Install

You've come to the right place, @Laura510.

Let me guide you in setting up a multi-user network so computers on your network can access your company files. 

First, you can use the desktop computer as the host computer. You'd want to make sure that QuickBooks is installed in it and your company files are also stored on it. Here's how:

1. Download QuickBooks Pro Plus 2021 on your desktop computer.
2. Open the file QuickBooks.exe you downloaded.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions.
4. Accept the software license agreement and then select Next.
5. Enter your Product and License numbers. Then select Next.
6. Choose Custom and Network install for the install type.
7. Select I'll be using QuickBooks on this computer and storing our company file here so it can be shared over our network.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the install.

On the other hand, you'll have to install QuickBooks on the laptop too using the steps above except step 7. Just make sure to choose I'll be using QuickBooks on this computer, but the company file will be located on a different computer. By doing this, your source of data is the desktop computer. You can refer to this article for the step-by-step instructions: Set up and install a multi-user network for QuickBooks Desktop.

I'm adding these articles as additional reference in configuring your multi-user network:

• Hosting your company data in multi-user mode in QuickBooks Desktop
• Open a company file located on a remote computer. 
• Error H101, H202, H303, or H505 when opening your company file.

Swing by here again if you have other questions or questions. Know that the Community and I are always here to help you achieve your goals.