Upgrading Enterprise 2018 to 2021

You have me to help you install the QuickBooks Desktop 2021 version, Jeffrey7.

Let me guide you with these steps:

Before doing so, ensure that all users log out of your company file. Then, you're good to upgrade the file:

1. On your new QuickBooks version, select Open or Restore Company.
2. Select Open a company file.
3. Click Next.
4. Select Open.
5. Sign in to your company file as an admin user.
6. Select Update Now to start the upgrade.
7. Click Done.

Afterward, you're good to update the software to the latest release. I've added this reference as your guide: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.

Let me know if there's anything that I can help. Keep safe!

Your answer totally confused me. I have an existing desktop computer with Quickbooks Enterprise 2018 on it. I just bought a new desktop computer. I need to install Quickbooks Enterprise 2021 on the new computer and somehow transfer the company file from the old computer (2018 Quickbooks) to the new computer (2021 Quickbooks).

Thanks for posting here again, @Jeffrey7,

Joining the thread to help you install your company file to a new location. Below are the steps on how to download the software:

1. Go to the Downloads & Updates page.
2. Choose US for the country.
3. Below the survey, click on the standard setup link.
   
4. On the next page, enter your QuickBooks version to install, in your case Enterprise. Then press Search.
5. On the next page, choose Download.
   

Next, find the most current backup from the old computer then restore it to the new location. You can check your backup settings to find the folder location of the backup file. Here's how:

1. Go to the File menu, then select Back Up Company. 
2. Select Create Local Backup. 
3. Click the Options button.
   
4. Check the folder location under Tell us where to save your backup copies.
   

If you're still unable to find it, do a wildcard search on the computer. Type *.qbb in the search bar of the Start Menu. Make sure to include the asterisk (*) before the file type.

This article will help you find QuickBooks components in your PC: Company file is missing or cannot be found.

When you found the backup file, follow the steps in this article to restore it in the new location: Restore a backup of your company file

Also, if you need help finding the backup or need help with the installation, you can contact our Support Team for it. To contact us: 

1. Open QuickBooks and click 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 then type your concern in the Ask us anything box.
5. Hit Search then scroll down to get your contact options.

Refer to this article to learn more about our contact options and support availability: Contact QuickBooks Desktop support

If I can be of further assistance with the installation process, please let me know by clicking the Reply button below. I'll be right here to help. All the best!