There are various instances when you may want to move QuickBooks company file to a new computer. If you are not familiar with the procedure to transfer the QuickBooks company file to a new system with the license, then this post is certainly for you. Moving company file is not a perplexing task until you know the exact procedure to get it done. Furthermore, you also need to understand the system requirements to perform this task. Read this blog until the end to get step-by-step guidance on how to move QuickBooks to a different computer.
If you want to get professional assistance on how to transfer QuickBooks from one computer to another, give us a call on our QuickBooks error support number 1-(855)-542-9309 to get instant help
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What does it mean to move QuickBooks Company File to Another Computer?
Moving QuickBooks to a new computer typically involves transferring the QuickBooks software application, along with any related company files and data, from one computer to another. You may need to transfer your data for various reasons, such as upgrading your hardware, changing your primary work computer, or sharing QuickBooks with another user.
Here are the general steps to move QuickBooks to a new computer:
1st Action: Backup QuickBooks Data
- Before you begin the transfer, it’s crucial to back up all your QuickBooks company files and data on the current computer.
- A backup affirms no data is lost during the transfer process.
- You can assemble backups within QuickBooks by going to “File”> “Create Backup.”
2nd Action: Transfer QuickBooks Software
- If QuickBooks is not already present on the new computer, you will have to perform an installation to execute how to move QuickBooks to a new computer.
- You can either utilize the installation CD or retrieve the software from the authentic QuickBooks website.
- Ensure that you have the vital installation files and license information readily obtainable.
3rd Action: Install QuickBooks on the New Computer
- Install QuickBooks on new computer without disk using the installation files you obtained in the previous step.
- The on-screen commands will get you through the QB installation process.
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4th Action: Restore QuickBooks Data
- After installing QuickBooks on a new computer, launch it.
- Click the “File” menu.
- Tap “Open or Restore Company.”
- Pick “Restore a backup copy.”
- Execute the prompts to restore the company file backup you made from your old computer previously.
5th Action: Test and Verify
After restoring the data, exhaustively test QuickBooks functionality to ensure everything has been successfully transferred and operating correctly on the new computer.
6th Action: Update QuickBooks
Make sure to extract and install any updates or patches for QuickBooks to affirm you are using the newest version while implementing how to transfer QuickBooks to a new computer.
7th Action: Reauthorize QuickBooks
If your QuickBooks software requires activation, you may need to reauthorize it on the new computer using your license and product information.
8th Action: Configure Preferences and Settings
Revise your QuickBooks settings, preferences, and user permissions on the new computer to match your requirements when you move QuickBooks to another computer.
9th Action: Backup and Maintenance
- To prevent data loss, resume to back up your QuickBooks data regularly on the new device.
- Review your needs and contemplate any additional steps, such as arranging scheduled backups or configuring multi-user access.
What may necessitate moving QuickBooks to another computer?
You may need to install QuickBooks on new computer for the following causes:
- Hardware Upgrade: If you are replacing your current computer with a new gadget citing hardware issues or performance upgrades, you’ll want to reposition QuickBooks to the new machine to continue your accounting work.
- Change of Work Location: Altering your workplace or moving to a different office may necessitate you to learn how to install QuickBooks on a new computer to maintain access to your financial data.
- Sharing with Others: Collaborating with team members or accountants who require access to QuickBooks can push you to install it on their computers for multi-user access.
- Data Security: Transferring QuickBooks to new computer might be a security measure if the old computer is no longer secure, especially when malware and malicious attacks suspend your operations.
- System Maintenance: Performing routine system upkeep, which includes tasks like tidying up your computer, reinstalling the operating system, or applying system updates, may necessitate the reinstallation of QuickBooks.
- Software Updates: You might need to transfer QuickBooks to new computer when upgrading to a recent version or edition of QuickBooks.
- Remote Access: Some users move QuickBooks to another computer to enable remote access or cloud-based accounting solutions, allowing them to work from different locations or devices.
- Backup and Redundancy: Creating redundant backups of your QuickBooks data on another computer can safeguard against data loss in case of a
- system failure on your primary computer.
These conditions may necessitate you to know how do I move QuickBooks to a new computer.
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What Are The Main Requirements To Move QuickBooks Company File To A New Computer?
If you want to transfer QuickBooks to a different computer, you need to ensure that the following system requirements get fulfilled:
- In the first place, establish a stable Internet connection on the computer on which you want to install the QuickBooks application, as you will need it for the license registration, once the application is installed.
- You will also need an external device to transfer QuickBooks program to another computer (USB storage device or Hard disk).
- Keep License and Product registration information handy as you will need for the program registration right after the installation of the QuickBooks on the other computer.
- QuickBooks Desktop installation disk or the setup file on an external storage device for transferring to the other system.
- Remove QuickBooks application completely from your legacy system.
- Make sure to backup your QuickBooks company file before transferring it to the other computer as it will prevent any loss to your critical company’s financial record.
How Do I Transfer my QuickBooks Program to Another Computer Using QuickBooks Migration Tool?
