Install QuickBooks Desktop on a server (2024)

Learn how to install and set up QuickBooks Desktop on a server so computers on your network can access your company files.

Want to share your QuickBooks Desktop for Windows data with multiple users? You can set up a multi-user network to access your company files from other computers.

The setup requires you to adjust settings in QuickBooks Desktop, Windows, and your server.

Step 1: Set up QuickBooks Desktop

On a multi-user network, 1 computer hosts your company files. This is your server computer. Computers that connect to your network that don't host your company files are called work stations.

Install QuickBooks Desktop on a server (1)

  1. If you haven't already, follow the steps to download and theninstall QuickBooks Desktop on your server computer.
  2. Select Custom and Network install for the install type.
  3. Select I'll be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer, AND I'll be storing... if you want the full version of QuickBooks Desktop on your server computer. If you just want your server computer to host your files, select I will NOT be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer...
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the install.

We strongly recommend keeping your company files on your server computer's local hard drive. This makes it easier to share them over your network.

If you want to keep your files on a network drive, follow the steps to map the drive. Then come back to this article.

Step 2: Set folder permissions

Follow the steps to set up folder permissions on your server computer. Make sure the folder with your company files has permission to be on your network.

Step 3: Install Database Server Manager

If you follow the steps in Step 1, QuickBooks also installs QuickBooks Database Server Manager on your server computer. This tool lets you share your company files with other computers over your network.

Make sureQuickBooks Database Server Manager is installed.

Step 4: Adjust firewall and security settings

Follow the steps to configure your Firewall and Internet security settings so QuickBooks and Database Server Manager can run on your network.

Step 5: Set admin rights

Make sure the user account you use to sign in to your server computer has Windows admin rights.

Also, make sure the Windows user account for Database Server Manager has admin rights.

Step 6: Use Database Server Manager

After you install the Database Server Manager, follow the steps and use it to scan the folder that holds your company files.

Step 7: Turn on hosting

Now that you've set up everything outside of QuickBooks, all you need to do is turn on Multi-user Access on your server computer. Your server computer should be the only computer with this feature on.

  1. In QuickBooks Desktop, go to the File menu and hover over Utilities.
  2. Select Host Multi-User Access. Then select Yes to confirm.

Step 8: Install QuickBooks on a workstation

Now that your files are hosted over the network from the server, let's install on your workstations.

1. Download and install QuickBooks Desktop on your workstations.
2. Select Custom and Network install for the install type.
3. Select I will be using QuickBooks Desktop on this computer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the install.

When you want to access your multi-user network, sign in as a user with admin rights on your server computer and workstations.

Check out How to install QuickBooks Desktop for help installing on your workstations.

Install QuickBooks Desktop on a server (2024)

FAQs

Can you run QuickBooks desktop on a server? ›

You can set up a multi-user network to access your company files from other computers. The setup requires you to adjust settings in QuickBooks Desktop, Windows, and your server.

Can QuickBooks be installed on a terminal server? ›

A Terminal server is a central server where multiple users can access QuickBooks Desktop and the company file. You don't need to install QuickBooks on individual computers. Before you start, Check the QuickBooks Desktop system requirements to make sure your server is compatible.

What is the difference between QuickBooks desktop and server? ›

QuickBooks Cloud is accessed through an internet browser or mobile app and is hosted on remote servers, providing remote accessibility and real-time collaboration. QuickBooks Desktop is locally installed on a computer and does not require an internet connection for access.

Can you run QuickBooks desktop from a cloud server? ›

Rather than installing QuickBooks Desktop on your device, you can install and run QuickBooks Desktop on a cloud server, and access the application from anywhere, on any device. Allow your employees to securely access your business applications and data—from any device at any location.

Can you install QuickBooks on Windows server? ›

Also, a multi-user mode in QuickBooks software helps scan the computer to get updated files and configure new files that are synced with authorized systems. For installing the QuickBooks on Server, you will have to: Install the QuickBooks Database Server. Configure QuickBooks Database Server Access.

Does QuickBooks have a server version? ›

QuickBooks Database Server Manager lets you share your company files with other computers over your network.

Can QuickBooks desktop be accessed remotely? ›

Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

RDS allows users to access QuickBooks Desktop installed on a remote server using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Users can connect to the server using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and work within the QuickBooks application as if it were installed locally.

What are the requirements for QuickBooks file server? ›

The basic technical QuickBooks Server requirements in this case are:
  • Windows – US version of Windows. Regional settings are supported when set to English.
  • Processor – 2.4 GHz minimum.
  • Ram – 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended for 1-5 users.
  • Disk Space – 2.5GB of disk space (additional required for data files)

Can you install QuickBooks desktop on multiple computers? ›

Most people using QuickBooks use a single license. In literal terms, this means that you can access QuickBooks on multiple computers. However, files are only accessible to a single user over a maximum of two computers, one at a time.

Why use a server instead of a desktop? ›

It's more reliable and often built with redundancy. Server hardware also uses less energy and takes up less physical space. All of this is so you can pack as much computer power as possible into a small area while minimizing electricity costs and maximizing reliability and uptime.

Is QuickBooks desktop becoming obsolete? ›

The long answer: Intuit are sunsetting some versions of QuickBooks Desktop (QBD), and it might be possible for some users to keep accessing it —though it is not recommended. From May 31st, 2023, Intuit will stop supporting these QuickBooks Desktop 2020 versions: QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2020.

Is QuickBooks desktop being phased out? ›

Your access to QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, Desktop Payments, live technical support, Online Backup, Online Banking, and other services through QuickBooks Desktop 2021 software will be discontinued after May 31, 2024. This also means you won't receive critical security updates protecting your data starting June 1, 2024.

How does QuickBooks desktop hosting work? ›

Here's how it operates: Server Setup: The hosting provider installs QuickBooks on a cloud server. Data Migration: Then, data is securely migrated to the remote server. Secure Access: Users connect to the server via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) using their preferred devices and browsers.

How much does QuickBooks hosting cost? ›

How much does it cost to host QuickBooks? It typically costs between $30 and $75 per month to host QuickBooks. Lower cost QuickBooks hosting services typically use shared servers, while higher prices come with additional features, such as 2-Factor Authentication.

How do I host a QuickBooks desktop company file? ›

Step-by-step Guide to Help You Host QuickBooks File
  1. Use Server Manager to set up Remote Desktop Services on the Windows Server.
  2. Install QuickBooks Desktop on the server.
  3. Open QuickBooks on the server and switch to Multi-User Mode.
  4. Install and configure QuickBooks Database Server Manager to scan company file folders.
Nov 28, 2023

Is there a way to use QuickBooks desktop remotely? ›

How can You Get QuickBooks Remote Access?
  1. On your desktop, launch a web browser and then log in to your account on the official website.
  2. Go to the box next to the defined computer nickname and select 'Connect' in the Action column.
  3. Enter the passcode or use phone authentication and authorize your computer.
Mar 28, 2024

Can QuickBooks desktop be used remotely? ›

Remote access to QuickBooks Desktop refers to using the QuickBooks software and its features from a location other than where it is physically installed. It allows users to access and manage their own/client's financial data, transactions, reports, and other accounting tasks from a remote location using the internet.

How do I open a QuickBooks file on a server? ›

Step-by-step Guide to Help You Host QuickBooks File
  1. Use Server Manager to set up Remote Desktop Services on the Windows Server.
  2. Install QuickBooks Desktop on the server.
  3. Open QuickBooks on the server and switch to Multi-User Mode.
  4. Install and configure QuickBooks Database Server Manager to scan company file folders.
Nov 28, 2023

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