QuickBooks Desktop is no longer available for purchase, which has sparked worry among regular users who have relied on the system for years. This discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop has led to many wondering how long they can continue renew subscriptions, whether they should migrate to desktop QuickBooks online solutions or consider another online version. Users are questioning what will happen to their company file, and how much longer they can benefit from the features of existing QuickBooks Desktop. With so many changes taking place, the need for clarity is higher than ever.

Not to worry—we’ll start by answering the question: Is QuickBooks Desktop being phased out? We’ll dive into what options are available for current users of this program, including those who may be running Desktop Enhanced Payroll or new versions QuickBooks to manage critical tasks like inventory management.

Is QuickBooks Desktop Being Phased Out?

Until recently, QuickBooks Desktop (including desktop pro QuickBooks, desktop premier QuickBooks, and QuickBooks desktop enterprise) was a standard choice for many businesses that required offline access to their accounting software. However, the QuickBooks desktop phased approach has many users wondering if they must switch to online QuickBooks. With QuickBooks Desktop discontinued for new purchases, and Intuit pivoting to cloud-based solutions, it’s essential to explore available features, learn how to handle potential data loss, and see how you can continue using the desktop version QuickBooks if you choose to do so.

QuickBooks Desktop remains a favorite among some users who prefer offline access, local storage for their company file, and more direct control over QuickBooks desktop payroll options, while others see the advantages that QuickBooks online offers for easy remote access. Either way, understanding the discontinuation QuickBooks Desktop timelines is crucial for all existing QuickBooks Desktop customers.

The Current State of QuickBooks Desktop

Until now, QuickBooks has existed mainly in online and desktop formats. The desktop version allowed customers to download and use the software from their computers without needing an online connection or storage in the cloud, making daily tasks like inventory management straightforward for smaller operations. However, online versions utilize the cloud-based environment, enabling you to access your account from anywhere.

Intuit recently announced its decision to move away from versions QuickBooks Desktop and focus instead on online QuickBooks. This shift includes the discontinuation of QuickBooks Desktop for most users, in favor of platforms like desktop QuickBooks online. While QuickBooks Online offers a range of convenient features, such as automatic updates and quick access from anywhere, many desktop users feel uncertain about whether to switch or wait. The discontinuation date marks a substantial change in how pro QuickBooks Desktop users handle daily transactions and maintain data security.

The planned end date for all 2021 desktop versions except Enterprise is May 31, 2024. Users who have downloaded the 2021 desktop version of QuickBooks won’t lose access to the platform but will no longer have access to support QuickBooks Desktop or enhanced payroll solutions after that point.

QuickBooks Desktop users will also lose access to:

• Desktop payroll services (including desktop enhanced payroll if applicable)
• Desktop payments
• Online backup services
• Online banking
• Security updates

Users will still have a desktop option as the 2021 QuickBooks Desktop versions go through the phase-out process. This 2024 Desktop version is referred to as QuickBooks Enterprise version 24, designed for enterprise-level customers. While this desktop enterprise platform will allow some users to keep a desktop setup, the cost may be prohibitive for smaller companies. Since QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is more geared toward larger, more complex operations, smaller businesses might find that QuickBooks online offers a better fit for their budget and needs.

We know this is confusing, but we explain more here, beginning at the 2  mark.

When Did The Phase Out Happen?

Although the company announced its plan to discontinue all 2021 desktop software versions, the phase-out isn’t complete yet. The official end date for support is May 31, 2024, marking the final step in the QuickBooks desktop phased approach. According to the announcement, there will be no exceptions. With that in mind, if you’re still relying on an existing QuickBooks Desktop product, you may need to make a decision sooner rather than later, especially if you handle critical tasks like inventory management.

What Versions Are Being Discontinued?

All QuickBooks Desktop software except Enterprise will be discontinued after the May 31, 2024 deadline. This discontinuation includes the following systems:

• 2021 QuickBooks Desktop for Mac (including QuickBooks desktop mac)
• QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Version 21
• QuickBooks Enterprise Accountant Version 21
• 2021 versions of QuickBooks Desktop Pro (often referred to as pro QuickBooks desktop)
• QuickBooks Desktop Premier 2021 (General Business, Professional Services, Contractor, Nonprofit, Manufacturing and Wholesale, and Retail)

The discontinuation of services relating to QuickBooks desktop versions will also affect QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale Version 19, but only after October 3, 2024. These changes mark a major turning point in how desktop version QuickBooks is supported moving forward, compelling business owners to plan their next steps carefully. Whether you rely on pro QuickBooks or premier QuickBooks, you’ll need to review your accounting software and evaluate whether a shift to the cloud-based environment makes sense.

What to Do If the Version You’re Using Is Being Phased Out

If your QuickBooks desktop version is being phased out, you can try using QuickBooks Desktop on your own. However, you will no longer have access to supporting platforms or technical support, which means you may lose your data if you run into problems or your company file becomes corrupted. Therefore, this option is not recommended.

The better option is to migrate to online QuickBooks. This transition will involve an upgrade fee and may take some time, but cloud-based solutions often deliver better flexibility, automatic updates, and secure backups that reduce the risk of data loss. To avoid delays or issues, starting immediately rather than waiting until a few days or weeks before the May 31, 2024 deadline is recommended.

This process may seem complicated, but our team at Fourlane can guide you through the change. Our QuickBooks experts can assist with the entire migration process, helping you keep your inventory management systems intact, ensuring crucial data like your company file is safe, and retaining much of the familiarity of your existing QuickBooks Desktop. We can also discuss whether QuickBooks desktop payroll or enhanced payroll features will be available to you as you transition to an online offers plan.

Fourlane Makes QuickBooks Transitions Easy

QuickBooks constantly releases new versions, updates, and significant changes, like the cessation of their QuickBooks Desktop programs. While this might feel daunting, you can rest assured that solutions exist to make the transition seamless and to help you continue renew subscriptions if needed.

Instead of facing frustration alone, leverage Fourlane’s expert QuickBooks services and products to manage your move from desktop QuickBooks to online QuickBooks desktop or to explore other cloud-based alternatives. Our experience with accounting software ensures we can customize and optimize your system, whether you run a small business or handle enterprise-level operations that require desktop enterprise solutions. Save time, money, and stress by contacting Fourlane for your QuickBooks needs.