How to Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop 2023 Pro Plus, Premier Plus, or Enterprise to QuickBooks 2024
Upgrade your QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, or Enterprise to QuickBooks 2024 seamlessly with our comprehensive guide. Stay ahead of the curve by harnessing the latest features and enhancements that QuickBooks Upgrade 2024 has to offer. Our step-by-step instructions will walk you through the entire upgrade process, ensuring a smooth transition for your business.
Why Upgrade to QuickBooks 2024?
Popular small business accounting software like QuickBooks, releases a major new version every 3 years. QuickBooks 2024 offers some great benefits over previous editions:
- Improved graphs and reporting in critical areas like accounts receivable, inventory, and cash flow. New customizable dashboard views help you visualize your finances from several angles to spot issues and opportunities.
- Enhanced integration with apps and other business systems through an improved API (Application Programming Interface). Connect QuickBooks 2024 to other tools you rely on for greater productivity.
- More flexible options for managing fixed assets like vehicles, real estate properties, machinery, and equipment over their full lifecycle.
- Better tools for managing multiple currencies or a business with an international presence. Get clearer financial reporting for global small businesses.
- Ongoing improvements like smoother workflows, time-saving shortcuts, and subtle user interface upgrades for greater usability and productivity.
Updating to the latest QuickBooks version helps you leverage the newest features and performance optimizations. Intuit also only provides full software support and patching for the current and immediately prior major releases. Staying up-to-date is important!
Challenges With Upgrading Older Versions
- You can only directly upgrade versions up to 3 years old. Older versions first require intermediate upgrades to reach the 3-year eligibility mark.
- Clean installs are required for versions over 4 years old. A clean install means backing up your data file, installing the new version of the software, and restoring the backup.
- Versions over 6 years old may need specialized support from Intuit to upgrade due to database compatibility issues between very old and new editions.
- The older your software, the more vulnerable it is to unpatched security flaws. Out-of-date versions urgently need upgrading and patching.
- Old versions may lack connectivity with the newest OS versions, hardware devices, or other integrated software systems due to outdated drivers and programming libraries.
How to Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop 2023 to 2024
Upgrading your QuickBooks Desktop software to the latest version each year allows you to take advantage of new features, improvements, and fixes that provide a better overall user experience. Intuit releases a new version of QuickBooks Desktop every year in September or October.
If you are currently using QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, or Enterprise 2021, 2022, or 2023, you are eligible to upgrade to the newest 2024 version when it gets released later this year.
Upgrading to the newest version of QuickBooks is usually a smooth process that doesn’t take too long. However, it’s important to properly prepare and safely back up your QuickBooks data file before upgrading to prevent the loss of important company data.
Overview of the Upgrade Process
Here is a high-level overview of what the process looks like:
- Backup Your QuickBooks Company Files
- Install QuickBooks Desktop 2024
- Open Company Files in QuickBooks Desktop 2024
- Verify Converted Company Data
- Train Employees on New Features in QuickBooks 2024
The key things to understand are:
- You need to properly back up your existing company file first before installing the new version. This safeguards your data.
- The upgrade installs the new 2024 software versions but retains your existing company file and data.
- You should expect a short adjustment period where you review new capabilities and configure preferences.
Steps To Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop 2023 Pro Plus, Premier Plus, Or Enterprise To QuickBooks 2024
Upgrading your QuickBooks Desktop software annually provides access to the latest features and improvements for managing your small business or accounting firm. Intuit typically releases new versions of QuickBooks Pro Plus, Premier Plus, and Enterprise each year with enhanced capabilities, performance, and security.
While the process takes a bit of preparation, upgrading from QuickBooks Desktop 2023 to the 2024 edition is straightforward when you follow some key steps.
Backup Your QuickBooks Company Files
To keep your data safe when upgrading, the first step is backing up your company files:
- Open QuickBooks Desktop 2023 and launch your company file. Click File> Back Up Company > Create Local Backup.
- Choose a folder location or external drive to save the. QBB file. Repeat for each company file.
- Verify the backups are saved properly before proceeding.
Backups ensure you have restore points to revert to if any issues emerge when upgrading your company files.
Install QuickBooks Desktop 2024
With your company files backed up, you can now install QuickBooks Desktop 2024:
- Close any open programs, especially QuickBooks 2023.
- Download the QuickBooks Desktop 2024 installer from the Intuit website.
- Run the installer, choosing options that match your system configuration.
