBooks Team
      January 9, 2023

      Hello, @DC2023. I appreciate you for following the instructions above in moving your QB Desktop to a new computer. I'm here to ensure you'll be able to migrate it successfully.

       

      First, make sure that you've installed QuickBooks on the new computer and meet the system requirements for the migration to work. Also ensure that you're using the latest windows version. 

       

      After updating your windows, you can move again QuickBooks to the new computer. Otherwise, we can move it manually. I'll guide you on how:
       

      1. Install your QBDT software on the new computer.
      2. Create a backup company file from your company.
      3. Restore it to the new one.
      4. Then download the latest tax table after moving your company file.

       

      If the issue persists, I'd suggest reaching out to our support team so they can check and further investigate why the migration failed. You can follow the steps shared by Candice above on how you can contact them.

       

      Moreover, I'm adding this article in case you encounter some errors while installing QuickBooks: Fix QuickBooks Desktop Install errors. 

       

      Keep me posted about the result. Know that you can always get back if you require further assistance when importing QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer. We're happy to help. Take care and have a good one!

      A
      Aculver45
      February 8, 2023

      I'm am trying to migrate books as well when I click on the migrate on the new computer file it asks to allow access but then nothing happens and the program won't run. I am running windows 11 and my QB is 2023. 

        Rubielyn_J
        Rubielyn_J
        Level 8
        February 8, 2023

        I'm here to provide information to help migrate your books into the new computer, @Aculver45.

         

        Since you are using QuickBooks Desktop 2023, we can use the Migrator Tool to move QuickBooks Desktop and up to three company files to another computer. 

         

        Step 1: On the old computer

        1. From QuickBooks, go to the File menu, select Utilities, then Move QuickBooks to another computer.
        2. Tap on I'm Ready, then create a one-time password.
        3. Follow the instructions to choose the USB flash drive you’ll use. Then wait for the files to be copied.

        Step 2: On the new computer

        1. Insert the USB flash drive. Due to Windows security restrictions, the Migrator Tool won’t automatically open.
        2. Open the flash drive to view its files and double-click the file Move_QuickBooks.bat to start the migrator.
        3. Enter the password you created, then select Let's go.
        4. Wait for the Migrator Tool to finish. This will depend on the speed of your computer and internet, and the size of your company file(s)

         

        For detailed steps, you can utilize this article: Move or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to another computer. 

         

        Just in case you need help with moving your files manually, check out this link as your guide: Move your company files to another computer.

         

        Please let me know if you have any other questions about migrating your QBDT files. I'm more than willing to provide additional assistance. Stay safe!

        A
        Aculver45
        February 9, 2023

        Yes I did all that when opening the migrate in the new computer it won't open I had to download the QB online then restore my files from my flash drive it wouldn't run the migrate program. 

          Need QuickBooks guidance?
          Log in to access expert advice and community support instantly.
          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement