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rick170
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

how to allow quick books use on a second computer

Solved
Best answer January 26, 2019

Best Answers
FritzF
Moderator

how to install quick books on a second computer

It's nice to see you here in the Community, @rick170.

 

That's a great question! I can help walk you through installing QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) on another computer.

 

To install and use QBDT on your second computer. Here's how:

 

1. Go to your new PC and install QuickBooks.
2. Once done, go back to the old one and create a backup copy of your company file.
3. Copy the backup file to your new one using a flash drive or other external device or through a network, if they're connected.
4. Then, restore the backup on the new PC.

 

For your reference, you can also check out this article for more information: Move your company files to another computer.

 

That should do it! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment on this thread. I'm only a post away if you have any additional questions about the process. Take care and have a great weekend.

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142 Comments 142
Anonymous
Not applicable

how to install quick books on a second computer

For the QB Desktop program:

Basically you just take the installer CD/file and install it on the next machine and make the appropriate selections from the prompts.  If you dont have the original installer you can download it (if its still a 'current program)

But - you need to be very clear on what you are trying to achieve:

Are you just setting it up so you (single user) have an alternate workstation?

or are you moving from a single user setup to a simultaneous multi-user setup? 

Either way both locations have to be on the same LAN - but the setup steps are slightly different.

and you must have the original license key regardless

FritzF
Moderator

how to install quick books on a second computer

It's nice to see you here in the Community, @rick170.

 

That's a great question! I can help walk you through installing QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) on another computer.

 

To install and use QBDT on your second computer. Here's how:

 

1. Go to your new PC and install QuickBooks.
2. Once done, go back to the old one and create a backup copy of your company file.
3. Copy the backup file to your new one using a flash drive or other external device or through a network, if they're connected.
4. Then, restore the backup on the new PC.

 

For your reference, you can also check out this article for more information: Move your company files to another computer.

 

That should do it! Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment on this thread. I'm only a post away if you have any additional questions about the process. Take care and have a great weekend.

Billg1
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

single user, second computer, which has 2016 loaded.  2019 is on laptop

JanyRoseB
QuickBooks Team

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hello there, @Billg1.

 

Allow me to step in and help provide some additional information about installing QuickBooks on a different computer.

 

You can access the data on desktop and application. However, you'll need to have at least 2-user license to enable the multi-user feature. The multi-user mode in QuickBooks allows multiple users to install and use the same company file at the same time over a server network. 

 

To learn more about the multi-user feature, you can check this article: Set up multi-user network.

 

Please know that I'm just a post away if you have additional questions about. Have a good day ahead. 

 

 

jwb12
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

We find we now use our server only for Quickbooks, all other programs are cloud based. Therefore I want to install Quickbooks on a second computer, under a separate license, and use it under multiuser from either pc. is this possible?

Anonymous
Not applicable

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hey there, @jwb12,

 

It's nice to have you as part of the conversation. I can share some information on how to install your QuickBooks and use the Multi-user system.

 

If you'd like to run the program in a multi-user system, you'll need to make sure you have multiple licenses for each workstations. Please note that the multi-user setup will only work for licenses with the same License Number and Product Number. To learn more about this feature, please check out this article: Set up multi-user network

 

Here are the steps to help you install QuickBooks on the second computer"

  1. Download the software to your laptop 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 the 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.
  9. Choose where you want to save QuickBooks.
  10. Pick a new install location or select Next to install to the default directory.
  11. Click Install.

I'm including some resource that walks a user through the install process:

I'm confident you'll have the software installed in no time. If I can be of further assistance,  please let me know by clicking the Reply button below. All the best!

stylin19
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

are these seat licenses or device licenses?

katherinejoyceO
QuickBooks Team

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hi there, @stylin19

 

Thanks for joining in this conversation. The licenses they are talking about in this thread is the seat license. 

 

As mentioned by my peer @Anonymous, you'll need to purchase another license so you can run the program in a multi-user system. Also, ensure that you're using the same license number and product number for each workstation. Then, follow the steps above to install QuickBooks on the second computer. 

 

Should you and your peers want to access and work on the same QuickBooks company anytime and anywhere, consider hosting your company data in a multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

For more information, read through these articles:

 

 

Feel free to visit and write again if you have more questions. We're always delighted to help. Have a pleasant day ahead. 

Anonymous
Not applicable

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hello!

 

How many computers can I Install and register quickbooks with a Multi-user license?

 

Quickbooks for Mac 2020.-

 

Thanks!

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

how to install quick books on a second computer

@Anonymous 

Should you have a license of QBD 2020 Mac edition for 3 users = 3 machines, excludes 1 server as storage (if any).

indra2835
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

I have 2016 quickbooks accountant copy with 5 users. I need to install quickbooks on this desk top

ShiellaGraceA
QuickBooks Team

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hi @indra2835,

 

Before we install, you might want to create a backup copy of your company file first. Let me walk you through how.

 

  1. In your QuickBooks 2016, go to File, Back Up Company, and then Create Local Backup.
  2. Choose Local backup, then Next. Browse the location where you save your backup copy.
  3. Click OK. Then, follow the steps that will guide you through the rest.

After that, let's download and install the software. Here's how:

 

  1. Go to downloads and updates.
  2. Select your country, product, and version.
  3. Click Download.

Once done, open the program and restore your back up copy. Please see these handy articles for details:

 

That should do it. Feel free to also check our page about QuickBooks Accountant Desktop for your reference.

 

If there's anything else you need help with, please reach out to me. I'd be sure to jump in as soon as I can. Thanks for posting and have a great day.

Kope
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hi  - I have QB 2016 desktop pro - 1 user.  I have been using QB on my desktop at the office only.  Due to Covid-19, now need to use on the laptop I am using at home.  So I downloaded a copy to my laptop.  But now I am asked to "activate" it.  So I just want to be certain of one thing ... when I go to "activate" it, it won't "deactivate" my office copy, correct?  (I am the only user).

LieraMarie_A
QuickBooks Team

how to install quick books on a second computer

I can see how this pandemic is affecting your business, @Kope.

 

That's correct. It won't deactivate your office copy. If you wish to go back, you'll need to backup and restore your company file to get the updated information.

 

You can contact our support team to get a validation code to have this version registered on a new system.

 

Here's how:

  1. Go to Help and select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
  2. Click Contact Us.
  3. Let them know that you need a validation code.
  4. Click Continue, then select if you want to schedule a callback.

 

Do let us know if you have any further questions.

 

Kope
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hi, again -

Let me elaborate / clarify -

I may be taking over QB (QB desktop pro 2016)  for my office and need to learn how it's been set up and what's been done - so I downloaded QB to my laptop and made a backup copy of the data from the office computer onto an external hard drive.  The idea is to "restore" that static data onto my laptop - so I may "play" with it in order to learn how to use QB specifically to our needs - tailored to how we've been doing it.  SO I want to make certain I do this correctly without messing things up in the office ...

 

As I've now downloaded QB to my laptop (and activated it --- as I was told that activating it does not "deactivate" my office copy) ... and now I plan on "restoring" the back up to my laptop so I can fool around with it and learn so as not to upset what I have in the office computer.  (As I tried to learn from the sample that was on QB, but for efficiency sake, I'm far better off just learning from how it was set up in my office originally)

So the question is ... will I be safe doing it that way - meaning (1) using my backup as my tutorial and (2) continuing to be able to continue to use the office computer version "live"?   (And if not, why not).   Also, in this case, why would I need a "validation code" (which you referred to in your original response).   Thank you for your anticipated answer, in advance.

Pabz_L
QuickBooks Team

how to install quick books on a second computer

Thank you for sharing additional information, @Kope.

 

You can use the backup data that you restore in your laptop as your medium for learning, and it will not affect the QuickBooks data in your office. 

 

Every time after installing QuickBooks on your desktop computer or laptop, it is mandatory to register or activate the software. This is to ensure that the license will be included in all updates and to certify that your license is not refurbished and activated under some other information. 

 

This is also important for Plus Subscriptions to flag the start of the billing cycle.

 

I’ll be leaving you an article that will guide you to navigate your QuickBooks Desktop. Help articles

 

Feel free to fill me in if you have any other questions. Take care and keep safe!

aadtruckingllc
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

is there a link to  set up qbdt on another computer, him try to set up everything in the bank feeds  vendors and customer , and  i have 3 owner , but the only way i can do it is if i have a accounting set it up for me . 

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15
SarahannC
Moderator

how to install quick books on a second computer

Hi there, aadtruckingllc.

 

It's my pleasure to have you here. I can see that you want to set up QuickBooks Desktop by yourself to the other computer. Let me share some information on how to do it accurately on your part. 
 

We can use the Migrator Tool in reinstalling or moving QuickBooks Desktop to another company file. Here are the things to follow:

 

  1. Go to File from your old computer.
  2. Select Utilities. Then, click Move QuickBooks to another computer.
  3. Once prompted, click I'm Ready. Afterward, make sure to create a one-time password that the system asks you.
  4. Copy the file by following the on-screen instructions. Choose the USB flash drive you’ll use then.

 

Once done, insert the flash drive and view the files and click the file Move_QuickBooks.bat twice to start the migrator. For the complete steps and more tips about it, you can check it here. Aside from that, we also have other options on how to set up QBDT to another computer

 

Lastly, are these three owners will use those computers simultaneously? If so, you may want to host a QuickBooks Desktop company file. It's a way to access QBDT remotely using an internet browser or remote desktop connection from your home or office. When visiting the articles below, we'll see more information about this program that helps us to find the detailed steps and important things about it.

 

 

Let me know if you have follow-up questions with the process. I'm right here to assist you further. Keep safe!

BrightonBob
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

I want to upgrade from QuickBooks Pro 2013. I need a 2-User license. Does each copy of the software have an individual license and registration? If I buy 2 copies, am I good to go?

Fiat Lux - ASIA
Level 15

how to install quick books on a second computer

@BrightonBob 

You may purchase QBD 2020 Pro edition 2 users with a one time license for less than $400 thru a partner/reseller. You should be able upgrading your 2013 data file easily on QBD 2020.

BrightonBob
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

I see that Amazon has the single user for 189.95. Do you mean purchase two of these or is there a 2 user version available?

BrightonBob
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

I see that Amazon has the 1 user version for 189.95. Should I purchase 2 of these or is there a 2 user version available?

sheldon211
Level 1

how to install quick books on a second computer

Due to Corona pandemic I need to install on my PC at home have Quick Books Pro 2005, I have a backup from my office on a thumb drive. I installed on my PC from original CD Quick Books Pro. How can I restore to my PC at home?

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