Move your company files to another computer

Learn how to move your company files to another folder on your computer, on and off your network, or to another computer.

Need to move your company files around? You may need to move them if you're troubleshooting or moving your accounting data to another computer.

The easiest way is to create and restore a backup company file. It saves your data and supporting files. You can also simply copy and paste your entire QuickBooks folder to a new location.

If you use QuickBooks Desktop as a single user (you don't host your company files on a network), there's an easy way to move everything. Follow these steps to use the Migrator Tool.

Move your company file to another computer

Note: If you move your company file to another computer, it won't affect your product license.

1. Before you start, make sure you install QuickBooks Desktop on the new computer.
2. Follow the steps to create a backup company file on your original computer.
3. When you save the backup file, give it a unique name so it's easy to identify. This also prevents accidental overwrites.
4. Save the backup file somewhere you can easily find it, like your Windows desktop.
5. Move the backup company file to your new computer. You can either put the backup on a flash drive or an external device. Or you can share it if your new computer is on the same network.
6. Follow the steps to restore the backup on your new computer. Remember, it should have a unique file name.
7. If you use payroll, download the latest tax table after you move your file.

Move your company file to another location on the same computer

If you just need to move your company file to another folder or location:

1. Follow the steps to create a backup company file.
2. When you save the backup, give it a unique name so it's easy to identify. This also prevents accidental overwrites.
3. Save the backup somewhere you can easily find it, like your Windows desktop. Note: If your company file is hosted on a network, save the backup on your computer's local hard drive. Don't save it on your network.
4. Follow the steps to restore the backup to the new folder or location. Remember, it should have a unique filename.

After you restore the backup, use it as your new main company file. We also recommend you rename your original company file. Add the word "old" to the filename so you know not to use it anymore.

Alternative: Move your entire QuickBooks data folder

As an alternative, if you don't want to create a backup company file, you can simply move your entire QuickBooks folder.

1. Open QuickBooks and the company file you want to move.
2. Press F2 (or Ctrl+1) to open the Product Info window.
3. Look in the File Information section. This tells you where your company file is saved on your hard drive.
4. Open the Windows Start menu and then open File Explorer.
5. Find the folder that has your company file.
6. Right-click the folder and select Copy.
7. Open the external device you'll use to move the files, or open the new location on your hard drive. Then select Paste.

You now have a copy of your entire folder. You can move it to your new computer or another location on your hard drive. Then open QuickBooks and select Open or Restore an existing company. Browse your computer for the folder you just copied and open the copied company file.

Solution 4: Restore with Intuit Data Protect

Note: Your Intuit Data Protect plan (single file or entire PC), may not include the backup of some non-QuickBooks files. Visit Intuit App Center for more info about your Intuit Data Protect subscriptions.

1. Follow the steps to create a back up of your company file on your original computer.
2. Sign in to Intuit Data Protect on your new computer.
3. Follow the steps to restore the backup file with Intuit Data Protect.

The following files are transferred and restored:

Files inside QuickBooks data folder:

• Logos and images files
• Transaction log (.tlg) files
• Network data (.nd) files
• Cash Flow Projector (.cfp) files
• Loan Manager (.lmr) files
• Business Planner (.bpw) files (QuickBooks Desktop Premier and Enterprise only)

Files (and add-ons) from other locations:

• QuickBooks letters and templates
• Spell checker
• Fixed Asset Manager
• Printer setting (These files can be recreated by QuickBooks)
• QuickBooks Statement Writer (Premier Accountant and Enterprise only)