I have Quickbooks on my desk top and on my lap top. I am also signed up for qb data protect on both. How can I keep both up to date as I move from one to another?

Do you run QB as single user only?

Keeping your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) updated on both your devices is my priority, @D_ J.

When you have QBDT installed on both your desktop and laptop, you'll have to turn on or set up automatic system updates on each of them. This way, you can keep both systems updated as you move from one to the other. Then, QuickBooks downloads and installs the latest updates when they're available. Here's how:

1. Go to the Help menu and select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Choose the Update Now tab. Tip: You can select the Reset Update checkbox to clear all previous update downloads.
3. Select Get Updates to start the download. 
4. When the download finishes, restart QuickBooks.
5. When prompted, accept the option to install the new release.

To know more about keeping your software up-to-date so you can always have the latest features and fixes, I'd recommend checking out this article: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.

Also, I'm adding this article to further guide you in managing your business's growth using QBDT: QuickBooks Help Articles. You can click the + More topics button to view other selections. Then, explore webinars and video tutorials to learn your way around QuickBooks.

Please don't hesitate to comment below if you have other concerns about updating your QBDT software. I'll gladly help. Take care, and I wish you continued success, @D_ J.

What do i have to do to get my actual file to show up on both?  As in, i am on the desktop at work all day.  If i go home, i use the laptop - but my file isnt updated.  If i do work at home, i have to back it up on a stick and remember to import it at the office the next day.   Am i doing something wrong?

Thanks for joining this discussion, Brenda.

I can share some insights about syncing your company file data from your main desktop to your laptop.

If you're using a single license for both locations, the method you're doing is fine. You need to manually restore the backup to update the information on the spare file.

Otherwise, if you want an automatic syncing of data, you can use a hosting service. This allows you to remotely access supported desktop versions of QuickBooks with just a web browser. The QuickBooks Hosting Program allows hosting of QuickBooks Pro, all QuickBooks Premier versions, and QuickBooks Enterprise Edition in accordance with Intuit's Service Discontinuation Plan policy. Versions of QuickBooks that are no longer supported under Intuit's Service Discontinuation Plan policy are not available for hosting.

To learn more about this, see the following links:

• Intuit Hosting Program
• Intuit Hosting Program Frequently Asked Questions

Please post here again if you have other concerns with data management in QuickBooks. I'll be right here if you need any help. Have a good one!

@Brenda Marris 

Are you solo using QB in single user mode?