Installing QuickBooks on an additional PC lets you stay productive whether you’re at the office, working from home, or traveling with a laptop. Below is a human-written, Google-friendly guide that walks you through every detail, peppered with pro tips and real-world creativity so your installation sails through on the first try.
Learn how to install QuickBooks on a second computer without losing data or licenses. Follow our step-by-step 2025 instructions or call 1.866.409.5111 for expert help.
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Why Add QuickBooks to Another Device?
- Business continuity. Work even if your primary machine crashes.
- Team collaboration. Share the company file over a secure network.
- On-the-go access. Keep books updated while visiting clients or working remotely.
Focus keyword repeat: Understanding how to install quick books on a second computer ensures you never miss an accounting beat.
Pre-Flight Checklist
Before you begin, take five minutes to gather the following:
- Your product & license numbers – find them in Help ▸ About QuickBooks on your first PC or the original purchase email.
- The latest installer – download directly from Intuit’s official site.
- An Intuit account – required to activate 2024-2025 licenses.
- Admin rights on the second computer.
- A reliable backup of your company file (.QBW) on an external drive or secure cloud folder.
Pro Tip: Use QuickBooks’ built-in Backup & Restore wizard so file paths and payroll data remain intact.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Download or locate the installer
- Visit Accounts.Intuit.com and sign in.
- Click “Manage your QuickBooks” → “Download” and select your edition (Pro, Premier, Enterprise).
- Save the .exe file in your Downloads folder for easy access.
2. Run the installer as Administrator
- Right-click the installer → Run as administrator.
- This bypasses Windows’ permission prompts and prevents half-installed components.
3. Accept the License Agreement
- Tick “I accept the terms”.
- Click Next.
- Enter your product number and license number exactly as shown—dashes included.
4. Choose Installation Type
- Express (Recommended): QuickBooks picks default folders.
- Custom & Network Options:
- I’ll be using QuickBooks on this computer. (Typical for single-user.)
- I’ll be storing the company file here so it can be shared. (If the second PC acts as a server.)
- I will NOT be using QuickBooks on this computer. (Database Server Manager only.)
Which to choose? For most users learning how to install quick books on a second computer, select “I’ll be using QuickBooks…” unless this PC is purely a file host.
5. Set Up File Sharing (Optional but Common)
- If you need both computers to open the same company file:
- Place the .QBW file in a shared folder (Windows permissions Full Control for all QuickBooks users).
- On each machine, open File ▸ Open or Restore Company and browse to that shared location.
- Enable Multi-user Mode and assign a strong password.
Security Reminder: Never share the file over public Wi-Fi without a VPN.
6. Activate QuickBooks
- After installation, QuickBooks prompts you to activate online.
- Log into the same Intuit ID used on your first PC.
- Activation syncs your license across devices, keeping you compliant with Intuit’s terms.
7. Restore or Open Your Company File
- Restore from backup if the second computer is brand new to QuickBooks.
- Otherwise, simply Open the shared file and switch to Multi-user Mode.
Post-Installation Tweaks
- Update QuickBooks immediately (Help ▸ Update QuickBooks).
- Re-enter payroll service keys if you have Enhanced or Full-Service Payroll.
- Confirm backup schedules run from at least one computer daily.
- Sync apps and bank feeds; some OAuth tokens need re-authorizing.
Successfully completing these tweaks cements your mastery of how to install quick books on a second computer.
If an error persists longer than 15 minutes, save time and call 1.866.409.5111 for advanced support.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the same license on multiple computers?
A: QuickBooks Desktop Pro/ Premier licenses cover one user per license. Installing on a second computer for the same user is permitted, but simultaneous use requires additional seats or upgrading to Enterprise.
Q: Does this guide work for QuickBooks Online?
A: Yes—simply sign in at qbo.intuit.com on any browser. No installation needed, but the Backup & Restore app still benefits from multi-device redundancy.
Q: What about Mac?
A: QuickBooks for Mac follows the same principle: download, install, and sign in. Company files aren’t cross-compatible with Windows versions without conversion.
Takeaway
Knowing how to install quick books on a second computer empowers you to stay flexible, protect critical accounting data, and collaborate effortlessly. Follow the checklist, complete each step patiently, and your extra PC will mirror your primary setup in under an hour.
Need personal guidance? Dial 1.866.409.5111 and speak with a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor today.