How to Move or Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to Another Computer?

To move QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer, you can use the QuickBooks Migrator Tool. This involves transferring your files to a USB drive on your old computer, then running the tool on your new system. Alternatively, you can back up your QuickBooks data on the old computer, transfer the backup to a USB drive, and restore it on your new computer.

Transferring QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer can seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s a seamless process. Whether you’re using QuickBooks Desktop as a single user or managing multiple company files, this comprehensive guide walks you through moving or reinstalling QuickBooks safely and efficiently.

QuickBooks Desktop Migration: What You Need to Know

If you have the US version of QuickBooks Desktop 2018 or newer, you can use the QuickBooks Migrator Tool to transfer your installation and up to three company files to a new computer. For versions older than 2018 or multi-user setups, you must manually uninstall QuickBooks from the old system before reinstalling it on a new one.

Important Considerations:

• 64-bit files: Can only be migrated between two 64-bit systems. Attempting to run the Migrator Tool on a 32-bit Windows system may cause it to stop unexpectedly.
• Files not copied: Payroll setups, multi-user configurations, and manual backups are excluded. Intuit Data Protect also requires separate setup on the new computer.

What the QuickBooks Migrator Tool Transfers?

The Migrator Tool ensures that your QuickBooks setup and essential files move to the new computer efficiently. Here’s what it includes:

Copied Files:

• QuickBooks Desktop application details and version information
• Up to three recently opened company files, including sample files
• Custom templates, letters, and forms
• Memorized and scheduled reports
• Local attachments and printer settings
• Spell checker files and dictionaries
• Financial Statement Designer (FSD) clients and data
• Cash Flow Projector (.cfp) and Business Planner (.bpw)
• Loan Manager (.lmr) files
• Advanced reports for QuickBooks Enterprise

Excluded Files:

• Multi-user configurations
• Payroll & payment setups (you’ll need to sign in again)
• Any company files not recently opened
• Manual backup files
• Intuit Data Protect (must reinstall manually)

Requirements Before Moving QuickBooks Desktop To a New Computer

Before using the Migrator Tool, ensure you have:

• Admin access to QuickBooks Desktop
• Internet connection on the new computer
• US version of QuickBooks Desktop 2018 or newer
• Windows 10 or later installed
• External storage device (150–250 MB free space recommended)
• QuickBooks license and product numbers

Step-by-Step: Using the Migrator Tool

Follow these steps to safely move QuickBooks Desktop and company files:

1. Open QuickBooks on your old computer and go to File > Utilities > Move QuickBooks to another computer.
2. Select I’m Ready and create a one-time password.
3. Choose your USB flash drive and wait for the files to copy.
4. On the new computer, open the USB drive and double-click Move_QuickBooks.bat.
5. Enter the password and click Let’s Go.
6. Wait for the process to complete. Speed will depend on your internet and file sizes.

Note: If the tool doesn’t open, ensure your Windows 10 version is up to date. The Migrator Tool will automatically clear files from the USB once completed.

Manually Reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop to Another Computer

If you’re not using the Migrator Tool:

1. Ensure you have your QuickBooks license and product numbers.
2. Uninstall the existing QuickBooks application from your old computer.
3. On the new computer, download the installation files or insert the CD.
4. Install QuickBooks Desktop following standard installation steps.

FAQs About Reinstallation:

• No CD? Download the installation files from the Intuit website using your license number.
• Missing license info? Use Intuit’s guide to recover your license or product numbers.
• Registration: After reinstalling or moving, register QuickBooks via Help > Register QuickBooks.

Note: Moving QuickBooks does not move company files—they must be copied separately.

Transferring Company Files to Another Computer

Move to Another Computer

1. Install QuickBooks Desktop on the new system.
2. Create a backup company file on your old computer.
3. Give it a unique name to avoid overwriting existing files.
4. Transfer the backup via USB, external device, or network.
5. Restore the backup on the new computer.
6. Download the latest payroll tax tables, if applicable.

Move to Another Location on the Same Computer

1. Backup the company file.
2. Save the backup locally (not on a network).
3. Restore the file to the new folder, using a unique filename.
4. Rename the old file with “old” to avoid confusion.

Migrating Custom Templates and Add-ons

Some files, such as Loan Manager or Business Planner, are not included in backups. To move these:

1. Open File Explorer and locate Restored_[YourCompanyName]_Files.
2. Copy the following files to their respective folders:

File	Destination Folder
QuickBooks Letters & Templates	C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]\QuickBooks Letter Templates
Printer Settings	C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]
Spell Checker	C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]
FSD Clients & Data	C:\Program Data\Intuit\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files\FSD
Cash Flow Projector, Business Planner, Loan Manager	[CompanyName].qbw

Alternative: Move Entire QuickBooks Data Folder

Instead of creating a backup:

1. Locate your company file via F2 (Product Info) in QuickBooks.
2. Copy the entire folder from File Explorer.
3. Paste it to the new location or external drive.
4. Open QuickBooks, select Open or Restore Existing Company, and browse to the copied folder.

Restore Using Intuit Data Protect

If you use Intuit Data Protect:

1. Back up your company file on the old computer.
2. Sign in on the new computer and restore the backup.

Transferred Files Include:

• Logos, images, transaction logs (.tlg), network files (.nd)
• Cash Flow Projector, Loan Manager, Business Planner files
• QuickBooks letters, spell checker, Fixed Asset Manager
• Printer settings and Statement Writer (Premier/Enterprise only)

Final Steps After Moving QuickBooks

After transferring or reinstalling:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop on the new computer and verify all data.
• Sign in to payroll, banking, and payment services.
• Set up Intuit Data Protect and backup schedules.
• Move additional company files if needed.
• Uninstall QuickBooks from the old system if it’s no longer needed.

By following these steps, your QuickBooks Desktop installation and data will be fully operational on your new computer without losing any critical information.

Conclusion

Transferring QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer doesn’t have to be complicated. By using either the QuickBooks Migrator Tool or the manual backup and restore method, you can securely move all your financial data with minimal risk. Following these steps ensures your business records remain intact, allowing you to continue managing your finances seamlessly on your new system.

Frequently Asked Questions