For any QuickBooks Desktop users, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest version of the software. Intuit frequently releases new updates to QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Enterprise editions. Upgrading to the newest release allows you to take advantage of new features, improvements, and fixes. It also ensures compatibility with the newest operating systems and improved security protections.
In this article, we’ll walk through the steps for updating your QuickBooks Desktop to the most current version. We’ll also look at reasons why you should upgrade and key information on compatibility and licensing.
Why update QuickBooks Desktop?
Here are some of the top benefits of updating to the latest QuickBooks Desktop release:
- Access new features: With every new release, Intuit adds helpful new features and functionality to improve users’ experiences. For example, the latest releases have included improved search, customization options, reporting enhancements, and more.
- Get the latest improvements: Updates also incorporate fixes for bugs or glitches, speed optimizations, and other improvements that streamline workflows.
- Maintain compatibility: New QuickBooks releases add support for new operating systems and versions. This ensures compatibility as you update other software.
- Boost security: Updates may include security patches or upgrades to keep your data safer. Running outdated software increases vulnerability risks.
- Improve stability: Upgrades include stability enhancements that reduce errors and crashes for smoother performance.
- Stay supported: Intuit ends support and stops issuing fixes for older versions after a few years. Upgrading keeps you eligible for customer support.
- Access new integrations: With some releases, Intuit adds more app integrations and connects to new web services for expanded capabilities.
As you can see, staying current with the latest QuickBooks Desktop releases is ideal for taking advantage of all the newest capabilities and enhancements.
Checking Your Current QuickBooks Version
Before upgrading, you’ll want to check which version of QuickBooks Desktop you’re currently running. Here are the steps to find out:
- Open your QuickBooks Desktop application.
- From the top menu, select Help.
- Click on About QuickBooks Desktop.
- A dialog box will open detailing your current QuickBooks version and release. Make note of this for reference.
You can then compare your current version to the newest QuickBooks release available to see if you’re eligible for an upgrade.
Upgrading QuickBooks Desktop
If you determine it’s time to update to the latest release, here is an overview of what’s involved:
Back up your QuickBooks data.
The first step before any QuickBooks update is to back up your data. This provides a safety net in case any issues occur during upgrading. You can back up your company file by going to File > Back Up Company > Create Local Backup. Choose a location, like an external hard drive, to save the backup file.
Purchase an Update License
To upgrade to a newer version of QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, or Enterprise, you’ll need to purchase a paid upgrade license. License costs vary depending on the edition. Contact Intuit sales or your reseller to get pricing for an upgrade license.
Download the latest installer.
Once you have the new license, you can download the latest version of the installer from the QuickBooks Desktop Downloads page. Make sure to select the edition you use, like Pro or Premier. Save the installer file on your computer.
Run the installer.
When ready to upgrade, close out of QuickBooks Desktop completely. Then locate the installer you downloaded and double-click to launch it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the new QuickBooks release on your computer.
Update your company file.
After the new version finishes installing, open it up. You’ll be prompted to update your existing company file for the new release. Click through the on-screen menus to complete the company file update process.
And that’s it! Once your company file update finishes, you’ll be up and running on the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop.
Switching Editions
If you want to upgrade to a higher edition of QuickBooks Desktop (Pro to Premier, for example), it involves a few extra steps:
- Purchase a paid upgrade license for the new edition.
- Download the installer for the edition you’re upgrading to.
- Install the new edition without opening your company file.
- Copy your existing company file and open it within the new edition to convert it.
- Review the edition change guide for details.
This allows you to upgrade both the software and your company file type in one go.
When to Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop
Timing your QuickBooks Desktop 2024 upgrade involves some careful consideration. Here are a few tips on when to update:
- Update early in your fiscal year or after closing books.
- Plan upgrades after any major workflow changes.
- Upgrade during slow periods rather than peak activity times.
- Align updates with other software or OS updates.
- Upgrade as soon as possible when switching operating systems.
- Install updates before migrating to new computers.
Doing upgrades at less disruptive times allows you to learn new features and ensures a smooth transition.
QuickBooks Update Frequency
How often should you plan to update QuickBooks Desktop? Ideally, aim to update at least once every 1-2 years if possible.
Here is a rough timeline of QuickBooks releases:
- Major versions are released every 2–3 years.
- The minor version updates 1-2 times a year.
- Bug fixes, updates, and patches happen very frequently.
So upgrading to every other major release ensures you stay up-to-date with key features and improvements. Upgrading more often, like yearly, keeps things fresh and enables you to adapt to changes incrementally.
QuickBooks Update Methods
There are a couple different ways to handle major QuickBooks Desktop upgrades:
- In-place upgrades: Install the new version over your existing one and convert the company file. Quicker but can be riskier.
- Side-by-side upgrades: Install the new release separately without converting your file. Gives you dual access during transition.
Many users prefer side-by-side installs for major version upgrades as it provides insurance in case of issues with file conversion. This keeps your existing version intact for reference.
For minor updates, in-place upgrades are generally fine, as the risk is low. Always backup your data first, regardless.
QuickBooks Update Tips
To ensure a smooth upgrade process, keep these tips in mind:
- Fully close QuickBooks before installing updates.
- Create a backup before each upgrade as a precaution.
- Review the release notes and check for compatibility before upgrading.
- Upgrade during non-peak times to minimize workflow disruptions.
- Consider side-by-side installs for major version changes.
- Update login credentials if prompted after upgrading.
- Reset custom settings if you are experiencing issues after upgrading.
- Contact customer support if you have problems with an upgrade.
Following best practices helps mitigate risks and ensures you transition seamlessly to the latest QuickBooks Desktop release.
Maintain optimal performance.
Over time, even newly updated QuickBooks company files can develop performance issues. Here are some tips for maintaining optimal speed:
- Condense your company file data periodically.
- Delete old historical data that you no longer need.
- Scan for and correct any data corruption problems.
- Re-index your company file to optimize speed.
- Consider starting a new file and migrating data after many years.
Properly caring for your data helps prevent sluggish behavior within QuickBooks.
Key Takeaways
Upgrading QuickBooks Desktop regularly is the best way to stay up-to-date with the latest features, improvements, and compatibility. Follow best practices for smooth upgrades:
- Backup your company file before updating.
- Purchase an upgrade license when required.
- Download the newest installer and run it.
- Update your company file when prompted.
- Time upgrades carefully to minimize disruptions.
- Use side-by-side installs for major version upgrades.
Keeping your QuickBooks current ensures you always have access to the latest tools and innovations that can benefit your business!
