How to Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop 2021 to 2024 (Latest Version)

Are you happy with your older version’s features and tools? If yes, then you’re good to go. If you’re lacking advanced features or tools, Intuit has launched a new release to fulfill all the missing enhanced features and more. QuickBooks Desktop 2024 is the latest release (R3) which is a subscription-based model consisting of many new additional features and benefits. QuickBooks Pro with QB Pro Plus, QuickBooks Premier with QB Premier Plus, and QuickBooks Mac with QB Mac Plus are examples of software that combine the basic plus models. This gives you a compelling reason to use a subscription-based model to automate and streamline your accounting operations. If you talk about the process to upgrade your older version, i.e., Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop 2021 to 2024, this guide will be going to be very helpful. Stay tuned till the end!

This Read: Migration of QuickBooks Enterprise to QuickBooks Online

Why Should You Upgrade QuickBooks 2021 to 2024?

Every version of QuickBooks update on the Desktop comes with a slew of useful tools. However, failing to complete a QuickBooks update download may result in you missing out on bug fixes, new tools, updated layouts, and other benefits.

• As you can see, you’re already behind on a lot of important accounting functions if you stick with QuickBooks 2020, or even 2021. Some others are still using outdated versions, which is a significant disadvantage for your money.
• Other reasons to learn how to update QuickBooks include the following:

Pro Plus and Premier Plus Subscriptions

The subscription editions for 2024 will provide you and your clients with extra perks, such as:

• Access to the most recent version, which includes the most recent features, security fixes, and support for third-party operating system updates.
• QuickBooks’ computational power is up to 38% faster and more dependable (64-bit).
• Unlimited customer assistance and data recovery are included at no extra cost.
• Features that help you save time and money.
• With the QuickBooks Desktop mobile app, you’ll be able to work more efficiently.

Mac Plus Subscription

The subscription version for 2024 will provide you and your clients with extra perks, such as:

• Access to the most recent version, which includes the most recent features, security fixes, and support for third-party operating system updates.
• Customer support and data recovery are provided at no additional cost.
• Premium subscription features include the ability to create and categories receipt expense transactions automatically.

Benefits of Upgrading QuickBooks Desktop 2024

Before diving into the upgrade process, let’s understand why upgrading to QuickBooks Desktop 2024 is beneficial. Upgrading your QuickBooks Desktop 2023 allows you to:

• Access New Features: Upgrade to QuickBooks Desktop 2024 release brings new features and improvements that can enhance your accounting processes, improve productivity, and save time. Upgrading from QuickBooks Desktop 2021 to 2024 ensures you have access to the latest tools and functionalities.
• Improved Performance: The latest versions of QuickBooks 2024 often come with performance enhancements, making the software faster and more efficient. This can significantly improve your workflow and save valuable time.
• Enhanced Security: QuickBooks Desktop 2024 includes the latest security measures to protect your financial data. Keeping up to date with the latest version of QuickBooks Desktop 2024 ensures that you have the most robust security features available.

What’s New in QuickBooks Desktop Windows This 2024?

Discover What’s New in QuickBooks Desktop 2024 and QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise 24.0

We’ve updated the terms and conditions for QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise Gold and Platinum editions. Be sure to visit [camps.intuit.com] to review and provide your consent.

A New Way to Get Updates

We’ve redesigned our release process so you no longer need to:

• Wait for annual software releases to access new features and improvements
• Spend time installing a new version-year across all your computers.

Now, you’ll receive in-product notifications in QuickBooks Desktop whenever updates are available. Just accept these periodic updates to ensure your software includes the latest features and security enhancements.

New Features in QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise

Here are the latest updates and how they can help streamline your business operations:

Release 15 (R15_34) – May 20, 2025

Release 13 (R13) – February 25, 2025

Item Profitability Report *(Enterprise only)System Configuration Settings

View quantity sold, cost, sales price, and both planned and actual markup/margin—all in a single report for better profitability analysis.

Custom Field Enhancements (Enterprise only)

Reports can now be filtered using text or drop-down custom fields. We’ve also added better error handling to prevent mismatched data types—for instance, entering a date in a numeric field or filtering a number in a date field.