The QuickBooks Migration Tool can help you to move QuickBooks on a new computer without a disk smoothly.
If your requirements to reinstall or QuickBooks transfer to new computer has risen, we’ll guide you through the process using the Migrator Tool.
Employing the Migrator Tool requires following a few critical details, including having the Company Admin privileges.
Suppose you’re using a US version of QuickBooks Desktop from 2018 onwards and are a single user. In that case, you can engage the Migrator Tool to transfer QuickBooks license from one computer to another, along with up to three company files.
Here’s how the Migrator Tool functions:
- You’ll induce a complex password, the key to unlocking everything copied to your new computer. Recording and safeguarding this password is crucial as you’ll only need it once, specifically for the Migrator Tool.
- The tool will duplicate up to the most recent three company files that were opened (along with all associated files) to a USB flash drive while you implement how to move QuickBooks to another computer.
- You’ll employ this USB flash drive to transfer the files, while the Migrator Tool handles all the technical aspects.
- The tool will also download the appropriate version of QuickBooks Desktop onto your new computer and configure it with your files.
- It’s important to note that the tool will not reformat your drive or delete any of your existing files while you learn how to transfer QuickBooks to another computer.
Please be aware that if your USB contains files from 64-bit QuickBooks Desktop 2022 or 2023, the Migrator Tool may unexpectedly cease functioning when executed on a 32-bit Windows system. The migration of 64-bit QuickBooks files is backed only from one 64-bit system to another.
Here’s what you’ll need how to move QuickBooks to new computer process:
- Substantiate your new computer is connected to the internet.
- Fetch a USB flash drive with sufficient free space to accommodate your QuickBooks files.
- The Migrator Tool that helps transfer QuickBooks to another computer will specify the required free area, typically between a 150 to 250 MB range for most users.
Follow the below-given steps to move the QuickBooks company file to a new computer using the QB Migration Tool:
On Your Old (Legacy) Computer:
- Sign-in your computer as an Administrator
- Now Plugin the USB drive to your old system.
- Launch QuickBooks application and click the File tab
- From under the File tab, click Move QuickBooks to another Computer
- Hit I’m Ready and choose a strong password (The alphanumeric password that also contains special characters typically considered as a strong password, but it should be easy to remember).
- Now select the USB drive and copy all the files you want to transfer to the other computer.
- Wait until the file copy process finishes completely and then safely remove the USB drive from the computer.
On The New Computer:
- Insert the USB drive in the computer, and it will display the QuickBooks Migration Tool automatically. If not, click Move_QuickBooks.bat file from the USB drive.
- Now enter the password you have created earlier.
- Hit Let’s go and wait until the tool finishes the migration of the QuickBooks company file. The time may vary on the basis of your computer’s performance.
- Once the QuickBooks Desktop is installed on the new system, open the application, and from under the Help tab, click Register QuickBooks.
- Now provide the required information to register the QuickBooks on the new system.
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The Migrator Tool automatically removes your QuickBooks files from the USB flash drive once the process of how to move QuickBooks from one computer to another is complete. However, please note that your QuickBooks files will still reside on your old computer. We strongly advise changing the name of the file(s) on the old computer to prevent erroneously using the wrong file.
Here are the recommended next steps after finishing how to transfer QuickBooks to new computer:
Your specific setup on the old computer will be the base for the following arrangements:
- Sign in to your payroll and payment services after you move QuickBooks license to new computer.
- Sign in to Intuit Data Protect and configure your backup schedule post the transfer.
- Transmit any additional company files after you move QuickBooks from one computer to another.
- It’s always wise to assemble a backup of your company file on your new gadget.
Note: The actions to be taken after transferring QuickBooks to another computer may vary depending on your circumstances and the setup of your old computer.
Bottom Line
You can transfer your QuickBooks license from one computer to another using the steps described in this post. However, if you are wondering how do I install QuickBooks from one computer to another, give us a call on our QuickBooks technical support at 1-(855)-542-9309. In no time, you will receive a relevant help to move the QuickBooks company file to a new computer.
FAQs
How do I transfer my QuickBooks to a new computer?
Transferring QB to the new computer can have two approaches: the Migrator Tool and manual relocation and installing the QuickBooks application on the new device. Further, generating backups and restoring them can also aid in transferring QuickBooks to a new computer and critical files.
How do I install QuickBooks on a new computer?
Installing QB on a new device is straightforward: through a CD or downloading installation files from the authorized Intuit website when you move QuickBooks to a new computer.
Do the company files move with your QB application on your new computer?
No, you will have to move QuickBooks file to new computer separately through a detailed procedure. It involves generating and restoring backups and using Intuit Data Protect services.
Erica Watson is writing about accounting and bookkeeping for over 7+ years, making even the difficult technical topics easy to understand. She is skilled at creating content about popular accounting and tax softwares such as QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, Quicken, etc. Erica’s knowledge of such softwares allows her to create articles and guides that are both informative and easy to follow. Her writing builds trust with readers, thanks to her ability to explain things clearly while showing a real understanding of the industry.