QuickBooks Download: Learn How to Download and Install QuickBooks Software for Windows, Mac & More in 2026

QuickBooks is owned and developed by Intuit Inc. QuickBooks accounting software is one of the most popular software programs worldwide. However, the QuickBooks download guide is still not easily accessible to users who find it challenging to download and install the software. Intuit has been updating its official website with instructions for installing and downloading QuickBooks.

However, the vast majority of users still get stuck in areas where their efforts yield no fruitful results in successfully installing & downloading the software. In recent times, we have also received a large number of support requests directly from many of our readers and social media followers regarding the same issue. Did you know? QuickBooks hosting in the cloud can be installed with ease and accessed from anywhere, anytime.

In this regard, we have decided to publish a detailed post for the download and installation instructions so that even a first-time user or layperson can complete them without much hassle. We will learn how to download QuickBooks for Mac, how to download QuickBooks Online and Desktop, and more. Let us get into the topic in detail to explore more.

How To Install & Download QuickBooks Desktop on Windows Devices

Step. 1: Prepare for the installation

• You must ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements.
• Keep your desired version of QuickBooks downloaded and ready. Save the file in a location that you can remember, as you will need it for installation. QuickBooks is available in many versions; check out and download your preferred one.
• Keep your QuickBooks product and license number handy. (You will find the license and product number either in the mail or on the card you received, or through the Customer Account Management Portal (CAMP) of Intuit.)

Step. 2: Installing QuickBooks Desktop

• Go to the location where you downloaded and saved the .exe file. Open the file QuickBooks.exe.
• Now, follow the on-screen instructions. You will need to accept the software license agreement and then select Next.
• Now, enter your Product and License numbers. Then select Next.

Step. 3: Activate QuickBooks Desktop Software

• After the installation is complete, Intuit will prompt you to activate and update the software to the latest version.

NOTE: There are Two Methods to Install QuickBooks as per Intuit

• Express Method of Installation
• Custom Method of Installation.

Intuit recommends using the Express method to install QuickBooks Desktop for first-time users or for reinstallation.

1. Express Installation Guide

Intuit recommends the express install if you're a first-time user, reinstalling QuickBooks, or going to use QuickBooks on a single computer:

• Select Express and then Next.
• Select Install
• When it finishes, select Open QuickBooks.

2. Custom & Network Installation Guide

Intuit recommends the custom install if you're setting up a multi-user network, hosting your company files on a server, or installing QuickBooks somewhere on the cloud server.

• Select Custom and Network Options and then Next.
• On the next screen, select Change the install location (like your computer desktop).
• Select Browse to decide where to keep your QuickBooks folder.
• Select Next. It will start the installation.
• When the installation finishes, select Open QuickBooks.

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How to Download QuickBooks Desktop on a Mac? Step-by-step Guide

• Step 1. Ensure QuickBooks Desktop for Mac is compatible with your device by checking the minimum system requirements for your Mac.
• Step 2. Find your product and license numbers (If you bought a physical copy, you will find it on the package, where you need to scratch off the label to see them. If you got it through mail, your digital copy will contain the licence and product numbers.)
• Step 3. Download and install QuickBooks Desktop for Mac
  • Download your QuickBooks Desktop for Mac version. Alternatively, you can use the CD installer (if you have one). If you're unable to download the installer, you may need to clear your browser's cache and cookies.
• Step 4. Convert or upgrade your company file. If you are upgrading from an older version of QuickBooks Desktop for Mac, you will need to update your company files so they work with the newer version. Follow these steps:
  • Open your company file in the newer version of QuickBooks.
  • When QuickBooks prompts you to convert or update the company file, select Upgrade.
  • Once you get a prompt message, select OK.
  • Check your accounts, balances, and reports. It ensures the correct company file is converted.
• Step 5. (Optional) Set up multi-user mode. You can set up multi-user mode when multiple users are working in QuickBooks. This allows multiple users to work on the same company file simultaneously, from different workstations.

