How to Move AUSkey (ATO and myGov) From One PC to Another

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Use MyGovID Instead

After 27 March 2020, you can’t use AUSkey to access ATO services. You need to use MyGovID instead. See the ATO website for further information:

https://www.ato.gov.au/Tax-professionals/Services-and-support/Working-online/AUSkey/

Previous Information

I will leave this here in case there is any reason it may be helpful in the future, or in case the ATO allows some use of AUSkey after 27 March 2020.

The Problem:

  • New Windows 10 PC, or a Windows reinstall
  • Need to move AUSkey to the new PC

The Solution:

  • On old PC, go to C:\Users\Fred\AppData\Roaming\AUSkey (put your username in there instead of Fred)
  • Copy the file “keystore.xml”. You don’t need any other files
  • On new PC, go to C:\Users\Fred\AppData\Roaming and create a folder called AUSkey (note the capital “AUS” and lowecase “key”)
  • Copy “keystore.xml” from the old PC to this new folder
  • Download the AUSkey software: https://abr.gov.au/AUSkey/Help-and-support/Setting-up-AUSkey-troubleshooting/Download-software-for-AUSkey/ (If this link stops working, just Google Download software for AUSkey)
  • Done!

If this doesn’t work, copy the entire AUSkey folder to the new PC (C:\Users\Fred\AppData\Roaming\AUSkey (put your username in there instead of Fred).

AUSkey is for Australian tax payers (plus access to other services) and allows you to lodge your BAS online with the ATO (amongst other things), and requires a unique key installed on your PC (the keystore.xml file above).  If you need to install on more than one PC, there are links on the ATO website for obtaining additional keys. This simple set of instruction is just to transfer from one PC to another (like when you get a new PC or do a format reinstall of Windows).

Still not Working?

Browser Fixes:

As of April 2019, Internet explorer is no loger supprted. ATO website:

For Internet Explorer users, due to licensing changes to Java software in April 2019, users may not be able to use AUSkey to access online services such as the portals and Online services for agents. We recommend switching to Chrome or Firefox browsers, using the browser extension software above.

Microsoft Edge – not supported. Use Chrome or Edge

Chrome or Firefox – install plugin on this page: https://abr.gov.au/AUSkey/Help-and-support/Setting-up-AUSkey-troubleshooting/Download-software-for-AUSkey/

For Chrome and Firefox Browser Extension go to Download AUSkey installer (EXE, 2.50MB)

Or, Use myGov Instead!

Use your myGov login instead:

  • Log into myGov
  • Set up sms (phone) login codes (takes less than a minute)
  • Link your personal ABN or a company ABN to your myGov account (also takes less than a minute)

Once you have done this you can log into the ATO using myGov, and it is an awful lot easier!

19 thoughts on “How to Move AUSkey (ATO and myGov) From One PC to Another”

  4. I thank the internet gods for guys like you! This was so easy… and it’s working perfectly on my new pc. The only thing I had to do different to your instruction was copy the AUSkey folder instead of just the keystore.xml It pasted into the new pc without a problem and I’m back up and running!!! Thank you thank you thank you!

    Reply

    • Hi!

      Thanks for that – I’ve updated the article to suggest copying the entire folder if just copying the key doesn’t work.

      Glad I could help, and thanks for helping me make the instructions even better!

      Reply

  7. Thank you!!!!!!! This info worked perfectly. The ATO said I would have to re-register for an AUSkey, but I thought I would give this a go first. I’m glad I did. All working perfectly.

    Reply

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