Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Release QuickBooks Desktop 2024

3 min readOct 18, 2023

Keeping your QuickBooks Desktop software up-to-date with the latest annual release ensures you get new features, improvements, and fixes. With QuickBooks Upgrade 2024 arriving later this year, here is a guide on updating to the newest version.

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Overview of QuickBooks Desktop Releases

Intuit periodically launches major updates to QuickBooks Desktop software, typically on an annual basis around August/September.

These releases contain new features, enhancements, redesigns, and resolved issues. They are numbered by year — for example, QuickBooks Desktop 2023 is the current version and 2024 will be the next major update.

It is recommended to update QuickBooks Desktop every 2–3 years to maintain reasonably current software. More frequent major updates can disrupt workflows.

Benefits of Updating QuickBooks Desktop

Updating to the latest annual QuickBooks Desktop version provides several advantages:

Access New Features — Get helpful new capabilities like improved reporting or Payroll upgrades
Performance Enhancements — Updates include tech optimizations to improve stability and speed
Improved Security — Critical security updates and protections are included
Updated Compliance — Stay on top of changing tax codes, forms, and regulations
Bug Fixes — Updates resolve issues identified in older versions

Updating freshens up QuickBooks Desktop to take advantage of the latest tools, fixes, and improvements.

How to Update QuickBooks Desktop

Follow these general steps to update QuickBooks Desktop to the newest version:

Check Update Eligibility — Confirm your QuickBooks Desktop edition qualifies for the free update.
Backup Data — Fully back up your QuickBooks file before installing any update.
Download Update — Get the QuickBooks Desktop 2024 update installer from your Intuit Account.
Run Update Installer — Launch the installer and follow prompts to update.
Verify Update Success — Check data and settings carried over properly after updating.

Updating QuickBooks Desktop Pro or Premier

For mainstream editions like Pro and Premier, updating the software is straightforward:

Backup data
Download update
Run update installer
Verify update

The installer handles transitioning your company files seamlessly.

Updating QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise

Enterprise has a few extra update steps:

Update the database server using Database Server Manager
Install update on all user computers
Notify users not to access during update
Verify customizations migrated successfully

Follow Enterprise-specific guidance.

When Should You Update QuickBooks Desktop?

Aim to update QuickBooks Desktop every 2–3 years or when major new features arrive that benefit your business. Allow a few months after release to update in case of any initial bugs.

Updating too frequently can disrupt your workflows as you adjust to changes. Balance keeping software updated vs familiarity.

Is Updating QuickBooks Desktop Required?

Updating QuickBooks Desktop is recommended but generally not required. Older supported versions will continue to work.

However, updating provides important improvements, new capabilities, and technical fixes. It also ensures you meet compliance and security best practices.

Key Takeaways on Updating QuickBooks Desktop

Updating to the latest annual QuickBooks Desktop release helps you leverage the newest features and fixes. Carefully follow the update process for your edition to successfully transition company files to the latest version. Target updating QuickBooks 2024 Desktop every 2–3 years or when valuable new capabilities are released.