For some users, QuickBooks Download may seem challenging, but you just need to follow the steps to ensure you have successfully and carefully installed QuickBooks software. You can also get QuickBooks Desktop Pro hosting on the cloud for seamless access.

QuickBooks Download to a Second Device? A Guide

We'll show you how to move or reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to a second computer. You can move QuickBooks Desktop to a new computer any time you want using Intuit's Migrator Tool.

Things to Note:

• To use the Migrator Tool, you'll need to be the Company Admin.
• You will be able to use the Migrator Tool to move your QuickBooks Desktop software and up to 50 company files to another computer if you're currently using the latest US version of QuickBooks.
• The tool will not reformat your USB flash drive or erase any of your company files.
• You can migrate 64-bit QuickBooks files only from one 64-bit system to another. If your USB flash drive contains files from 64-bit QuickBooks Desktop 2022, the migrator tool might unexpectedly stop when you try to run it on a 32-bit Windows system.

Things You Need to Keep in Mind:

First, have your new computer connected to the internet. Also, have A USB drive with some free space to take your QuickBooks download files. The Migrator Tool will let you know how much free space you need. Most people need 150 MB - 250 MB of free space.

How to Set up and Use the Migrator Tool

Step 1. On your old computer

• From QuickBooks, please go to the File menu. Then, select Utilities, and then choose Move QuickBooks to another computer.
• Select I'm Ready, then create a one-time password that you like.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to choose the USB flash drive you'll use. Then wait for the files to be copied. It will finish in a matter of time.

Step 2. On your new computer

• Connect the USB flash drive.
• Open the USB flash drive to view its files and double-click the file Move_QuickBooks.bat to start the migrator.
• Enter the password that you created. And then select Let's go.
• Wait a while for the Migrator Tool to finish.

Note: The time taken depends on your computer's speed and the internet connection, as well as the size of the company file(s) being transferred. Also, if the migrator doesn't open after selecting and running the file, you may need to update the device OS.

The migrator tool will automatically delete the QuickBooks download files from the USB drive when the file transfer is complete. However, the QuickBooks files will still reside on the old computer. Intuit strongly recommends renaming the file(s) on your old computer to avoid using the wrong file in the future.

What to do next
Since the tool may not be able to copy all the info, you may need to take a couple more steps to get ready for action on your new computer. Depending on what info you have on your old computer, you may need to:

• Sign in to the payroll and payment services.
• Sign in to Intuit Data Protect and then set up the backup schedule.
• Move over any additional company files from the old computer to the new computer.
• Create a backup file: It is better to back up your company file on the new computer.

How to Manually Move or Reinstall QuickBooks Without the Migrator Tool

To reinstall or move the QuickBooks Desktop installation

• Keep your product and license number handy.
• First, uninstall the current QuickBooks software before reinstalling it.
• Insert the CD if you have one, or download the installation files to the computer where you want QuickBooks Desktop installed.
• Install QuickBooks Desktop as you usually do.

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Is QuickBooks Available for Free Download?

There is no free version of QuickBooks at the moment. But you can try the free trial version for a period of 30 days before subscribing to a paid version. Here are the links:

• QuickBooks Enterprise trial install file. (Click here)
• QuickBooks Desktop for Mac trial install file. (Click here)

Once you click on your desired link, the download will start automatically. Save the trial installation file to any location on your computer, and you can easily find it later to reinstall it. Please note that you never need any code to open and install the trial.

Please note that before starting the download, you need to ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements by using the link to install QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise or QuickBooks Desktop for Mac Plus.

Steps to Try a Free Version for QuickBooks Online

Step 1: head on to the QuickBooks Online webpage.

Step 2: Click the free 30-day trial button. Once you click on it, you will be redirected to the payment page. See image for reference.

Step 3: After you select the plan, log in with your account details or register for a new account, then proceed to get your free 30-day trial of QuickBooks Online.

What is QuickBooks Tool Hub? All You Need To Know

QuickBooks Tool Hub is an application from Intuit that includes various QuickBooks Desktop tools to help you fix QuickBooks issues and errors. Here are the mistakes and problems you can fix with the QuickBooks tool hub.

