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BarbaraMc
Level 2

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Hi - I have one license of Desktop Pro 2021 on my work computer but sometimes want to work from home on my personal laptop - Can I install on my laptop since they won't be used at the same time? Also is the best option to do this to restore from backup on my laptop, then the next day, restore from backup on my desktop? I'm just looking to catch up when I get behind and have to work later at home. Hope this makes sense. Thanks in advance.

Solved
Best answer May 25, 2021

Best Answers
Jovychris_A
Moderator

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Yes, you're correct, @BarbaraMc. So many of us working remotely these times, and the benefit of having a laptop is a plus. 

 

In addition to Fiat Lux - ASIA's response, QuickBooks isn't IP address specific, so you can use it anywhere.

 

You can install QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Pro 2021 on your laptop. You’ll want to make sure the laptop has the correct system requirements.

 

To move your QBDT, you'll want to install it on your laptop and restore a backup copy of your company file.

 

Install QuickBooks:

  1. On the computer where you want QuickBooks Desktop installed, download the installation files or insert the CD.
  2. Install QuickBooks Desktop as you normally would. See Install QuickBooks Desktop for more detailed steps.

 

To back up and restore your file:

  1. Create a backup of your file on the old computer.
  2. Copy the backup file to your new computer:
    • using a flash drive or other external device; or
    • through a network, if the computers are connected.

       3. Restore the backup on your new computer.

 

Well done! Keep me posted if you have any additional questions about installing QuickBooks or anything else. Anytime I can help.

View solution in original post

17 Comments 17
Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Yes you are allowed to install QBD for 1 user license on 2 machines as long as you don't run them at the same time. As another option, consider using a remote desktop app.

https://my.splashtop.com/splashtop_referral/AAHHq6GG344maw

 

Jovychris_A
Moderator

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Yes, you're correct, @BarbaraMc. So many of us working remotely these times, and the benefit of having a laptop is a plus. 

 

In addition to Fiat Lux - ASIA's response, QuickBooks isn't IP address specific, so you can use it anywhere.

 

You can install QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Pro 2021 on your laptop. You’ll want to make sure the laptop has the correct system requirements.

 

To move your QBDT, you'll want to install it on your laptop and restore a backup copy of your company file.

 

Install QuickBooks:

  1. On the computer where you want QuickBooks Desktop installed, download the installation files or insert the CD.
  2. Install QuickBooks Desktop as you normally would. See Install QuickBooks Desktop for more detailed steps.

 

To back up and restore your file:

  1. Create a backup of your file on the old computer.
  2. Copy the backup file to your new computer:
    • using a flash drive or other external device; or
    • through a network, if the computers are connected.

       3. Restore the backup on your new computer.

 

Well done! Keep me posted if you have any additional questions about installing QuickBooks or anything else. Anytime I can help.

BarbaraMc
Level 2

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Thank you so much @Jovychris_A  - will try this weekend.

BarbaraMc
Level 2

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Thank you for your reply @Fiat Lux - ASIA - unfortunately our company policy does not allow for remote access. Do appreciate the recommendation.

Mghenderson
Level 1

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

I have a similar question, except my company file is in the cloud, Onedrive. I'm using Quickbooks 2021 Pro with 1 license but I would like to use 2 different computers to access the same QBW file in the could. I installed then 2nd Quckbooks desktop 2021 pro on the 2nd laptop, and pointed it to the Onedrive for the QBW file. when it tried to open it, it asked me for the admin password, which I provided but it kept rejecting it.

 

Please advise if I can do this and if so, what do I need to do to make it work on the 2nd laptop.

 

Thanks!

RCV
QuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Thanks for sharing the details you’ve done on your end, Mghenderson.

 

You’ll want to ensure that your Onedrive and password are set up and entered correctly. This way, you'll be able to log in to your QuickBooks Desktop on your laptop. If the same thing happens, we'll need to reset your admin password in QuickBooks. Here's an article you can refer to for more details on resetting your password for QuickBooks Desktop.

 

Please note that you can find all the info needed to sign in to your Customer Account Management Portal (CAMPS). If you have trouble signing in, reset your CAMPS password. If the password doesn't work, double-check for any typos and confirm if the info matches with what's in CAMPS. We can also use the Automated Password Reset tool.

 

In case none of these works, I'd suggest contacting our QuickBooks Support Team to investigate why you can't reset your password. They'll pull up your account in a secure environment and they're equipped with tools to determine the main cause of the issue. You may send a message via chat, call us at a time convenient to you, or we’ll get in touch with you instead. To ensure we address your concern, our representatives are available from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Saturdays, PST. See our support hours and types for more details about this one.

 

Know that you can always visit our Help Articles page for QuickBooks Desktop in case you need some tips and related articles for your future tasks.

