How to Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop to 2024: Windows & Mac

You might want to upgrade QuickBooks Desktop to 2024 to access the latest features and security updates. There are ways to do so via the Discovery Hub or the automatic upgrade prompts, which simplify the whole thing. For QuickBooks Desktop for Windows, you can also use QuickBooks Desktop Manager to upgrade to the latest version. We will discuss that in detail in this article.

We will begin with the upgrade costs, then move to the exact steps for upgrading your QuickBooks Desktop Premier Plus, Pro Plus, Enterprise, or Mac Plus to the latest version.

An Overview of QuickBooks Upgrade: Editions, Cost, and Who is Eligible

The table below provides a concise overview of the QuickBooks Desktop upgrade to 2024.

Which Editions Can Upgrade	QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus, Premier Plus, Enterprise, or Mac Plus
How Much Does It Cost	The upgrades do not cost you anything additionally, as they are included in your subscription
Important Preparation	Back up your company file.
Different Methods to Upgrade	Via automatic prompts, via Discovery Hub, or by using QuickBooks Desktop Manager

Do You Really Need to Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Version?

If you use QuickBooks for local offline accounting, an upgrade is not mandatory. However, if you have subscribed to QuickBooks, it is more likely you need it for Payroll and merchant services.

• You will need to upgrade to the latest version for connected features like Payroll, bank feeds, and merchant services.
• QuickBooks Desktop 2023 and earlier versions were discontinued on May 31, 2026, which means they no longer receive Payroll support or security updates.
• Older QuickBooks versions might be incompatible with recent operating systems, may run into errors or technical issues, and may offer a poor performance experience.
• Moreover, what makes the upgrades a recommended act is the availability of the latest features, improvements, bug fixes, and security updates.
• A QuickBooks Desktop upgrade might not require you to pay anything, as it is usually included in your subscription.

The specifics depend on your QuickBooks subscription.

Key Considerations Before You Upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024

However, before you upgrade your QBDT application, there are some things you need to take care of.

First, Prepare for the Upgrade

Before you make the switch, you need to prepare for it.

• Open QB Desktop and log in to your company file.
• Choose Upgrade QuickBooks, followed by Find out what’s new.

Note: Before you upgrade, check out the latest version, features, and enhancements.

Check the system requirements.

Your computer will need to have basic specifications for you to run QuickBooks Desktop 2024. Therefore, before you upgrade QuickBooks Desktop to 2024, you should check the basic system requirements and ensure your computer meets them.

In certain situations, you might need to upgrade your system before you can run QuickBooks Desktop 2024.

Backup Your Company File

Now, before you upgrade to a newer version of QuickBooks Desktop, you must always back up your company file. If you haven’t done so already, save a backup of your company file now.

Now, let’s jump to the procedure of upgrading QBDT to the newest version.

Section A: Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop to 2024 (For Pro Plus, Premier Plus, or Enterprise)

Note: These steps are only for Windows users. The steps for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac are given in another section, which you can scroll down to find.

In this section, we will see how to upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024 for Windows. There are multiple methods to do so, and you can choose the one suitable for you. For your convenience, we will list them all here.

For single users of QuickBooks Desktop 2022 and 2023, Intuit has a straightforward feature that allows them to upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop within the software.

Before you upgrade QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version, make sure your system meets the basic requirements for the QB version you are going to install. Moreover, it is recommended that you save a company file backup on more than one secure and diverse location, such as local storage and cloud storage.

Method 1: Upgrade Using the Prompt

Now, when all is set to upgrade, you can choose from three options:

Upgrade Now

You can upgrade to QBDT 2024 right away with the help of the following steps:

• Choose Upgrade Now, followed by Continue.
• Allow the upgrade to be installed.
• Now, log in to your company file in the older QB version and create a backup.
• QB admin will open the company file in QBDT 2024.
• After you upgrade to the new version, you can uninstall the older version.

Schedule an upgrade.

Alternatively, you can schedule an upgrade.

• Begin by choosing a time and date range for the scheduled upgrade
• Choose “Continue,” which will make sure you receive a confirmation message for the scheduled upgrade
• If you’re eligible, you will get reminders 7 days before the upgrade, a day before, or on the same day of the upgrade
• However, in case something comes up, you can always reschedule the upgrade. To do so, click on “Upgrade Scheduled” and choose a new time and date
• From the earlier window, you can also cancel the scheduled upgrade

What Happens in the Case of a Scheduled Upgrade?

Let us go deeper into what actually happens when you schedule an upgrade.

• In case the QB Desktop application is open, you get prompts on the upgrade. The prompt has options like Upgrade Now or Reschedule to choose from.
• However, if your system is on, but QB is not open, the upgrade will begin automatically. You will see the progress of the upgrade.
• If your system is shut down, you will later get the options to upgrade now or schedule the upgrade. The upgrade happens when you log into the company file.

