Moving QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer involves two separate tasks: transferring your QuickBooks company data and making sure your QuickBooks license, product information, and account access are available on the new computer.
The safest approach is to create a current backup of your company file, install a compatible QuickBooks Desktop version, restore the backup, and then verify your license and company data. Eligible users may also use the QuickBooks Migrator Tool to simplify the process.
To transfer QuickBooks to a new computer, first create a current backup of your QuickBooks company file on the old computer. Keep your QuickBooks license and product information available, then install the compatible QuickBooks Desktop version on the new computer. Restore your company backup or use the QuickBooks Migrator Tool if eligible. After the transfer, activate or sign in to QuickBooks as required and verify your customers, vendors, transactions, reports, payroll, and other accounting information.

Can I Transfer My QuickBooks License to Another Computer?

Yes, QuickBooks Desktop can be installed on another computer when your license and product terms allow it.

However, transferring your company data and moving the QuickBooks software/license are not exactly the same process.

Your company data is stored in your QuickBooks company file, while your license information is associated with your QuickBooks product and account.

Before starting, keep your:

QuickBooks license number
Product number
QuickBooks version
Intuit account login
Company Administrator credentials
Current company file backup

available.

Step 1: Create a Backup of Your QuickBooks Company File

Before changing computers, create a fresh backup.

Open QuickBooks Desktop on the old computer and open your company file.

Create a backup and save it to a secure location such as:

USB flash drive
External hard drive
Secure network location
Other trusted storage

A current backup protects your accounting records if something goes wrong during migration.

What Does the Backup Protect?

Your QuickBooks company data may include:

Customer records
Vendor information
Invoices
Bills
Payments
Bank transactions
Chart of accounts
Products and services
Financial reports
Payroll information
Company settings
Step 2: Find Your QuickBooks Company File

If you have multiple company files, identify the correct one before transferring anything.

Open the company file on your old computer and press:

F2 or Ctrl + 1

The Product Information window can show the location of your company file.

QuickBooks Desktop company files generally use the .QBW extension.

Your backup file generally uses the .QBB extension.

Step 3: Record Your QuickBooks License Information

Before moving to the new computer, make sure you have access to your QuickBooks product information.

Depending on your QuickBooks version, you may need information such as:

License number
Product number
QuickBooks version
Intuit account credentials

Keeping this information available can make installation and activation easier.

Step 4: Install QuickBooks Desktop on the New Computer

Download and install the appropriate QuickBooks Desktop version on the new computer.

Whenever possible, use a version that is compatible with your existing company file.

During installation, QuickBooks may ask you to sign in or enter product information.

Follow the activation or registration instructions shown by your QuickBooks version.

Step 5: Restore Your Company Data

Once QuickBooks Desktop is installed, transfer your backup file from the old computer to the new computer.

Open QuickBooks and select:

Open or Restore an Existing Company

Choose the option to restore a backup copy and select your .QBB file.

Follow the prompts to restore the company file.

After restoration, open the company and check your accounting information.

Method 2: Use the QuickBooks Migrator Tool

Eligible QuickBooks Desktop users may be able to use the QuickBooks Migrator Tool to simplify the move.

On the old computer, open QuickBooks Desktop and go to:

File → Utilities → Move QuickBooks to another computer

Follow the instructions provided by QuickBooks.

The tool can transfer QuickBooks Desktop and selected company files along with certain supported files and settings.

How the Migrator Tool Works

The general process is:

Open QuickBooks on the old computer.
Start the Migrator Tool.
Connect a USB flash drive.
Follow the instructions to prepare the migration.
Move the USB drive to the new computer.
Open the migration file.
Enter the one-time password.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Verify QuickBooks and your company data.

The exact options available depend on your QuickBooks Desktop version and setup.

What Data Can Be Transferred?

Depending on your migration method, you may transfer important QuickBooks information such as:

Company files