How do I move Quicken data files between computers?

You can move a Quicken data file from one Windows computer to another by creating a backup on the original computer and restoring it on the new one.

Step 1: Install Quicken on the new computer

Before moving the file, install Quicken on the target computer—the one you’re moving the data to.

Note: Both computers must use the same version of Quicken. If you restore the file on a newer version, Quicken will convert it, and the file can no longer be used with the older version.

Step 2: Back up your file on the original computer

1. Open Quicken on the original computer.

2. Select File > Backup and Restore > Back up Quicken File.

3. Save the backup to a removable or shared location, such as:

   • A USB flash drive

   • An external hard drive

   • A shared cloud folder (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive)

If both computers don’t support the same media (for example, if one doesn’t have a CD drive), use a USB drive or shared folder.

Step 3: Restore the file on the new computer

1. Connect the USB drive (or open the shared folder) on the new computer.

2. Open Quicken.

3. Select File > Backup and Restore > Restore from Backup File.

4. Browse to the location of your backup file.

5. Select the file and click OK to restore it.

Can I use the same data file on both computers?

Yes—but not at the same time. To use the file on two computers:

• Install the same version of Quicken on both systems.

• Move the file back and forth using backup and restore.

• Do not open or run the file directly from a shared drive or USB—doing so may corrupt the file.

Notes

• This process moves a Quicken for Windows file between two Windows computers. If you want to move a Quicken for Mac file to Quicken for Windows, you’ll need to export and convert the data. See Quicken Support for instructions.

• If you experience problems using CDs or other external media, see What if there is a CD or other external media problem when backing up or restoring?

• Always restore the file to your local hard drive before using it. Avoid running Quicken files directly from external or network storage to prevent data corruption.

Quicken Online Backup is another solution that allows you to easily download your needed files no matter what PC you run Quicken Classic for Windows from.