[2 Simple Methods] How to Automatically Backup QuickBooks on Windows 11/10/8/7

Why Do You Need to Backup QuickBooks?

QuickBooks is one of the most favored accounting software solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises. Whether you're looking to move away from manual bookkeeping or streamline your spreadsheet-based system, QuickBooks provides an affordable option. It offers both cloud-based and on-premise accounting applications that enable you to manage payroll, handle and pay invoices, and accept business payments efficiently.

It's crucial to regularly backup your QuickBooks files if you run a business. This ensures that you can restore your data from the latest backup in case the computer where QuickBooks is installed experiences any issues, thereby preventing data loss.

Creating a backup of QuickBooks data is essential for safeguarding your information in case of unforeseen events like a computer malfunction, malware attack, or any other issues. A QuickBooks backup becomes invaluable, especially when you need to transfer the data to another computer.

2 Ways to Automatically Backup QuickBooks on Windows PC 1. Using QuickBooks Desktop's Built-in Backup Feature QuickBooks Desktop comes with a built-in feature that allows you to schedule automatic backups of your company files. Here's how to set it up: Step 1: Open QuickBooks Launch QuickBooks Desktop and log in to your company file. Step 2: Go to the File Menu Click on the "File" menu at the top-left corner of the screen. Step 3: Choose "Backup Company" From the dropdown, select "Backup Company," then click "Create Backup." Step 4: Choose Backup Type In the "Create Backup" window, choose "Local Backup." This option saves the backup on your computer or an external drive. Step 5: Schedule Backup Click on "Options" next to "Save Copy or Backup." In the "Backup Options" window, check the box for "Schedule Backup." Set the frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly) and choose a specific time. Step 6: Save Location Select where you want to save your backups, either on your computer or an external device, then click "OK" to save the settings. Step 7: Confirm Settings Review your scheduled backup settings, and if everything looks correct, click "Close." QuickBooks will now automatically create backups at the designated times. 2. Using a Third-Party Backup Solution If you prefer more advanced features or additional security, you can use a third-party backup solution like Carbonite, Backblaze, or QBBackups. These services offer cloud-based backup, which ensures your data is safe even in case of hardware failure. Step 1: Choose a Backup Service Sign up for a reliable backup service that supports QuickBooks files. Step 2: Install Backup Software Download and install the backup software provided by the service. Step 3: Configure Backup Settings Follow the software's instructions to configure the backup settings, ensuring QuickBooks files are included in the backup process. Step 4: Connect to Cloud Storage Connect your backup account to the cloud storage service provided by the third-party provider. Step 5: Schedule Automatic Backup Set up the automatic backup schedule according to your preference. Step 6: Verify Backup Once the initial backup is complete, verify that your QuickBooks files have been successfully backed up to the cloud. With these methods, you can ensure your QuickBooks data is always protected and easily recoverable in case of any unexpected issues.

This article explores two prevalent methods for automatically backing up QuickBooks. The first utilizes QuickBooks' inherent backup functionality, while the second employs professional data backup software. Let's delve into the details.

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Solution 1: Backup QuickBooks using the Built-in Feature

There are two automatic file backup options in QuickBooks. Firstly, QuickBooks will generate a backup each time you close the file. You have the option to set the frequency at which QuickBooks creates these backups. These backups are stored on your hard drive within a folder named "Auto Backup," located under the QuickBooks directory.

The second method enables you to set up an automated, unattended backup. You don't need to have QuickBooks running or even be in front of the computer. This backup file can only be stored on a local or network hard drive. It's essential to ensure that the company file is closed when performing a scheduled backup.

Setup QuickBooks Automatic Backup

You can follow these steps to set up an automatic backup in QuickBooks:

Step 1. Open the file and switch to single-user mode.

Step 2. Choose Backup Company or Save Copy, and then select Create Local Backup.

Step 3. In the window, select Local Backup and then click Next.

Step 4. In the Local Backup Only, click Browse and select the location where you want to save your backup.