- Enter your License and Product Number when prompted to register 2024 to your account.
- Restart your computer after the installation finishes to clear any running processes.
Open Company Files in QuickBooks Desktop 2024
Next, open your company files within the new QuickBooks Desktop 2024 application:
- Launch QuickBooks Desktop 2024 and click File> Open or Restore Company.
- Please select your company file (the . QBB file) from its backup location. Click OK.
- When prompted to upgrade the File, click Yes to convert it for use in 2024.
- Wait for QuickBooks to complete the optimization process. This may take several minutes.
- Once finished, your company file will open in QuickBooks Desktop 2024.
Verify Converted Company Data
Before using QuickBooks Desktop 2024 for critical business tasks, take time to verify your company data made the transition smoothly:
- Review the Chart of Accounts to confirm all accounts and balances carried over
- Spot-check transactions to match balances with historical records
- Confirm payroll, inventory, budgets, subscribers, and other key data are converted properly
- Customize icon bars, reports, and preferences to match the previous setup
- Update new features like automated workflows to fit your processes
Catching any errors early prevents bigger issues down the line. Contact Intuit support if you see significant problems.
Train Employees on New Features in QuickBooks 2024
With your company file upgraded, provide training to employees on new capabilities available in QuickBooks Desktop 2024:
- Demonstrate new shortcuts, visual themes, and navigation options
- Set up access permissions leveraging enhanced user security controls
- Walk through new automation and customization features for invoices, reporting, etc.
- Share tips and tricks for using AI-powered additions like Transaction Assistant
- Highlight where to find expanded help content and productivity tools
Proper training will accelerate your team’s ability to fully utilize the new features, allowing you to maximize your investment in QuickBooks Desktop 2024.
While upgrading does require careful preparation, the enhanced performance, automation, and ease of use in QuickBooks 2024 is worth the effort. Following key backup, installation, and verification steps reduces your risk of issues arising during the transition. With a successful upgrade, your accounting team can tap into the latest QuickBooks capabilities to master small business financial management.
Step-by-Step QuickBooks Desktop 2023 Upgrade
Upgrading to the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop can provide significant benefits for small businesses and accountants. QuickBooks 2023 improves key areas such as automation, customization, and reporting. However, it’s important to properly prepare and carefully follow the step-by-step process before upgrading. This will help ensure a smooth transition to the new version with minimal disruption.
Backup Your QuickBooks Company File
The first crucial step is to back up your QuickBooks company file. This provides a copy you can revert to in case any issues arise during the upgrade. Follow these steps:
- Launch QuickBooks Desktop and open your company file. Click File> Back Up Company > Create Local Backup.
- Choose a location to save the backup copy on your local hard drive or external storage device. The File will have a . QBB extension.
- Verify the backup was created in the designated location before proceeding.
Install QuickBooks Desktop 2023
With your company file backed up, you’re ready to install QuickBooks Desktop 2023:
- Close QuickBooks Desktop completely. Be sure the program is not running in the background.
- Download the QuickBooks Desktop 2023 installer from the Intuit website. The download is free if you have an active QuickBooks subscription.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Be sure to install the version that matches your Windows operating system (32 or 64-bit).
- When prompted, input your License and Product Number found in QuickBooks Desktop. This will register the new version to your account.
- Restart your computer after the installation is completed. This ensures any running processes are stopped.
Open Your Company File in QuickBooks Desktop 2023
Now it’s time to upgrade your company file for use in the new version:
- Launch QuickBooks Desktop 2023. Click File> Open or Restore Company.
- Navigate to your existing company file (the . QBB file) and select it. Click OK.
- A prompt will appear asking if you want to upgrade the company file. Click Yes.
- QuickBooks backs up your original File and optimizes the copy to work with the new version. Wait for the upgrade process to complete.
- When finished, QuickBooks 2023 opens your company file. You can now begin using the latest version.
Verify Converted Data and Preferences
Before resuming regular use, it’s important to verify all of your company data and preferences converted correctly after the upgrade:
- Review the Chart of Accounts to ensure all accounts are carried over.
- Spot-check transactions to confirm balances match historical data
- Re-enter custom transaction templates, preferences, and settings.
- Confirm that payroll, subscribers, inventory items, and other major data are accurate.
- Customize the icon bar and menu bar like the previous version.
- Re-memorize regularly used reports and forms.
Taking these steps helps uncover any conversion issues early before entering new data. Notify QuickBooks support number if you spot any significant problems.