System Configuration Settings

Access and adjust key Windows system settings directly within QuickBooks Desktop by going to Help > System Configuration.

Search Within Reports

Use the Look for field in the top-right corner of any report to search by text or numbers, helping you find specific information quickly.

Release 11 (R11_20) – November 21, 2024

Inventory Turnover Report

Customize your view by adding or removing columns, and apply filters to focus on specific inventory data that matters to your business.

Enhanced Landed Cost Calculator

The calculator has been updated with a more intuitive design, making it easier to use.

Faster List Search

A new Search field is now available in all lists, allowing you to quickly locate specific entries.

Precautions to Take Before Going to Upgrade QuickBooks 2021 to 2024

• Before you begin upgrading the company file, make a file backup of the current version to ensure that your data is safe in the event of a technical problem.
• Make a backup of the current version first.
• Then, to upgrade QuickBooks 2021 to 2024 or the current version, follow the steps.

How to Upgrade Upgrade QuickBooks Desktop 2021 to 2024 (Latest Version)

Here’s a step-by-step guide to assist you in upgrading QuickBooks to the most recent version. Follow these steps:

Although there are several ways to upgrade your QuickBooks Desktop to the most recent version 2024, all versions of the program can use the same approach, which is detailed below in How to upgrade QuickBooks to a newer edition. 

Step 1: Backup Your Current QB Version 

• Open the current version of the application, i.e. QuickBooks 2024
• Admin user access is required to access the company file
• At the upper left of the tab, click the File menu
• With your cursor, go to the Backup Company option
• Select the Create Local Backup option once you’ve visited the Backup Company tab
• The Create Backup window will appear
• You’ll be given the option of storing your company file backup in one of several locations.

Important Note: A backup is kept both online and on the PC. Select your preferred backup storage option and click the Next button.

• Click the Options button within the Create Backup box if you need to make any more adjustments to your current backup settings.
• The application will then begin creating your backup. Close the window once the backup has been saved.

Related : Upgrade Any QuickBooks Version to Your Choice of Version

Step 2: Upgrade QuickBooks 2021 to 2024 Version 

QB upgrade usually can be done either way manually or automatically. 

Manual Upgrade

• To begin, log in to your Windows computer as an administrator
• Then, go to the official Intuit website and download the most recent QuickBooks version
• Once the download is complete, you’ll be given a QuickBooks upgrade path, which is nothing more than the location of the downloaded file
• You’ll be requested to continue the installation by double-clicking on the downloaded file, and the installation instructions will display on your Install wizards.

Automatic Upgrade   

You can accomplish the automatic process in one of two ways: set up automatic updates or schedule future automatic updates.

Set Up Automatic Updates

• To begin, go to the “Help” option in your software and pick “Updates QuickBooks Desktop”
• Then, navigate to the “Update Now” tab
• The download will begin after you select the “get Updates” option
• Accept the option if prompts appear to install the updated release.

Schedule Future Automatic updates 

If you don’t want to download the most recent update right when it’s available, you can schedule it for later:

• To begin, select “Help” from the menu bar
• Choose “Update QuickBooks Desktop” from the drop-down menu
• Go back to the Options tab
• Then select “Yes” to enable automatic updates
• Finally, click on the “Close” tab. 

Also Read: QFX File to QuickBooks

Step 3: Upgrade Your Company file 

• In the beginning, you make sure to use multi-user mode to ensure that you are the only one who has access to it
• Then go to the File menu and select “Open and Restore Company File”
• Now, select the same backup copy as before
• Click Continue to carry on with the process
• After that, you must open the company file by clicking on it
• Now that you’ve logged in as an Administrator, click the Upgrade button
• To do so, follow the wizard instructions that appear on your screen
• Finally, when the update is finished, click the “Finish” button.

Final Words!

By upgrading to QuickBooks Desktop 2024, you’ll gain access to all of the new features, including Instant deposits for QuickBooks Payments, Simplified Assisted Payroll activation, and more. You should upgrade QuickBooks 2021 to 2024 if you want to accelerate your business growth by optimizing your accounting processes. Moreover, you’ll have access to the world’s most trusted accounting solution quickly, easily, and globally.

Frequently Asked Questions