Method 2: Via Discovery Hub

You can use Discovery Hub to upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024 in the following manner:

• Inside the QuickBooks application, click on Discovery Hub next to the profile.
• Choose Upgrade to QuickBooks 2024, followed by Proceed to upgrade
• Click on Upgrade Now
• You will be able to choose if you wish to:
  • Get rid of the older version. In that case, do not mark the Keep the older version on my computer and choose the Let’s go option.
  • Keep the older version. In that case, mark Keep the older version on my computer and choose the Let’s go option.
• Allow the process to be completed.

Finally, click on Open QuickBooks.

Method 3: Via the QuickBooks Desktop Manager

You can utilize the QuickBooks Desktop Manager to switch to the latest version.

• To begin with, you need to find your license information. They are available in your purchase email, your Intuit account, and the Product Information window.
• Launch the QuickBooks Desktop Manager
• When asked to enter the license info, type in the same.

Now, go along with the on-screen instructions to finish the upgrade.

How to Upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024 for Rightworks Users

There is a slight nuance in upgrading QuickBooks Desktop if you are a Rightworks user.

• If you are an account owner or admin, you can install updates for yourself and all the users.
• If you are a standard user, you can install the update only for yourself.

If you are not on Rightworks but use a different hosting service, you would need to contact your hosting provider.

How to Troubleshoot Missing Prompts in QuickBooks Desktop

You can restore one-time messages in case the upgrade prompt doesn’t appear:

• Inside QuickBooks Desktop, open the Edit menu
• Choose Preferences followed by General
• Click on My Preferences and choose Bring back all one-time messages
• Finally, choose OK.

Now, restart the QuickBooks application to see if the problem is resolved.

Section B: Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus to 2024

Let us see how to upgrade QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus to 2024. However, before you do so, make sure to save a backup of your company file on both local storage and the cloud drive.

Method 1: Upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024 Using the Automatic Prompt

The following steps will help you upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus 2024 within your software.

You will find the Upgrade QuickBooks window when you log into your company file in QuickBooks Desktop Mac Plus.

• Choose Upgrade for Free followed by Let’s Go.
• QuickBooks will download and install the latest version
• Finally, click on Open QuickBooks and register the new version.

Important: The upgrade takes time, depending on your company file size and internet speed. Moreover, this will not remove the older version, which will remain on your computer.

Method 2: Use the Help Menu Instead

Alternatively, you can upgrade using the Help menu instead, if you don’t see the prompt:

• Open QB Desktop and log in to your company file
• Choose Help followed by Upgrade QuickBooks
• Click on Upgrade for Free option, followed by Let’s go
• QuickBooks will download and install the latest version
• Finally, click on Open QuickBooks

Next, register the new version.

Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop Vs Update QuickBooks Desktop

There is a major difference between the two terms in the QuickBooks universe. Upgrading QuickBooks Desktop means switching to a more recent version. For example, you upgrade QuickBooks Desktop 2022 to 2024.

When you update QuickBooks, you install the latest release from the developers for your software version. This brings you software enhancements, bug fixes, security patches, and new features. Moreover, you get improved compatibility with the operating system and third-party applications. If you haven’t already, you should consider updating QuickBooks to the latest release.

Final Words

When you upgrade QuickBooks Desktop to 2024, you extend your software’s life by a year. This means you can continue to carry out payroll operations, utilize bank feeds, get security updates, and more. In addition, your software continues to get regular updates and stays compatible with the latest operating systems. No additional cost is a cherry on the cake, depending on whether it is included in your subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is QuickBooks Desktop going away in 2026?

QuickBooks Desktop is not going away in 2026, but QuickBooks Desktop 2023 and older versions have been discontinued. The only desktop products that continue to be supported are the QuickBooks Desktop 2024 lineup and QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise.

How much does it cost to upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024?

Your QuickBooks Desktop subscription for 2022 or 2023 might allow you to upgrade to 2024 without paying anything extra. In general, the QuickBooks Desktop 2024 subscription costs you annually, starting at $999.

How do I upgrade QuickBooks Desktop to 2024 for free?

You can click the Upgrade Now prompt you see in your QuickBooks Desktop application. This will guide you step by step to upgrade QuickBooks Desktop 2022 to 2024 or 2023 to 2024. If you do not see the automatic prompt, you can go to the Discovery Hub and upgrade your QBDT.

Is QuickBooks Desktop 2024 worth the upgrade?

QuickBooks Desktop 2024 is worth the upgrade, especially if your subscription includes it and you don’t need to pay any additional cost. If you are on a legacy QuickBooks version and bank feeds or payroll no longer work, upgrading to QuickBooks Desktop 2024 will resolve the issue. In the end, it comes down to what you want from your accounting software.