QuickBooks Desktop Service Discontinuation Policy and Upgrade Information

​Inuit annually retires a version of QuickBooks Desktop. This year, QuickBooks Desktop for 2017 has been set to sunset on May 31, 2020. 

​This is following the 3 years expiration timeline Inuit sets for its desktop services. If you’re using an older version, you’ve probably received a notification via mail, email, or in-product notifications that services are to be discontinued.
 
In this post, we’re going to explore important things you need to note about QuickBooks Desktop service discontinuation.

​When will service discontinuation happen?

Well, it has happened already on May 31, 2020. Access to add-on services for QuickBooks Desktop of Windows 2017 (including QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Enterprise) has been discontinued. 

​What services will be discontinued?

​Add-on services including QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Services, Online Backup, Live Support, Credit Card Processing, Check Processing, and other associated services will be affected. Starting from June 1, 2020, critical security updates have also been discontinued.
 
By the way, if you don’t use any of the add-on services in QuickBooks Desktop 2017, you have nothing to worry about. Your product will continue to work. But you won’t be able to access these add-on services without upgrading first. 

​Supported Products for Discontinued Products

Here are the products for which services have been discontinued after May 31, 2020, and the fully supported products you can upgrade to.

• Product 1

Discontinued - QuickBooks Desktop Pro 2017, QuickBooks Premier 2017
Fully supported - QuickBooks Desktop Pro and Premier 2020, 2019 and 2018.

• Product 2

Discontinued - QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 2017
Fully supported - QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 20, 19, 18
​

•  Product 3

Discontinued - QuickBooks Premier Accountant Edition 2017
Fully supported - QuickBooks Desktop Accountant 2020, 2019, 2018

​Upgrade and Pricing Information for QuickBooks Desktop 2020

​If you want to upgrade, it’s advisable to opt for QuickBooks Desktop 2020 since it’s the latest version, meaning it will be supported for the next 3 years. The upgrade process is simple, fast, and cost-effective. Here are the things you need to know.

​Key Highlights for QuickBooks Desktop 2020 products

The new QuickBooks Desktop 2020 products feature new and exciting functionalities including:

•   Automatic payment reminders
•   Adding PO numbers to emails
•   Combining multiple invoices in one mail
•   Easier-to-read customer reports
•   Smart help

 
Pricing

It depends on the types of features you access.

• QuickBooks Desktop Pro

Pricing ranges from $199.55/year for Pro Plus 2020 to $1091.70/year for Enterprise 20.0

• QuickBooks Desktop Premier

Pricing ranges from $299.95/year for Premier Plus 2020 to $1091.70/year for Enterprise 20.0

• QuickBooks Accountant Desktop PLUS

It is available for $449/year as a benefit of being a QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program member.

​Systems Requirement

Minimum requirements for Windows

•   Windows 8.1, all editions, including 64-bit and Windows 10, all editions including 64-bit
  
•   Windows Server 2011, Standards and Essentials, 2012 R2 and 2016
  
•   Browser requirement - Internet Explorer 11 (32-bit)
  
•   Processor: 2.4GHz minimum
  
•   RAM: 4GB, minimum (8GB recommended)
  
•   Disk space: 2.5GB of disk space (additional required for data file)
  
•   Optical drive: 4X DVD-ROM drive for CD installations (unless QuickBooks is downloaded from the Intuit server).
  
•   Screen Resolution: 1280 x 1024 screen resolution or higher with up to 2 extended monitors

 
Minimum system requirement for MAC 2019

•   At least macOS 10.12 (Sierra); supported by macOS 10.13 (High Sierra), macOS 10.14 (Mojave).
  
•  Intel processor, Core 2 Duo or higher.
•   Multi-user Server: Intel Core 2 Duo or higher processor to run a server.
•   2 GB RAM (4 GB RAM recommended).
•   250 MB of available disk space.
  
•   CD/DVD drive or Internet connection for downloaded installation.
  
•   Printer: 100% Macintosh-compatible printer, if you plan to print invoices, checks, deposit slips, lists, purchase orders, mailing labels, reports, or graphs.
  
•   Checks: Use Intuit Checks if you plan to print checks. Canadian Image Ready Checks are not supported.
  
•   Product registration required.

​What is the upgrade process?

​After completing an order for QuickBooks 2020, a download link will be sent to your email with instructions on how to download and install it.
 
You also get free one-time support in the first 60 days to get expert help with installation.

​What is the upgrade time?

​It mainly depends on the size of the company file. But typically, you should be done in less than 1 hour. Significantly more, if the company file is large. 

​How is the company file handled during the upgrade?

​After upgrading, your company files are converted so it’ll effectively work with the newer version. In other to protect the integrity of your data, a backup is stored before the upgrade begins. This way, you do not lose any data regardless of what happens during the upgrade process.