Last Updated on July 30, 2025
Whenever you buy software, you are provided with a license key and a validation code to activate it. Similarly, when you purchase QuickBooks to manage your business finances, you receive a QuickBooks validation code in registry to help you activate the software and access all its features. Although there can be times when you have lost the QB validation code, well then, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
This blog will guide you through the methods you can use to validate and activate the software. First, let’s discuss how you can find the QB registration file on your PC.
If you need any help with activating your QuickBooks application and validating the license, feel free to get in touch with our experts at +1 (855)-738-0359.
QuickBooks Validation Code in Registry – Key Points
There are several key advantages of the Validation code for Intuit’s QuickBooks software that offers validation to accounting operations. Listed below are the benefits of it.
- This allows you to link support to email or phone assistance, ensuring you receive quality help during activation.
- If QuickBooks is pre-installed, it will automatically direct you to the software activation.
- It has a code lookup feature for the QuickBooks Desktop, through which users can get all the data related to installation and activation.
- With the validation code for your QuickBooks Enterprise, you will have a specific identity to the software.
- The QuickBooks Validation code will help you activate all the resources related to the QuickBooks software.
Now that we have understood the benefits of the validation key and the license key, let’s move ahead and learn how to find them in QuickBooks.
How to Find the QuickBooks Registration File Located in My System?
The registration file is typically located in the C drive of your system, with the name QBRegistration.dat, in the folder: C:\ProgramData\Common Files\Intuit\QuickBooks. To find the registry file, search for “QBRegistration” and it will appear at the top of the list.
Next, we will see how to find the license number and QB validation code in the registry.
Procedure to Find QuickBooks Validation Code in Registry and License Number
To find the license number in the registry for activating QuickBooks software, follow the steps given below.
Locate the QuickBooks Validation Code in the Registry
- Sign in and move to the QuickBooks company file.
- On your keyboard, press the F2 key to enable and access the product registration window.
- Now, to access the Tech Help window, press F3 on the keyboard.
- Select the Open File tab from the navigation bar at the top. Here, you can see the different QB files.
- Press Ctrl+F on the keyboard and find the .dat file. Click on the QBRegistration.dat file to access it.
- If it doesn’t open, then right-click on it and select the Open with
- Now, choose Notepad
- Finally, you will be able to find the validation code for the software
After learning how to locate the validation code, let’s understand how to find the license number in the registry.
Locate the QuickBooks License Number in the Registry
- Access the QuickBooks application.
- Tap on the F2 key on the keyboard.
- The product registration screen will now appear on the software.
- Hit F3 on the keyboard to access the Tech Help Window.
- Now, access the QBRegistration.dat file under the File tab.
- Select the Notepad option and hit OK.
- Click Ctrl+F on the keyboard to access the search bar and look for the License Number.
- Enter the name and the License Number and hit Enter on the keyboard.
Now that you’ve learned how to find QuickBooks Product Key Registry, let’s move on to understanding how to change them in different OS versions.
Steps to Change the QuickBooks Desktop License Number in Windows and Mac
The license number can be modified easily without reinstalling QuickBooks Desktop. Below are given the steps you need to perform to change the QB Desktop License Number for Windows and Mac devices:
| For Windows | For Mac |
| 1. Access the QB and head over to the Help menu and select the Manage my License option. 2. Choose the option Change my License Number. 3. Enter your License Number and tap on Next. 4. Hit Finish. | 1. Under the QuickBooks main menu, select the Manage my License option. 2. Tap on the Deauthorize this computer option. 3. A pop-up message will appear, tap on Deauthorize, and select Exit. 4. Relaunch the QB and register again with the license numbers. |
Let’s move forward and learn how to activate the application.
Activate the Application Using the QuickBooks Registry Key
To activate the QuickBooks application after getting the latest update, here are the steps to follow.
- Tap on the Help menu in the QuickBooks application.
- Choose the Register QuickBooks option and tap on Begin Registration.
- If you want to input the account information, you can enter it in the required column and sign up for the link.
- You can tap on the Register button once you have written the registry key and details.
This will register your QB application, and you can begin with your accounting operations.
Conclusion
This blog is an in-depth guide for the QuickBooks validation code in registry. Additionally, we have discussed how to locate the QB product key registry or the validation code in the registry. Moreover, we have provided you with a step-by-step guide for activating the QuickBooks application with the help of the license number and validation key for different operating systems. If you need help activating QuickBooks with your license and validation numbers, please don’t hesitate to contact our experts. Dial +1(855)-738-0359!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Follow the steps below for QuickBooks registration.
1. Head to the Help menu and look for the Register QuickBooks option.
2. Click on Start Registration.
3. If you already have an account number, then input that number. If you don’t have one, you can click on the sign-up link and start the process.
4. Once the sign-up process is completed, you can log in to your account.
5. You can modify the data information in the account and then click on the register button to complete the process.
The validation code is a unique key that activates the QuickBooks version, and each user has a different key. No other user can use your activation key to activate their QB version, and most importantly, it is needed to verify the status of your QB.
QuickBooks users need to register the software when purchasing and downloading the QB version. Once the registration is complete, the registration number will be automatically activated. When the QB registration is done, a QBRegistration.dat file is generated for the registered version.
Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.