To move your Quicken data file from one computer to another, locate the data file on your current computer, back it up, and transfer it to the new computer using a USB drive, external hard drive, or cloud storage. Install Quicken on the new computer, restore the backup, and open the data file to continue managing your finances.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Transfer Your Quicken Data File


1. Back Up Your Data File on the Current Computer:

  • Open Quicken on your current computer.
  • Go to File > Backup and Restore > Backup Quicken File.
  • Choose a location to save the backup (e.g., your desktop or an external drive) and click Backup.
  • Note the default data file location (typically in C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\Quicken on Windows or ~/Documents/Quicken on Mac) if you prefer to copy the main .QDF (Windows) or .quicken (Mac) file directly.


2. Transfer the Backup File:

  • Connect a USB drive, external hard drive, or use cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
  • Copy the backup file (ending in .QDF-backup or the main .QDF/.quicken file) to the chosen transfer method.
  • Safely eject the drive or upload the file to the cloud.


3. Install Quicken on the New Computer:

  • On the new computer, go to quicken.com/download.
  • Sign in with your Quicken ID, download the installer for your purchased product, and install Quicken.


4. Transfer the File to the New Computer:

  • Connect the USB/external drive to the new computer or download the file from cloud storage.
  • Copy the backup or data file to a location on the new computer (e.g., the Documents folder).


5. Restore the Data File in Quicken:

  • Open Quicken on the new computer.
  • Go to File > Backup and Restore > Restore from Backup File.
  • Browse to the location of the transferred backup file, select it, and click Restore.
  • If using the main data file, go to File > Open Quicken File, locate the .QDF/.quicken file, and open it.


6. Verify and Update:

  • Ensure all accounts, transactions, and settings are intact.
  • Sign in with your Quicken ID to activate the membership and update bank connections if needed.


7. Optional: Remove Quicken from the Old Computer:

  • If you no longer need Quicken on the old computer, uninstall it via Control Panel > Programs (Windows) or drag the app to the Trash (Mac).
  • By following these steps, your Quicken data will be successfully transferred, and you can continue managing your finances on the new computer.