How do I move/transfer my Quicken data file from one computer to another?

Need to move your data from one computer to another? No problem — we’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide to transferring your Quicken data file from your current system to a new one.

Before you begin

There are a few things to be mindful of before you move your data file. Let's talk about them:

You may want to move your data file in various different scenarios. Some common ones include: 

• Upgrading to a newer version of Quicken 
• Using Quicken on a different system (think Windows-to-Mac or Mac-to-Windows) 

For both scenarios, you'll need to convert the file. For steps to convert, click here.

Remember, you don't need to buy another version of Quicken to move your data file. Just make sure the new destination computer has the same version of Quicken installed. 

• For steps to download and reinstall a digital copy, click here.

We recommend not moving Quicken data files often. If you need to view a data file on a different device regularly, use Quicken on the Web instead. 

What would you like to do?

I want to share my data file between computers or on a network 

I want to move my data file to a different version of Quicken

I want to install Quicken on other computers

To move your data file to another computer (Videos)

Moving your Quicken file from one computer to another 

Moving your data file using Dropbox 

To move your data file to another computer (Text)

Step 1: Install Quicken on your new computer

1. Install Quicken on the new computer.  
2. Make sure Quicken is on the latest release; Quicken should update when you install, but if you need help with this step, click here.

Step 2: Put a copy of your Quicken file on an external disk

1. On your old computer, open Quicken and select File > Copy or Backup File. 
2. Create a copy or template of your data file to an external drive or disc, such as a USB drive, that you can use to move this copy to your new computer.

Step 3: Restore your Quicken file on the new computer

1. Connect the external drive or disc to the new computer.
2. Right-click the Windows Start menu.
3. Select File Explorer.
4. Find and drag your Quicken file copy from the external drive or disc to your new computer's desktop.

Important: Avoid opening Quicken data files directly from the external drive, as this can cause issues with your data file.

To move your Quicken file copy from the external drive to the local disc, follow these steps:

1. In the File Explorer window, find your Quicken data file. It will end in .QDF.
2. Right-click on that file and select Cut.
3. Navigate to this location in File Explorer: This PC → Local Disk (C:) → Users → [your name] → Documents → Quicken.
• The Quicken folder doesn’t exist? That’s okay — you can create it. In the Documents folder, right-click on an empty space, select New, then Folder, and name it Quicken.
4. In the Quicken folder, right-click on an empty space and select Paste.
5. Double-click the Quicken file copy that you’ve placed in the local folder to open it in Quicken.
• Nothing happened when you double-clicked? Try opening Quicken first, then go to File → Open Quicken File and navigate to the Documents\Quicken folder to find and open the file manually.
  

  

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