Step 5. Set the number of backups you want to save (Optional).

Step 6. Under Online and Local Backup, select Perform Full Verification.

Step 7. Select OK when you are ready.

Step 8. Choose the Save it now and schedule future backups option, then click Next.

Step 9. After that, select the option to Save backup copy automatically when I close my company file. Following this, you can choose the frequency of backups by specifying the number of times between each backup.

Step 10. To set a schedule, select New. To create a backup schedule, fill in the fields with the desired information. For instance, you can choose a specific hour or day of the week for the backup to occur.

Step 11. Click OK after setting your schedule.

Step 12. Choose "Finish" when you're ready to create the backup.

Solution 2: Backup QuickBooks with Professional APP Backup Software (Recommended)

Using professional APP backup software is another method to automatically back up QuickBooks files. Numerous backup tools are available on the market, but they often don't enable you to back up the entire application. However, there is a solution. You can utilize a backup utility called Todo Backup, which is designed for this purpose.

Todo Backup Home is a practical backup and restoration solution compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7. It enables you to automate the backup of applications, files, operating systems, disks, partitions, and more. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to create various types of backups, storing them in different locations such as local drives, Network Attached Storage (NAS), Secure Zone, and Cloud. Here are some other notable features of this backup software:

• Install Windows on a new SSD without using a USB.
• Create a hot backup.
• Create an ISO image from a hard drive.
• 250GB of free cloud storage.
• Reinstall Windows without losing games.
• Clone a hard drive.

To back up your QuickBooks, you can follow these steps:

Step 1. Download and install Todo Backup on your computer. Click the "Create Backup" button on the main interface.

Step 2. You need to back up your software applications, so select the "Apps data" option.

Step 3. All the apps that can be backed up are displayed on the screen. (Outlook is currently supported, and we will progressively develop and support more application backups, such as game apps and other email clients like Thunderbird, Gmail, Microsoft 365 apps, and so on.) Scroll down to locate the app you need to back up, then click "OK".

Step 4. Follow the prompts and choose a location where you want to save the backup. It's recommended to select a Cloud service, NAS, or an external hard drive to prevent data loss in case of computer failure or crash.

Step 5. You can set customized backups by clicking the "Options" button. This allows you to schedule backups for daily, weekly, monthly intervals, or upon specific events. It enables you to choose either differential or incremental backup based on your requirements.

Step 6. When you're done with the settings, click "Backup Now" to initiate the backup process. The time it takes will depend on the size of your source data, but it shouldn't take too long.

Wrapping Things Up

Do you know how to backup QuickBooks automatically now? In summary, you can utilize QuickBooks' built-in backup feature and professional backup software like Todo Backup to assist in backing up QuickBooks. However, it's worth mentioning that you might occasionally encounter the "QuickBooks unable to backup company file" error due to various reasons.

Hence, utilizing the Todo Backup Home tool would be ideal for backing up your QuickBooks. This tool also aids in restoring the QuickBooks backup whenever necessary. Additionally, it enables you to compress backups to conserve storage space and back up SSD to an image. Give it a try! It won't disappoint you!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. **Where should I save my QuickBooks backups?**

Under the "File" menu, select "Backup Company." Next, choose "Create Local Backup," then opt for "Local Backup." Decide on the storage location for your backup by clicking "Options." It's recommended to save it online or on an external hard drive for safety.

2. Does QuickBooks perform automatic backups?

QuickBooks offers two automatic file backup options. Firstly, it creates a backup each time you close the file. Secondly, you can set up a scheduled, unattended backup. However, an effortless way to automate QuickBooks backups is by utilizing professional software like Todo Backup.

3. Why am I unable to backup my QuickBooks?

QuickBooks may fail to create a backup of the company file if the backup path is incorrect or inaccessible. Before initiating the backup process, verify that the designated backup location, whether it's a disk or directory, is correct. Additionally, ensure that the external drive is properly connected to the system if the backup directory is situated on it.