 

If there's anything else that I can help you with, please let me know in the comment section down below. I'll be always around ready to help.

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

@Mghenderson 

I don't recommend to use any cloud drive solution (e.g GDrive, OneDrive Dropbox) to manage and work on your QBD file. You should only use it for backup purposes as their platform doesn't natively support QBD. We had to repair many company files when our clients were using that solution. You can set up a simple private solution at your premise or host your files on a third-party managed solution. This will be costly but cheaper than fixing your corrupted files later.

Mghenderson
Level 1

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Thanks for the advice about not using the cloud. I’ve been using it for almost 4 years without issue, but you are making me nervous. How would I move the files from the cloud to the local drive? Is it under file—>Utilities? 

 

Marty

Mghenderson
Level 1

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Thanks for your reply, but you misunderstood my problem and question. I do know my admin password, and I can change my admin password since I do know the old password from laptop 1.I have no problems signing onto CAMPS as well.

 

The problem is with my 2nd install on laptop 2. I have it setup using the same Onedrive account, so I can see the same QBD file that I’m using from laptop 1. But when I try and open it with Quickbooks Desktop Pro 2021, it prompts me for the admin password and it rejects the sign on.  I verify via the ‘show’ button that I’m putting the correct admin password. 

 

Marty

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

You can still continue to use it on OneDrive. But don't forget to create your backup file locally.

Cassyjoe
Level 1

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Did you ever find a resolution to the login rejection? I have had the same issue and can’t open the file on my laptop. 

also, after upgrading quickbooks on my desktop, my company files had to be “rebuilt” before they could be opened or restored. Then, quickbooks recommended that I save the file in a cloud instead of locally. 
so, that’s where my file is that I’m trying to open from my laptop. I’m wondering if this is related to the issue I’m having now on my laptop. 

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

@Cassyjoe  

How big is your file size? Can you open the sample company file without any issue?

Mark_R
QuickBooks Team

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

It's good to see you here in the Community, @Cassyjoe.

 

I'd love to help you with your issue about logging in to your company file. But can you please provide detailed information about it? Do you have issues with your password, installing the software, or restoring your backup file? Any additional details would help us provide the best resolution on this matter.

 

Please know you can continue to reach me here with your additional questions. I'll be standing by for your response.

samko1
Level 1

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

 
samko1
Level 1

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

Jovychris_A

 

I have QB Desktop Pro Plus 2021 - 1 User

 

I understand your explanation, but it's quite time consuming. Sometimes I work on QB at home on my laptop in the morning, and then I want to use it later in the day on my desktop in my office. Is there no easy way to keep the file synced? I've learned that I can't use Google Drive or other cloud options.

 

What about Intuit Data Protect (IDP)? How can I use this to keep everything synced at all times? Should I backup the file to IDP every time I shut down QB? And then, every time I want to use QB I should open from IDP? Is there no easier way?

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

@samko1 

Cloud storage (eg GDrive) is only suitable for backup purposes. You have to manually restore files between 2 machines. You should consider a third party paid solution and this is the cheapest option you can get for your case.

https://qbox.coraltreetech.com/?associate_code=FL-AF34

 

Rasa-LilaM
QuickBooks Team

Desktop Pro 2021 on two computers

I know that can it be challenging when you’ll have to move from one place to another to work mainly with your QuickBooks, samko1.

 

Allow me to help and provide an alternative solution on how to save time and get your data synced automatically without having to install the backup file. 

 

In addition to the suggestion shared by @Fiat Lux – ASIA, you can consider using a third-party hosting provider to run your QuickBooks and store the data. This allows you to access your company file from anywhere and at any time. Also, you’ll no longer have to send files back and forth over email or save a copy and install it on your computer.

 

You can browse this article to view the detailed list of supported providers: Hosting providers authorized by Intuit.


For your other concern, you can utilize Intuit Data Protect (IDP) to backup your entire computer or just the QuickBooks files and folders. Once you set it up, it saves a copy of your data every day. Make sure to meet the requirements to run the utility smoothly:

 

  • Intuit Data Protect runs on Windows computers. Windows should be installed natively. This service will not work on virtual environments or Windows Parallel.
  • Install Intuit Data Protect on the computer that hosts your company file.
  • Make sure the computer doesn't go into hibernation mode.
  • The computer needs to stay signed in as the Windows user you use to set up Intuit Data Protect.


The following articles provide detailed information on how the backup service works. You’ll also see answers to common questions about IDP.

 

 

For future reference, we have collated resources to help ensure users can carry out any QuickBooks-related tasks easily. They're arranged by topic so you can find and view the article right away.  

 

Reach out to me again if you have other QuickBooks concerns or additional questions about IDP. I’ll get back to help you the best that I can.

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