• If you want to reset your password, go to the Password Reset option.
• If you encounter problems when installing or uninstalling QuickBooks Desktop, go to Installation Issues. You can also resolve 3371 errors from here.
• If you get an error message when you try to open your company file or have missing or blank lists, you need to select Company File Issues. It will launch Quick Fix My File and QuickBooks File Doctor. In case more help is required, go to File Dr Help on the company file tab.
• If you face any issues with your network or your networked computers, e.g., error H202, go to Network Issues. Please note that you must be on your server computer.
• If you face any performance issues, problems opening the program, Error 6123, or other errors, such as the program crashing or stopping, you need to go to Program Problems. Intuit recommends using the Quick Fix My Program first. This section can also be used to resolve common PDF and print-related problems.
• For common Windows shortcuts used to help you troubleshoot and resolve common QuickBooks errors, you need to select Advanced Tools.
• Whenever you need to contact Intuit or manage your Intuit account, just go to Help & Support. Here, you can also provide feedback on any of their tools.

Note: When you install a specific tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub, it will automatically download in the background. It takes 2-3 minutes to finish. Please be patient while downloading the tools, as if you close the installer by mistake, the tool may not run.

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How to Download QuickBooks Tool Hub? A Step-by-step Guide

• Step 1: Close the QuickBooks downloaded application if it is open.
• Step 2: Now, download the latest version of the QuickBooks Tool Hub (Version 1.6.0.8). Save the file somewhere you can easily find it (such as your Windows desktop or Downloads folder). If you already have QuickBooks Tool Hub installed, make sure to update it to the latest version.
• Step 3: Open the file you just downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
• Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to install. You will need to agree to the terms and conditions to proceed with the installation.
• Step 5: Once the installation is complete, you can open the tool hub by double-clicking the QuickBooks Tool Hub icon on the desktop.

Besides this, if you receive an error message that QuickBooksToolHub.exe has been blocked because it can harm your device, please try downloading the hub with a different web browser. You may also receive an error message from Microsoft Defender, such as Windows protected your PC: Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk. Please click More Info and then click Run anyway to install the Tool Hub successfully.

Concluding Lines

QuickBooks download can be challenging for many users, as it requires several factors to keep in mind. However, we have given a detailed step-by-step guide on how to download QuickBooks for Mac, how to download QuickBooks, and how to use QuickBooks Online. We have also included instructions for setting up and downloading the QuickBooks Tool Hub and more. You can also get hosted QuickBooks Enterprise on the cloud for a seamless workflow. For more guides on similar topics, explore the Sagenext blog page.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How to download QuickBooks Desktop?

• Step 1: Go to the official QuickBooks Desktop download webpage. (Click here)
• Step 2: Now, select your country, QuickBooks version, and product.
• Step 3: After selecting the details, click on the download option.
• Step 4: Once the download is complete, install QuickBooks according to the on-screen prompts.

How to download QuickBooks Online to the desktop?

• Step 1: Download the QuickBooks Online Desktop App from your account settings in the QuickBooks platform.
• Step 2: Go to the Gear Icon > Get Desktop App, then install it as you would a standard app on your device.
• Step 3: Once installed, log in with your credentials as needed.

How to download QuickBooks?

Go to the official QuickBooks Desktop download page, choose your country, the version, and product you need, then start the download. Once the file finishes downloading, open it and follow the on-screen steps to install QuickBooks.

How to download the QuickBooks Online Desktop app?

Download the QuickBooks Online Desktop App from your account settings, then go to the Gear icon and choose Get Desktop App to install it. After the installation finishes, open the app and sign in with your login details. QuickBooks download is complete.

How to download QuickBooks on a laptop?

To download QuickBooks on your laptop, visit the official download page or your Intuit account if you use the Online version. Pick the product and version (Pro, Premier, or Enterprise) you need, download the installer, then run the file and follow the setup steps. When prompted, enter your license or product key to finish activation.