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Expert Tips to Change QuickBooks License Number With Ease 

• 
• By Jonathan Browns
• Aug 25, 2025
• Accounting
• 7 min read

At times, users need to change QuickBooks License Number while upgrading to the latest version of the software. In other instances, it is necessary to transfer your license to a new user. However, by changing the license number, you can ensure proper activation and can easily use the features of an upgraded version. In this comprehensive guide, we explain the complete procedure for changing the license number in QuickBooks Desktop. 

How to Change a QuickBooks Desktop License Number or Product Code?

There are certain instances when users need to change their QuickBooks Desktop License Number or Product Code. For that, you must follow the steps outlined below closely. 

Change the License Number 

Users won’t have to uninstall or reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop application to change the license number. 

QuickBooks Desktop For Windows Users 

• Commence the procedure by launching the QuickBooks Desktop application and heading to the Help menu. 
• After this, head to the Manage My License > Change My License Number option. 
• Now, provide the new license number in the required text field and click Next, followed by the Finish tab. 

QuickBooks Desktop For Mac Users 

• Begin the process by navigating to the QuickBooks menu and selecting the ‘Manage My License‘ option. 
• Afterwards, select the “Deauthorize the Computer” option to proceed further. 
• Once you receive the pop-up message, select the “Deauthorize and Quit” tab. 
• Finally, try opening the QuickBooks application again and follow the registration process closely. As a result, it will allow you to mention a different license. 

Change the QuickBooks Product Code (Windows Users Only)

Solution 1: Try uninstalling and then reinstalling the QuickBooks Desktop 

For instance, if you are a Pro, Premier, or Enterprise user, you need to change your product code by reinstalling the software. 

• The users are required to uninstall and then reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop application. 
• After reinstalling, you must activate the QuickBooks desktop.
  • Firstly, launch the QuickBooks Desktop application and then click the Help menu. 
  • Next, select the Activate QuickBooks Desktop tab and proceed. 
  • Thereon, use the steps instructed on the screen to verify the details. 

Solution 2: Modifying the Qbregistration.dat (for QuickBooks Enterprise)

The users have installed QuickBooks Enterprise on more than five or fewer PC’s, then it is recommended to follow the reinstall process. However, if you are running more than five PC’s, then it might consume a lot of time in the reinstallation process. 

Furthermore, there is yet another way to update the product code, which involves modifying the file known as qbregistration.dat. It is the file that carries product codes for all the installed QuickBooks software. 

First Step: Access your qbregistration.dat file through QuickBooks 

• Launch the QuickBooks application, hit the F2 key, and then the F3 key to access the tech Help window. 
• After this, choose the QBREGISTRATION.DAT file on the Open File tab and pick the Open File option. As a result, it will launch a file open in Notepad. 
• Now, all you need to do is generate a backup of the qbregistration.dat file. You will see that QuickBooks won’t open correctly if any typos are included in the file. This step is very crucial.
  • Launch the Notepad application, click the File menu, and then select the Save As option. 
  • After this, select the Desktop from the Save As window and click Save.
  • Thereon, shut down the file. 
• Furthermore, try opening the file once again from the Tech Help window. 
• Finally, shut down QuickBooks, but ensure that you keep the qbregistration.dat file open in Notepad. 

Second Step: Modify Your QBregistration.dat file 

• First, launch Notepad, then click the Edit menu and select Replace. Otherwise, press the Ctrl + H keys together from the qbregistration.dat file. 
• Afterwards, insert your old product number within the Find What field. Then, replace it with the new one within the Replace with field. You must use the format XXX-XXX when you provide the product number.
• Then, click the Replace All tab and proceed.
• Finally, tap on File and then select the Save tab. Later, exit the file. 

Third Step: Provide the Product Code Accurately 

• Initially, launch the QuickBooks Desktop application on your workstation. 
• After this, hit the F2 key to get the Product Information window. 
• Now, you must review the Product Number field and verify that the product code is now updated. 

If you are unable to change the product code, relaunch your PC. However, if you still see the product code after rebooting, resume with the reinstallation process explained above. 

Drawing To a Conclusion!!

You can now easily change QuickBooks License number and get access to the upgraded QuickBooks Desktop features to get the most out of the accounting software. Thus, it will let you complete your accounting tasks without any hindrance. Furthermore, if you are still encountering any trouble, then you can connect with our QB professionals for immediate help.