Intuit feels it’s time to pack and transition to the following QuickBooks versions. The QuickBooks Desktop version has been incredible but requires a break. However, this doesn’t leave QB desktop users empty, as they have various options, including QuickBooks online.
QuickBooks is a software platform solution designed for small and medium accounting businesses. Intuit Inc. designs, develops and markets the QuickBooks software. Discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop service means you won’t be able to use or access services or products like online backup, online banking, etc. The user is not able to receive any new or critical security updates.
The company strongly recommends transitioning to its online subscription-based service after discontinuation. QuickBooks Desktop applications continue to operate past their discontinuation dates unless the user uses add-on services. However, this comes with a limitation: the user can’t subscribe to live technical support solutions.
QuickBooks’ services and products to be discontinued
Discontinuation of Intuit QuickBooks will impact the entire ecosystem of Intuit QuickBooks, including the following list of services and products.
Products getting discontinue after May 31, 2021
- QB Desktop Pro 2018
- QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2018
- QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2018
- QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 18
Products affected by service discontinuation after February 2, 2021
- QB Desktop Point of Sale 12.0 payments services
Products impacted by the discontinuation after May 31, 2022
- QB Desktop Pro 2019
- QB Desktop Premier 2019
- QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2019
- QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 19
Products to be phased out after May 31, 2023
- QB Desktop Pro 2020
- QB Desktop Premier 2020
- QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2020
- QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 20
Services impacted after the QuickBooks Desktop 2021 discontinuation Payroll services
- Assisted payroll
- Basic, standard, and enhanced payroll
- Worker’s cop payment service
- QuickBooks workforce, formerly called ViewMyPayCheck
Credit card processing services
- Payment processing
- E-Invoice
- Merchant service deposit
- Reconciliation
- Online banking
- Contributed reports
- Accountant copy transfer service
- Multi-currency/ Exchange rate
Products to remain in service on QuickBooks Desktop
Users wishing to continue using QuickBooks’ add-on services must upgrade to the latest QuickBooks Desktop version.
- QB Desktop Pro and Premier 2021, 2022, and 2023.
- QB Desktop Accountant 2021, 2022, and 2023.
- QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 21, 22, and 23.
- QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sales 22.0, 21.0, and 20.0.
Process of upgrading QuickBooks Desktop with subscription
- Tap the ‘upgrade now’ option.
- Proceed to the ‘keep the old version on my computer” tab.
- Click the” let’s go” option to automatically download, install, and activate the latest QuickBooks version.
- Now, re-launch the QB Desktop.
How to upgrade QuickBooks Desktop without Subscription.
- Click on the ‘help’ tab.
- Progress to upgrade QuickBooks from the drop-down list.
- Choose the version to upgrade.
- Proceed to the ‘keep the old version’ tab on my computer.
- Press the ‘let’s go’ option to complete the process.
What to do with failure of prompt to upgrade
If the message does not appear on the screen with the upgrade option, the user needs to change the one-time message prompts.
- Tap the ‘edit’ tab.
- Now, press the preferences option.
- Choose ‘general’ and proceed to the ‘my preferences’ option.
- Progress to the ‘Bring back all one-time messages’ option.
- Press ok and then re-launch the application to receive a text message.
Tips on how to move over to QuickBooks Online
1. Export the data
The easiest way to move your data from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online is by using a standard tool called “QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online Conversion.” The process involves the following steps:
- The user should back up the QB Desktop company file.
- Sign in to QuickBooks Online.
- Proceed to settings and select ‘import data.’
- Now, select ‘From QB Desktop.’
- Convert your company file and import it into QuickBooks Online following the on-screen instructions.
2. Plan the migration
To avoid disrupting work too much, one should plan the migration for an evening or a slower time when both platforms are available.
3. Choose a payment plan.
In order to benefit them most, the user should consider a subscription plan based on their business needs and the types of documents they handle.
System requirements to upgrade to the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop
Users need the following system requirements to upgrade to a newer version of QuickBooks Desktop.
- A processor of at least 2.4 GHz.
- 2.5GB disk space and additional disk space for data files.
- Natively installed US version Windows.
- Both client and server hardware and OS requirements.
- Internet Explorer 11 (32-bit) and internet access for browser requirements.
- Screen resolution optimized for 1280 * 1024 or higher, and the Default DPI setting.
- Optical drive of 4X DVD-ROM drives for physical CD installations.
- A minimum of 4GB RAM, 8GB, is recommended.
- 8GB for 1-5 users.
- 12GB for ten users.
- 16GB for 15 users.
- 20GB or more for 20 users.
Reasons for shifting from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online has more promising ways to track product inventories. Users can enjoy the perks of cloud storage, which helps save extra time. The following are the benefits of using QuickBooks Online.
- Receiving automatic updates.
- The user’s company file data will be automatically backed up and secured online.
- One can access a QuickBooks account from anywhere and via any device, including smartphones.
- There is no need for software installation like QuickBooks Desktop since it is a web-based application.
- QuickBooks Online provides more automated and advanced features and services.
- More deep integration of QuickBooks Online Payroll and third-party applications.
Data that can’t be transferred to QuickBooks Online
Users of QuickBooks should know in advance what and what not can move to QuickBooks from the Desktop version to avoid wasting more time in the process.
-
Purchase orders
Users can convert purchase orders when shifting to QuickBooks Online Plus and Advanced.
2. Audit trail
QuickBooks Online is developed with a superior Audit Log for its users.
3. Charts of accounts
Users’ bank account numbers and notes will not be transferred to QuickBooks Online for security reasons.
4. Reconciliation reports
Conversion of banks and credit card accounts’ reconciliation reports is not done.
5. Recurring charges of the credit card
One should cancel the current recurring credit card transactions in the Merchant Center and create new recurring sales receipts.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop doesn’t take care of everything since users can subscribe to the QuickBooks online platform. Users can switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, which is especially beneficial for small businesses.
