If you’re using QuickBooks Pro Desktop, you may be asking yourself: “Is QuickBooks Pro Desktop going to be discontinued?” or “What does the future hold for QuickBooks Desktop?” With the rise of cloud-based accounting software, particularly QuickBooks Online, many businesses are wondering if the desktop version will still be supported in the years to come.
In this blog, we’ll dive into QuickBooks Pro Desktop 2024 and explore key questions surrounding the QuickBooks Desktop support ending date, licensing changes, and how QuickBooks Desktop compares to QuickBooks Online. We’ll also look at alternatives to QuickBooks Desktop for accounting firms, and provide clarity on whether you should make the switch to QuickBooks Online or continue using the desktop version.
Will QuickBooks Pro Desktop Be Canceled?
The question of whether QuickBooks Pro Desktop will be canceled or phased out has been a topic of much speculation in recent years. QuickBooks Desktop is not going away anytime soon, but there are some important details to be aware of.
Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks, has been shifting a lot of its focus to QuickBooks Online, which provides cloud-based features, such as mobile access, automatic backups, and real-time collaboration with your team. However, QuickBooks Desktop still remains popular among small businesses, especially those that prefer a local, on-premise solution for their accounting needs.
So, will QuickBooks Desktop be discontinued? No, not right now. However, there are changes on the horizon, particularly with regards to support lifecycle, licensing, and future updates.
QuickBooks Desktop Support Ending: What You Need to Know
One of the most pressing questions for QuickBooks Desktop users is: “When will QuickBooks Desktop support end?” As of now, Intuit’s official support for QuickBooks Pro Desktop 2024 will last for at least three years from its release, meaning you can expect support for QuickBooks Pro Desktop 2024 until 2027. After this period, you may still be able to use the software, but you won’t receive updates, bug fixes, or customer service.
For example, QuickBooks 2021 support ended in May 2024, and users of QuickBooks 2020 will no longer receive any updates or technical assistance after May 2023. This trend of ending support for older versions is likely to continue.
QuickBooks Desktop vs. QuickBooks Online: What’s the Future?
As businesses move toward cloud-based solutions, many are wondering whether QuickBooks Desktop will be replaced by QuickBooks Online. The two products have distinct differences that can impact your decision-making process.
- QuickBooks Desktop is known for its reliability, speed, and advanced features, such as industry-specific reports and more in-depth accounting functionalities. However, it requires regular updates, manual backups, and it doesn’t offer the same remote access capabilities as QuickBooks Online.
- QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, is a subscription-based cloud solution that allows for seamless access from anywhere and on any device. It also has features like automatic updates, easier collaboration, and better integration with other apps.
While QuickBooks Online may be the future for Intuit, the QuickBooks Desktop product line is not going away just yet. Intuit has stated that it will continue to support QuickBooks Desktop versions for the foreseeable future, although the focus is certainly shifting toward online products.
QuickBooks Desktop Licensing Changes
If you’re using QuickBooks Desktop Pro, it’s important to note that licensing changes are on the way. Historically, QuickBooks Desktop users have paid for their software via a one-time purchase. However, with the increasing shift towards subscription models, QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2024 is now part of the annual subscription model. This change means you’ll need to renew your subscription each year to receive ongoing updates and support.
This model is more in line with QuickBooks Online, which has always been subscription-based. Intuit’s reasoning behind this shift is that it allows them to provide more frequent updates and a better user experience. While this change may initially feel like a negative for long-time QuickBooks users, the truth is that annual subscriptions come with the benefit of continuous updates and support, which improves the software over time.
Can You Still Add New Companies in QuickBooks Desktop?
A common concern for QuickBooks Pro Desktop users is whether they can still add new companies after the 2024 version. The answer is yes — you can still add new companies in QuickBooks Pro Desktop 2024. In fact, QuickBooks Desktop allows you to create multiple company files and switch between them as needed.
However, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop to ensure that you continue to receive security updates and access to new features. If you’re using an older version, you may run into compatibility issues down the line.
Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Roadmap: What’s Next?
Intuit has been gradually moving away from desktop software in favor of cloud-based solutions, but QuickBooks Desktop still has a loyal following. So, what’s the QuickBooks Desktop future roadmap? Based on Intuit’s roadmap, you can expect:
- Continued updates and improvements for QuickBooks Pro Desktop through 2027.
- A greater emphasis on cloud-based integrations with QuickBooks Online, allowing users of both platforms to sync data and streamline their workflows.
- Feature updates, particularly around automation, reporting, and integrations with other business tools.
- More robust client management features, which will enhance the user experience for small businesses.
