Backing up your QuickBooks company file is one of the most critical steps you can take to protect your business data. But once the backup is created, many users wonder: Where is the QuickBooks backup file stored on my Windows computer? And more importantly, how do I manage those files effectively?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about QuickBooks backup files on Windows — from locating them to changing backup settings and ensuring they're secure.

What Is a QuickBooks Backup File?

QuickBooks creates a backup file with the .QBB extension, which is a compressed copy of your company data file (.QBW). These files contain all your financial records, transactions, templates, and other company information — and are essential in the event of file corruption or accidental data loss.

Also Read: QuickBooks Data Protection Not Working

Where Are QuickBooks Backup Files Stored on Windows?

By default, QuickBooks saves backup files in this directory:

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C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files 

However, many users choose a different location — especially when setting up scheduled or manual backups. Here are common storage paths:

• External Drives: E:\QuickBooksBackups or F:\Backups
• Network Locations: \Server\QBBackups
• Cloud Sync Folders: C:\Users[YourUsername]\Dropbox\QuickBooks\Backups

To find your most recent backup:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to File > Open or Restore Company.
3. Choose Restore a backup copy.
4. Select Local Backup, then Next.
5. QuickBooks will guide you to your backup folder.

Also Read: QuickBooks Backup File on Windows Mac

How to Change the Default Backup Location

Want to keep your backups in a safer place? Here’s how:

1. In QuickBooks, go to File > Back Up Company > Create Local Backup.
2. Select Local Backup, then click Options.
3. Click Browse to choose your preferred folder (e.g., an external drive or cloud folder).
4. Save your settings and proceed.

This ensures future backups go exactly where you want them.

Also Read: QuickBooks Data Repair Services

Automate Your Backups in QuickBooks

Manual backups are useful, but automation is key for consistent protection.

To set up automatic backups:

1. Go to File > Back Up Company > Create Local Backup.
2. Choose Local Backup, then Options.
3. Set the number of backup copies to keep.
4. Click Next, then schedule your backups (e.g., daily or weekly).
5. Choose the time and location.

Now QuickBooks will back up your file without you having to remember.

Also Read: QuickBooks Keeps Crashing on Windows

Best Practices for Managing QuickBooks Backup Files

Here are a few expert tips:

1. Use Multiple Backup Locations

Keep at least one backup on an external drive and another in the cloud or on a network server.

2. Date Your Backup Files

Use a naming system like CompanyName_YYYY-MM-DD.qbb so you can easily identify versions.

3. Limit the Number of Backups

QuickBooks can store multiple backup versions. Set a cap (e.g., 5 or 10) to avoid eating up disk space.

4. Test Your Backups Regularly

Restore a backup file once a month to verify it works properly.

5. Encrypt Sensitive Backups

If you're storing backups on cloud services or portable drives, use encryption or a secure archive format.

Also Read: QuickBooks Keeps Crashing on Mac

Restoring a Backup on Windows

If disaster strikes or you just need to roll back data, here’s how to restore:

1. Open QuickBooks and go to File > Open or Restore Company.
2. Choose Restore a Backup Copy.
3. Select Local Backup, then click Next.
4. Browse to your .QBB file and follow the prompts to restore.

QuickBooks will extract the backup and recreate the company file (.QBW).

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What If You Can’t Find Your Backup?

Here are some troubleshooting steps:

• Search your PC for *.QBB
• Check external drives or cloud sync folders
• Review scheduled backup logs in QuickBooks
• Revisit your backup settings for possible misconfigurations

If all else fails, use recovery tools or contact QuickBooks support for help.

Final Thoughts

QuickBooks backup files on Windows are your safety net. Whether you’re creating manual backups or relying on automated ones, knowing where your files are stored — and how to manage them — is crucial to protecting your business.

Don’t wait until it's too late. Set up your backup routine today and check that your files are accessible and secure.

Need help finding or restoring a QuickBooks backup? Drop a comment or reach out to our support team — we’re here to help.