How to Install QuickBooks Desktop on a Computer

If you’ve recently purchased a new computer, replaced an old one, or need to use QuickBooks Desktop on a second computer, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions QuickBooks users ask is how to install QuickBooks Desktop on a new or another computer using an existing license.

Whether you’re:

• Moving QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer
• Installing QuickBooks Desktop on a second PC
• Reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop after replacing a computer
• Setting up QuickBooks Desktop on multiple computers

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need, including license rules, activation, common errors, and troubleshooting tips.

If at any point you run into installation or license issues, you can call 📞 844-753-8012 for QuickBooks Desktop installation assistance.

Also Read: How to Fix CSV Upload Errors in QuickBooks Online

Understanding QuickBooks Desktop Licensing (Before You Install)

Before you install QuickBooks Desktop on another computer, it’s critical to understand how licenses work.

Can I Install QuickBooks Desktop on Two Computers?

Yes — if your license allows it.

QuickBooks Desktop licenses are based on:

• Number of users
• Type of license purchased

For example:

• Single-user license → Can be installed on two computers (usually one main + one backup), but used on only one at a time
• Multi-user license → Can be installed on multiple computers, equal to the number of users purchased

If you’re unsure about your license, this is often why:

• QuickBooks Desktop license not working on another computer
• Error installing QuickBooks Desktop on new PC
• QuickBooks Desktop reactivation on new computer fails

👉 If you want help checking your license eligibility, call 844-753-8012.

What You Need Before Installing QuickBooks Desktop

Before starting the installation process, gather the following:

1. QuickBooks Desktop Product & Version
   • Example: QuickBooks Pro 2021, Premier 2022, Enterprise
2. License Number & Product Number
   • Found in your purchase email or inside QuickBooks (Help → My License Info)
3. QuickBooks Installation File
   • Downloaded from Intuit’s official site
4. Admin Access to the Computer
5. Internet Connection (for activation)

How to Install QuickBooks Desktop on a New Computer

If you bought a new PC or replaced your old one, follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Download QuickBooks Desktop

• Download the correct version of QuickBooks Desktop
• Make sure it matches the year and edition of your license

Step 2: Install QuickBooks Desktop

1. Open the downloaded installation file
2. Accept the license agreement
3. Enter your existing license number and product number
4. Choose installation type:
   • Express Install (recommended)
   • Custom & Network Install (for multi-user setups)

Step 3: Activate QuickBooks Desktop

After installation:

• Open QuickBooks Desktop
• Sign in using your Intuit account
• Follow on-screen steps to activate

This completes how to install QuickBooks Desktop on a new computer using an existing license.

How to Install QuickBooks Desktop on a Second Computer

Installing QuickBooks Desktop on a second computer follows a similar process, but license rules matter more here.

Steps to Install QuickBooks Desktop on a Second Computer

1. Confirm your license allows a second installation
2. Download the same QuickBooks Desktop version
3. Install using your existing license
4. Activate QuickBooks Desktop

If you receive a license error, it usually means:

• Your license limit has been reached
• QuickBooks still thinks it’s installed on an old PC

📞 Call 844-753-8012 to resolve QuickBooks Desktop license activation on a second computer.

How to Allow QuickBooks Desktop to Be Used on a Second Computer

Sometimes QuickBooks installs correctly but won’t open or activate on another computer.

To allow QuickBooks Desktop use on a second computer:

• Sign out of QuickBooks on the first computer
• Remove the old device from your Intuit account
• Reactivate QuickBooks on the new PC

This is common when:

• Moving QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer
• Installing QuickBooks Desktop after replacing a computer

How to Move QuickBooks Desktop to a New Computer

Moving QuickBooks Desktop involves two things:

1. Installing the software
2. Moving your company file

Step 1: Install QuickBooks Desktop on the New Computer

Follow the installation steps above.

Step 2: Transfer the Company File

You can move your QuickBooks company file by:

• USB flash drive
• External hard drive
• Cloud storage
• Network transfer

File extensions:

• .QBW → Company file
• .QBB → Backup file

Once transferred, open QuickBooks Desktop and restore the file.

How to Transfer QuickBooks Desktop to Another Computer

If you’re completely switching computers:

1. Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop from the old computer (recommended)
2. Install QuickBooks Desktop on the new computer
3. Reactivate the license
4. Transfer company data

This avoids:

• QuickBooks Desktop license not working on another computer
• Activation conflicts

How to Set Up QuickBooks Desktop on a Second PC (Multi-User)

If you use QuickBooks Desktop in multi-user mode:

Server Computer

• Install QuickBooks Database Server Manager
• Host the company file

Second PC / Workstation

• Install QuickBooks Desktop
• Choose Custom & Network Install
• Select “I will NOT be hosting the company file”

Make sure your firewall allows QuickBooks access.

How to Install QuickBooks Desktop on Multiple Computers

To install QuickBooks Desktop on multiple computers:

• Purchase a multi-user license
• Install QuickBooks Desktop on each workstation
• Activate using the same license
• Assign user access inside QuickBooks

If QuickBooks Desktop setup problems occur, it’s often due to:

• Incorrect hosting settings
• Network permission issues
• Firewall blocking QuickBooks services

How to Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop on a Computer

You may need to reinstall QuickBooks Desktop if:

• The program is corrupted
• QuickBooks Desktop not installing on new computer
• Installation errors occur

Reinstallation Steps

1. Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop
2. Restart your computer
3. Download a fresh installation file
4. Install and activate again

This works for:

• Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop
• Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop on new computer

Also Read: How to Resolve the Missing PDF Component Error in QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus (Windows 11)

Installing QuickBooks Desktop After Replacing a Computer

If your old PC is no longer accessible:

• Install QuickBooks Desktop on the new PC
• Use your existing license
• Reactivate via Intuit account

If activation fails, QuickBooks may need a manual reset.

📞 Call 844-753-8012 for QuickBooks Desktop reactivation on new computer.

Common QuickBooks Desktop Installation Issues (And Fixes)

1. QuickBooks Desktop Not Installing on New Computer

Causes:

• Antivirus blocking installation
• Windows permissions
• Corrupt installer

Fix:

• Run installer as admin
• Temporarily disable antivirus

2. QuickBooks Desktop License Not Working on Another Computer

Causes:

• License already in use
• Exceeded installation limit

Fix:

• Remove old installation
• Reset license activation

3. Error Installing QuickBooks Desktop on New PC

Fix:

• Use QuickBooks Tool Hub
• Install latest Windows updates

4. QuickBooks Desktop Setup Problems

Fix:

• Ensure correct version/year
• Use Custom Install for network setups

Install QuickBooks Desktop Using Existing License – Best Practices

✔ Use the same QuickBooks version
✔ Deactivate old computers when possible
✔ Keep license details saved
✔ Avoid copying program files directly

When to Get Professional Help

If you’re stuck with:

• QuickBooks Desktop installation issues on second computer
• License activation errors
• Network setup problems

📞 Call 844-753-8012 for expert help installing, reinstalling, or activating QuickBooks Desktop.

Final Thoughts

Installing QuickBooks Desktop on a new, second, or multiple computers doesn’t have to be stressful. As long as you understand your license, follow the correct installation steps, and move your data properly, the process is smooth.

Whether you need to:

• Install QuickBooks Desktop on another computer
• Move QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer
• Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop after replacing a PC
• Activate QuickBooks Desktop on a second computer

Help is always available at 📞 844-753-8012.

Frequently Asked Questions