Intuit’s long-term vision is to create a hybrid ecosystem where users can choose between desktop and online options based on their preferences.
Alternatives to QuickBooks Desktop for Accounting Firms
For accounting firms and small businesses considering a move away from QuickBooks Desktop, there are a number of solid alternatives:
- Xero: A cloud-based accounting software that rivals QuickBooks Online in terms of functionality.
- Wave Accounting: A free, easy-to-use accounting software that works well for freelancers and small businesses.
- FreshBooks: Known for its ease of use and great customer support, FreshBooks is ideal for service-based businesses.
- Sage 50cloud: Offers many of the same features as QuickBooks Desktop, with the added benefit of cloud functionality.
If you’re an accounting firm looking to switch, make sure to carefully assess your needs in terms of features, pricing, and scalability.
What Happens to Desktop Licenses for QuickBooks Pro?
One of the biggest concerns for QuickBooks Desktop users is what will happen to their desktop licenses once they transition away from QuickBooks Pro Desktop. If you already own a license for QuickBooks Desktop, you can continue to use it, but after the support period ends, you’ll lose access to updates and customer support.
If you need to renew your license or switch to a new version, you can do so through Intuit’s website or authorized resellers.
Conclusion: Do You Have to Move to QuickBooks Online?
The short answer is no, you do not have to move to QuickBooks Online if you prefer QuickBooks Desktop. However, with QuickBooks Online becoming more powerful and offering better integration with modern business workflows, it may be worth considering the switch at some point. As for QuickBooks Pro Desktop, you can continue using it for the foreseeable future — just make sure to stay current with license renewals and updates.
If you have any further questions, need help transitioning, or simply want more information about the future of QuickBooks Desktop, don’t hesitate to contact us at 844-753-8012. We’re here to help you navigate the future of accounting software.
Key Takeaways:
- QuickBooks Pro Desktop 2024 is not being canceled, but it will eventually face an end to support and updates.
- QuickBooks Desktop vs Online: The future is leaning toward cloud-based solutions, but QuickBooks Desktop still has a solid user base.
- Licensing changes mean users will now pay annually for QuickBooks Desktop, but that comes with the benefit of regular updates and support.
- Alternatives to QuickBooks Desktop exist, and it’s worth exploring options if you’re considering a change.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out at 844-753-8012!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about QuickBooks Pro Desktop 2024
No, QuickBooks Pro Desktop is not being canceled. However, Intuit is shifting its focus toward cloud-based solutions like QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks Pro Desktop 2024 will continue to receive support until at least 2027, but after that, you may need to consider upgrading to newer versions or transitioning to QuickBooks Online.
Support for QuickBooks Desktop versions generally lasts three years after their release. For example, QuickBooks Pro Desktop 2024 will be supported until 2027. After the support period ends, updates, security patches, and technical support will no longer be available for that version.
Yes, you can still add new companies in QuickBooks Desktop 2024. You can create multiple company files and manage them through your QuickBooks Desktop account. However, make sure you’re using the latest version to avoid any compatibility or support issues.
No, you don’t have to switch to QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks Desktop will continue to be available, but keep in mind that Intuit is focusing more on cloud-based solutions. If you prefer the features and offline nature of QuickBooks Desktop, you can continue using it. However, if you want more flexibility, automatic backups, and cloud access, QuickBooks Online might be worth considering.
If you own a QuickBooks Pro Desktop license, you can continue to use it even after support ends, but you won’t receive any further updates or customer support. If you’re on an older version, you may need to upgrade to a newer version or transition to a subscription-based model if you want to continue receiving updates and new features.
Intuit’s QuickBooks Desktop future roadmap includes continued support and updates for the next few years. There will be a greater emphasis on integrating QuickBooks Desktop with QuickBooks Online to provide a more hybrid experience. Expect improvements in areas like automation, reporting, and client management features.
Yes, QuickBooks Desktop 2024 and future versions are moving to a subscription-based model rather than a one-time purchase. You will need to renew your license annually to receive ongoing updates and support. This is similar to how QuickBooks Online operates, allowing for more frequent updates and improvements.
If you don’t renew your QuickBooks Desktop subscription, you will still be able to use the software, but you will not receive updates, bug fixes, or access to customer support. It’s recommended to keep your subscription current to ensure your software remains secure and functional.
Yes, QuickBooks Desktop will continue to support integrations with other software and platforms. However, the number of integrations available may increase for QuickBooks Online due to its cloud nature. If you rely on specific third-party apps, it’s worth checking compatibility with your version of QuickBooks Desktop.
