If you currently use QuickBooks Desktop for your business, it’s important to keep your software up-to-date. Upgrading to the latest version allows you to take advantage of helpful new features, optimizations, and improved integrations. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of upgrading QuickBooks Pro, Premier, or Enterprise editions.
Overview of QuickBooks Desktop Editions
QuickBooks Desktop is available in three main editions for Windows and Mac:
- QuickBooks Pro is the basic small business accounting version with core features.
- QuickBooks Premier is a step up from Pro with more robust inventory, pricing, and reporting.
- QuickBooks Enterprise: The most advanced edition with higher capacity, speed, and customizable options for larger businesses.
New versions of all three editions are released periodically by Intuit. Upgrading provides access to the latest tools and innovations.
Why Upgrade Your QuickBooks Edition?
There are many benefits to upgrading your QuickBooks Desktop software:
- Improved performance: faster speeds, stability enhancements, and optimizations.
- New features: access capabilities like improved search, custom fields, forecasting tools, and more.
- Better integrations: seamless connectivity with more third-party apps.
- Enhanced security: Upgrades may include security patches and improvements.
- Compatibility: Updates ensure compatibility with new operating systems and hardware.
- Continued support: ongoing product support, fixes, and customer service for current versions.
Upgrading also allows you to move up to a higher edition if your business needs have changed.
When to Upgrade QuickBooks
Timing your QuickBooks upgrade appropriately helps ensure a smooth transition.
- Upgrade early in your fiscal year or after closing books.
- Plan upgrades after major workflow changes have settled.
- Install during slower business periods.
- Align with updates to other business software where possible.
- Upgrade when migrating QuickBooks to new computers.
Avoid upgrading mid-project or during tax season for the least disruption.
Upgrading QuickBooks Pro
Here are the steps to upgrade QuickBooks Pro:
Back up your company file.
To protect your data, first back up your company file. Go to File > Backup Company > Create Local Backup.
Buy an Upgrade License
You’ll need to purchase a paid upgrade license to move to the latest Pro version. Contact Intuit or your reseller to get an upgrade quote.
Download the new installer.
Once you have a new license, download the latest QuickBooks Pro installer from the Intuit website. Save the installer file on your computer.
Install the new version.
Run the installer you downloaded to install the new Pro version on your computer. Keep your existing version until the upgrade is complete.
Update your company file.
Open the new Pro version, and your company file will prompt you to convert and update. Allow it to complete the update process.
Your QuickBooks Pro will now be upgraded to the newest release!
Upgrading QuickBooks Premier
Similar steps are involved in upgrading QuickBooks 2024 Premier:
- Back up your company file first.
- Purchase a paid Premier upgrade license.
- Download the newest Premier installer.
- Run the installer to update the software.
- Open Premier and convert your company file when prompted.
- Your Premier edition is now updated!
Upgrading QuickBooks Enterprise
For Enterprise, the upgrade process is the same:
- Backup your company file.
- Get a paid Enterprise upgrade license.
- Download the latest Enterprise installer.
- Install the new Enterprise version.
- Open it and convert your company file.
- Configure new features after upgrading.
Be sure to review the Enterprise Upgrade Guide for more tips and information.
Performing a Multi-User Upgrade
If you use QuickBooks multi-user mode, upgrading takes a bit more planning.
- Schedule the upgrade during downtime.
- Backup company files on both the host and client computers.
- Upgrade the host computer first, then have clients install the new release.
- Convert company files, but don’t open them until all users have upgraded.
- Reconnect in multi-user mode once everyone has the new version.
Careful coordination ensures a smooth multi-location upgrade.
Switching Editions
To switch your QuickBooks edition (e.g., Premier to Enterprise),
- Buy a license for the new edition.
- Install it on your computer without opening company files.
- Copy your existing company file and open it in the new edition.
- Any data changes needed will happen during the conversion.
- The edition change will now be complete!
QuickBooks upgrade costs
Upgrade pricing varies by edition.
- QuickBooks Pro: $299.95 per license
- QuickBooks Premier: $399.95 per license
- QuickBooks Enterprise: $1,200 per license.
Discounted upgrade pricing may be available if upgrading from a recent version. Contact Intuit Sales for quotes.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrading QuickBooks keeps your software optimized with the latest features and tools.
- Back up your company file before starting any edition upgrade.
- Install the new version, then convert your company file when prompted.
- Time upgrades carefully to minimize business disruptions.
- Switch editions by purchasing a new license and converting your file.
Keeping QuickBooks Desktop updated provides a smooth, stable experience and allows you to capitalize on the newest capabilities.
