You may want to move QuickBooks to a new computer for several reasons, such as insufficient space, system incompatibilities, or growing business requirements. Regardless of the cause, Intuit offers a simple method for transferring your application between devices.
These instructions from Intuit can be used to successfully move QuickBooks Desktop and the necessary data from the old device to the new one.
This blog post provides additional depth on the two methods for transferring QuickBooks to a new computer: manual and automated, with the help of the migration tool.
How to Move QuickBooks Desktop Using the Migrator Tool
- Everything that has been copied to your new computer will require a complicated password that you will design. To help you remember the password, write it down
- This password is unique to the migrator tool and will only be required once
- The application will transfer all supporting files and the latest three company files that were opened to a USB flash drive
- The data will be moved via the USB flash drive, but the Migrator Tool handles all the technical work
- The application will set up your files and download the appropriate version of QuickBooks Desktop to your new computer
- The utility will do no further file or drive formatting
Manually How to Move QuickBooks to New Computer
Let’s discuss how to manually transfer the QB to a new computer by following the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Take a backup of your company file on the old device
- First, you need to run the QB application on your system
- After that, move to the taskbar at the top & click the File menu
- Hit the option to Switch to single user mode
- Now, press the File menu once again > select the Backup company option
- Tap on the Create Local Backup
- Select the Backup company option as the new window appears
- Then, hit the Browse in the Local Backup Only section > pick a location on the desktop where you want to save your backup file
- The files should have different names compared to the original name to avoid overwriting
- It is not compulsory, but you can set as many sets of backups as you wish to
Step 2: Deactivate the old computer's QB Desktop
- Make a note of the license and product details
- Start the deactivation process by opening QB Desktop and selecting the Help menu
- Click on the Help menu and select Deactivate QuickBooks Desktop
- Carefully follow the directions to transfer QuickBooks to a new computer by deactivating the license on the previous system
Also read about:- How to update QuickBooks Payroll Tax Table?
Step 3: Move the Company File Backup
Transfer the old computer's backup company file to the new one once QB has been installed. The backup company file can be shared by saving it on an external device or flash drive. Also, you can share the new system if it's on the same network.
Step 4: Restore your backup to the new system
- First, you need to run the QB app > go to the File menu
- Select Open or Restore company
- Move forward to choose the Local Backup option > hit Next
- Then, choose the backup file from the folder
- Here, the file name will look like [Company Name].qbb > hit the option to Open > Next
- Choose the location from the Save in drop-down list to save your restored file
- Mention the file name in the File Name field
- At the end, hit the Save option
Note:- QuickBooks Error The File Exists appears when performing payroll or banking tasks due to permission conflicts or outdated QuickBooks system components.
Conclusion
This blog has provided you with an effective and smooth procedure for transferring your move QB to a new computer. However, if you are unable to complete this process and find yourself stuck at a certain point, dial +1(855)-738–0359.
FAQ — Move QuickBooks to New Computer
What does it mean to move QuickBooks to a new computer?
- Moving QuickBooks to a new computer involves transferring the QuickBooks software along with company files and settings from an old system to a new one while ensuring full functionality.
Why would I need to move QuickBooks to a new computer?
- Users typically move QuickBooks when upgrading hardware, replacing an old system, or improving performance to ensure smooth accounting operations without data loss.
How do I prepare my company files before moving QuickBooks?
- Before moving, back up all company files and payroll data, verify file integrity using QuickBooks File Doctor, and note all product license and subscription information.
Do I need the original QuickBooks installation file to move to a new computer?
- Yes, having the original installation files or downloaded installer ensures you can install the same version on the new computer without compatibility issues.
Can QuickBooks Desktop be transferred without losing data?
- Absolutely. By creating a proper backup and restoring it on the new system, all company data, reports, and preferences can be transferred safely.
Does moving QuickBooks affect payroll or subscriptions?
- No, payroll and subscriptions remain intact as long as the user signs in with the same credentials and restores any necessary payroll updates on the new computer.
Is it necessary to deactivate QuickBooks on the old computer?
- Yes, deactivating the license on the old computer can prevent licensing conflicts and allows the software to activate successfully on the new system.
Can multi-user mode affect the QuickBooks transfer process?
- Yes, if company files are accessed in multi-user mode, they should be closed on all systems before backup and transfer to avoid data corruption.
How do I restore QuickBooks files on the new computer?
- Install QuickBooks, open the Restore Backup option, select the backup file from the old computer, and follow the prompts to restore files and settings fully.
Do I need administrator rights to move QuickBooks?
- Yes, administrative privileges are required to install QuickBooks, restore backups, and configure necessary system permissions for proper operation on the new computer.
Can security software interfere with moving QuickBooks?
- Yes, antivirus or firewall programs may block installation or file restoration. Temporarily configuring exceptions ensures a smooth transfer process.
What should I do if QuickBooks does not work properly after moving?
- Check that the correct version is installed, all updates are applied, company files are fully restored, and system permissions are correctly set. Repair installations if needed.
Discover more:- QBMapi64 Out of Memory Error occurs when QuickBooks runs out of system memory or processing resources, causing crashes, slow performance, or interruptions during financial tasks.

Comments