How to Move QuickBooks Desktop to New Computer

Handling huge volumes of transactions has been made easy with QuickBooks Desktop, which is equipped with all possible tools and features that offer advanced operations in less time. The software is useful enough for businessmen who deal with the sale of goods and products.
Hence, it is included in all the systems that organizations use. However, sometimes organizations may switch from an old computer to a new one. In such a situation, users are confused if they will lose QuickBooks data. In this post, you will learn how to move QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer.

Steps to Move QuickBooks Desktop to a New Computer

Follow the steps mentioned below for the successful transfer of QuickBooks Desktop software from the old computer to a new PC, Laptop, or another location with complete data, user, and license transfer.

Step 1: Create a data file backup

This is the first thing to be done before proceeding to move the software to a new computer. If you regularly take a backup of files, make sure it is done daily. The proper procedure for the creation of data file backup has been listed below:

• Go to the File menu.
• Choose the Backup Data option.
• Choose Back up to the alternate location.
• Click Browse.
• It is recommended to save it on the Desktop.
• Type a name for the backup file.
• Click Open or Save.
• Copy the file from the Desktop and paste it to a removable device.

Step 2: Uninstall, Reinstall, and Update Software

• Ensure QBDT is closed on all workstations.
• Uninstall the software on the old server system.
• Install the QB Desktop on the new computer as a Server workstation here.
• Make sure to upgrade the QuickBooks software to the latest version.

Step 3: Synchronize license data online

• Open the new server for QBDT.
• Go to the Help menu.
• Choose Manage My License.
• Click Sync License Data Online.
• Click OK.

Step 4: Restore files

• Insert the removable media you copied the QuickBooks Desktop from the old computer.
• Go to the File menu.
• Choose Restore Backup File.
• Choose Restore from an alternate location.
• Browse to the location of the backup.
• Click OK.

Related Topic: How to Move QuickBooks for Mac File to Windows

Steps to Move QuickBooks Desktop to the New Location Using the Migrator Tool

Need to reinstall or move QuickBooks Desktop to a different computer? No worries — we’ve got you covered. If you’re using a U.S. version of QuickBooks Desktop 2018 or later in single-user mode, you can use the Migrator Tool to transfer your software and up to three company files with ease.

Step 1: On your Old Computer

• Open QuickBooks Desktop.
• Go to the File menu, select Utilities, then click Move QuickBooks to another computer.
• Click I’m Ready, then create your one-time password.
• Follow the prompts to select your USB flash drive and begin copying your files.

Step 2: On your New Computer

Sit back and let the tool do the work. The time it takes will depend on your internet speed, system performance, and the size of your QuickBooks files.

• Plug the USB flash drive into your new computer.
• Open the USB drive manually (the tool won’t auto-run due to Windows security settings).
• Double-click the file named Move_QuickBooks.bat to launch the Migrator Tool.
• Enter the one-time password you created earlier, then click Let’s go.

Conclusion

Moving or reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop is simple when you follow the right steps. Just make sure you have your license info, back up your company file, and reinstall using the proper download. If you need help at any point, we’re here for you. Call us at 1800-892-1352, chat with an expert, or schedule a meeting, whatever works best for you.